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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
Discover the art and process of oral communication in a range of environments and contexts. Using real-world scenarios, learners will utilize research-based tools to analyze communicative situations and develop effective, ethical messages appropriate to purpose, audience, context, and medium. You will grow your communication skills in listening, assertive communication, self-analysis, presentations, and the psychology behind effective conflict management.
The Oral Communication online course is $450, with a $35 transaction fee per payment. There are no books to purchase for noncredit oral communications courses.
- Registration opens in April
- Course begins – September 2, 2025
- Last day to register – September 9, 2025
- Course ends – November 2, 2025
Once you successfully complete the Fundamentals of Oral Communications online course, you can immediately enter the workforce with newly learned skills. You will receive a digital badge embedded with the competencies learned. You can include this badge on your resume, LinkedIn page, portfolio, or share it with an employer. Students will also receive a certificate of completion.
Students can also convert the online oral communications course to three credits and continue to an MSU Denver certificate or degree. See FAQs for more information.
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Competent communication and analytical insight
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Active and empathetic listening
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Effective and confident presenting
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Interpersonal confidence
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Self-advocacy communication skills
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Message design
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Self-reflection
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.
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Frequently asked questionsContact us
Email usPhone: 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