Instructional Innovations with Business Communication in Classrooms: Practice-Based Presentation Topics and Online Communication Tools

Objectives: Communication skills are critical for productive performance in a professional workplace, and many employers look for the skills in their new hires. This paper shares an innovative approach to business communication education which combines practice-based presentation topics with online communication practice tools. Method: Included in this paper are four individual presentation rounds with suggested topics and steps for each round. Two newly launched communication recording/practice tools - PitchVantage and GoReact – are described. These online communication practice tools not only ease instructors/facilitators’ physical efforts and save them time, but also enable students to practice and prepare for their presentations more efficiently. Results: Through the lesson and practice, in-class student presentation grades were shown to be improved. Student’s self-assessments also reflected the teaching methods and templates/matrixes helped them improve their skillsets. Conclusion: Students want to become a competitive candidate or employee in their target company or industry. Employers look for a candidate who can be a good fit for their company. Business communication courses should focus on practical communication skills development that will enable students to be competitive job candidates/employees.