Improve your public speaking and oral communication skills

In an era marked by digital communication and remote work, mastering oral communication is essential. This foundational online oral communication course is for those aiming to elevate their communication skills beyond mere public speaking. This speech and communications course provides an exploration of the principles and practices of effective verbal communication, equipping participants with the tools to articulate their ideas with clarity and confidence.

This oral communications class also delves into the art of building rapport with your audience with presentational speaking, adapting your communication style to different contexts to make you a more effective communicator, and employing empathy to foster more meaningful connections. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the power of body language, tone of voice, and word choice in shaping their messages to improve communication. Additionally, the course explores the role of technology in modern individual and group communication and offers strategies for overcoming the challenges it presents.

This communications class is designed for anyone looking to improve public speaking skills, excel in job interviews, or simply become a more engaging conversationalist.

This introductory online course serves as an ideal starting point for those eager to pursue careers in translation and interpreting and can stack into an MSU Denver credential or degree.

Why take this course?

Flexible schedule

The course can be completed in 4-8 weeks and is self-paced online.

Career advisement

Receive a personal advising session with an industry leader.

Essential Skills for Any Career

92% of hiring managers say strong communication skills are crucial for job success. Stand out with confidence.

What students are saying about Career Launchpad

The majority of students who completed a post-course survey in spring 2025 report:

✓ Increased knowledge, skills, and understanding of the subject matter.

✓ We’re highly satisfied with the overall experience of the course.

✓ Agreed that the subject matter was organized and presented effectively.

Brief introduction to the Fundamentals of Oral Communication course

Career pathways in Oral Communication

Oral Communication

Pathway 1: Enter the workforce quickly. Complete the Fundamentals of Oral Communication course and immediately enter the workforce.

  • Median salary is $32,000 a year.

Pathway 2: Continue your academic journey with a communications program and earn a degree in Communication Studies, which allows you to increase your earning potential. You can find jobs in journalism, business, marketing, public relations, and more.

  • Median salary is $70,500 a year.

About the Fundamentals of Oral Communication course

About your course instructor

Oral Communication course instructor

Elisa M. Varela, Ph.D.

Dr. Varela hails from Los Angeles, California and was raised in Aurora, Colorado from the time she was ten years old. Elisa attended MSU Denver where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies with a concentration on organizational communication. In 2012, she pursued graduate education and in particular practice-based research at Colorado State University, where she earned her master’s degree with a concentration on Organizational Communication and Rhetoric in higher education. After completing her M.A. degree, she moved to Boulder to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Colorado. This is where she specialized in understanding and intervening into the various interactional dilemmas interlocutors manage to accomplish democratic ideals in dialogue and deliberation.

Elisa Varela Headshot

Contact us

Email us

Phone: 303-615-1234

Office Location:
Jordan Student Success Building
3rd Floor – #330
Auraria Campus

Mailing Address:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Innovative and Lifelong Learning
P.O. Box 173362
Campus Box 6
Denver, CO 80217-3362