Courses Offered at ICI

Conflict is part of the human experience. It is universal and inevitable. As the proverb goes, “Where there are people, there is conflict.” However, through effective communication, conflicts can be transformed into a powerful source of collaboration and cooperation.

In this course, we’ll explore the various types of conflict that can arise, the common communication pitfalls that can escalate conflicts, and the effective strategies for resolving conflicts through clear and respectful communication. We’ll delve deep into human emotions and learn how to navigate disagreement, discord and conflict. Tapping into the collective knowledge of the world’s cultures and traditions, this course will equip you to become a skilled negotiator and effective communicator who can find mutually beneficial solutions in any situation.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify the role perception plays in how we communicate
• Identify sources of misunderstanding, differences and conflict in various settings
• Utilize competitive, collaborative, compromising, accommodating and avoiding techniques
• Handle people with tact and diplomacy
• Bridge cultural gaps in communication through the use of microskills
• Influence others and negotiate effectively

Communication is the currency of business success. The modern business world is fast-paced and competitive. The success of a company depends not only on the quality of its products or services but also on its ability to communicate effectively in order to develop a devoted client base and connect with employees. Productivity has been proven to improve by up to 25% in organizations with connected employees. Businesses with effective communication practices are more than 50% more likely to report employee turnover levels below the industry average.

In this course, you’ll learn how to speak and write corporate communication fluently, including how to manage internal and external communication channels, maximize the effectiveness of your messaging, and optimize the public perception of your business.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Develop and implement effective corporate communication strategies
• Manage internal and external communication channels
• Understand and apply branding and reputation management principles
• Adapt tone, rhetoric and delivery for different cultural contexts

Communication is the bridge that connects diverse cultures, languages and customs. Culture, in turn, influences how people communicate, including their language, gestures, facial expressions, social norms, and writing styles. Understanding and effectively navigating cultural differences can build strong relationships, promote collaboration, and avoid misunderstandings.

In this course, we will tour the complexities of communication in our globalized world. You will expand your understanding of the intricacies of intercultural communication and learn how to effectively communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds. You will also learn how to apply your intercultural competence to professional settings in order to maximize collaboration, productivity and business development.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the impact of culture on communication styles
• Navigate cultural differences in verbal and written communication
• Develop strategies for effective communication across cultural boundaries
• Identify and challenge stereotypes, biases, and sources of intercultural conflict that can hinder effective communication

Journalism and article writing skills are more important than ever in today’s world, where access to information is unlimited and readers demand high-quality, engaging content. As a journalist, you have the power to inform, educate and inspire people through your writing. As the proverb goes, “The pen is mightier than the sword” – and this is especially true in the world of journalism. 

In this course, we will explore the various types of text, each with its own unique target group, purpose and style. You will learn how to develop a journalistic copy that informs the reader in such a way that they are able to form a solid decision about an event or situation. You will also acquire the skills needed to craft compelling print media that establishes you as a credible source of authority for continued reader engagement.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Craft short, compelling sentences in the active voice
• Apply the right tone of voice and style for the medium and target audience
• Develop strong interviewing skills and the ability to source relationships
• Generate newsworthy angles
• Work effectively with editors and other professionals in print media

From ancient times to modern days, communication has been one of the most important human skills. When it comes to mass communication, the impact is even greater, as we have the power to reach millions of people at once through TV and film. As the saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words”, and never has that been more true than in the age of mass media. There's a reason some of the most in-demand careers are in television, video post-production, and film production.

In this course, we will immerse ourselves in the cutting-edge world of digital media and production. You will learn how to master visual storytelling and harness the power of media to engage with the world and communicate your message effectively through TV and film.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Apply proven techniques for compelling storytelling in fictional and non-fictional genres
• Critique and review television and film using industry-specific vocabulary and concepts
• Interpret and analyze film and television, with emphasis on cultural contexts of filmmaking and television production
• Better communicate with directors and producers in the media industries

 How can language be convincing, powerful and effective in the service of diplomacy and international relations? How can words be used to convey messages clearly, build alliances, and negotiate agreements with other parties? Diplomatic communication is like a game of chess where every move must be strategic, precise and calculated. To build and maintain credibility, we must be tactful and diplomatic at all times.

In this course, we will explore the art of communicating with tact, diplomacy and professionalism. You will gain the knowledge and skills required to promote mutual understanding, build trust between parties, and work together toward common goals and areas of mutual interest.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Apply theories and approaches to political and diplomatic communication to real-world scenarios
• Understand cultural differences and communication styles in international diplomacy
• Develop and deliver discourse with tact and diplomacy
• Effectively utilize social media and digital platforms in diplomatic communication
• Demonstrate professionalism and effective reputation management

 Public relations and strategic communication are essential skills for corporate, government and non-profit sectors. As one of the top ten in demand professions globally, employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all other occupations. 

In this course, we will master what it takes to become highly sought after in the field of public relations and strategic communication. You will learn how to create captivating written, video, social media, and campaign content. You will expand your ability to build and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders and the public, and guide organizations through the complex and ever-changing landscape of communication.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Plan and execute effective communication strategies
• Conduct audience research and set communication objectives
• Write effective press releases, feature articles, speeches, and online content
• Build and maintain cooperative relationships with clients and media outlets
• Master the fundamentals of public relations communications, including: a well-tooled press kit, news releases, annual reports, newsletters and brochures
• Apply ethical principles to public relations and strategic communication practices

 Social media is an inescapable reality in today’s world and its impact is immeasurable. Social media offers an avenue for individuals to share their thoughts, ideas and opinions; expand their networks; and access an unlimited wealth of new opportunities. For businesses, social media can be harnessed to build a strong online presence, reach a global audience, and maintain a strong customer base. Social media is a powerful tool that can inspire change and shape the future, but to harness its potential, you need to know the right strategies. 

In this course, we will explore the ins and outs of social media, and equip you with the skills and knowledge to create compelling content that resonates with your audience, no matter where in the world they are.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the importance of social media strategy
• Understand your target audience and how to create content that resonates with them
• Craft compelling and engaging social media content
• Select the best social media platforms for your business
• Measure the success of your social media campaigns and adjust your strategy for maximum impact

As the proverb goes, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” The ability to write clearly and effectively is one of the most important skills you can have today. When harnessed correctly, words have the power to uplift and enlighten, to bridge cultural differences, and to help you thrive in the business world. Not only is writing a beautiful art form that allows us to express ourselves, but data also shows that 73% of employers look for writing as a top skill in the workplace. In fact, written communication has been ranked #3 in the most-desired qualities.

In this course, we will master the essential skills needed for writing paragraphs, emails, essays, business reports, letters and other communications. We will explore the intricacies of the writing process and delve into the art of crafting compelling prose. You will boost your confidence in your writing, write more effectively, and open the door to endless new career opportunities.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Write effective briefs, business reports, emails and communication
• Craft engaging stories in your own unique writing voice
• Develop content strategies for the web, digital media, and marketing
• Avoid common pitfalls and mistakes, including grammar, punctuation and style errors