Course Catalog
Strategic Communication for ISM
95-877
Units: 12
Description
In today's professional environment, data alone does not drive decisions. People do. Organizations need professionals who can interpret data, identify what matters, and communicate insights clearly to varied audiences. This course prepares students to become effective data translators who can transform charts, dashboards, reports, and research findings into actionable communication for leaders, clients, colleagues, and the public. Students will develop skills in written, visual, and oral communication. Emphasis is placed on adapting communication for technical and non-technical audiences, presenting evidence ethically, and using strategic messaging to influence decisions.
Note: This course assumes proficiency in English grammar. Numerous resources for improving English skills are available through CMU.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Interpret quantitative and qualitative data to identify meaningful trends, patterns, risks, opportunities, and anomalies relevant to organizational decision-making
- Evaluate charts, graphs, dashboards, and visual reports for clarity, bias, effectiveness, and audience appropriateness
- Select appropriate data visualizations that communicate insights clearly using principles of visual hierarchy, readability, and accessibility
- Transform raw analysis into compelling narratives that explain what the data means, why it matters, and what actions should follow
- Communicate complex content to technical audiences using precise terminology, methodological transparency, and evidence-based reasoning
- Translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences using clear language, concise summaries, and policy-relevant implications
- Develop presentations for diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership, executives, clients, colleagues, and cross-functional teams
- Deliver persuasive oral presentations that combine spoken communication, visuals, and strategic messaging for high-stakes professional settings
- Write concise professional documents grounded in evidence
- Collaborate in teams to develop narratives and present unified recommendations
- Produce client-ready and leadership-ready deliverables that meet professional standards
- Engage in responsible and transparent use of GenAI where appropriate
Prerequisites Description
Note: This course assumes proficiency in English grammar. Numerous resources for improving English skills are available through CMU.