Course Description
Strengthening communication, presentation, and public engagement skills build trust, professionalism, and credibility in public service. In today’s fast-paced and information-rich environment, effective communication is one of the most important skills for municipal employees. Every interaction, whether with residents, colleagues, media, or council, shapes public trust and confidence in local government.
This course is designed to strengthen clarity, confidence, and credibility in all forms of communication. Participants will learn to write and speak with impact, manage challenging conversations, engage with the media, and recognize and respond to misinformation. Through practical exercises, real-world examples, and peer feedback, this course helps municipal professionals develop a polished public presence and communicate with integrity and purpose.
Course Outline
- Module 1: Foundations of Effective Communication in Municipal Contexts
- Module 2: Public Presence and Professional Communication
- Module 3: Managing Misinformation and Sensitive Communication
- Module 4: Cultural Competency and Inclusive Public Engagement
- Module 5: Managing Conflict, Civility, and Disinformation
- Module 6: Leadership Presence and Personal Brand
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Communicate with clarity and confidence in verbal, written, and visual forms appropriate to municipal settings.
- Adapt tone and messaging for different audiences, including council members, residents, community partners, and the media.
- Apply plain language principles to create citizen-friendly communications that enhance understanding and accessibility.
- Deliver effective presentations that convey key messages clearly and confidently in public forums.
- Engage professionally with media by preparing key messages, managing interviews, and maintaining composure under pressure.
- Recognize and respond to misinformation and disinformation in ways that protect public trust and reinforce factual, transparent communication.
- Navigate difficult conversations and public conflict using empathy, active listening, and de-escalation techniques.
Prerequisites
The Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development recommends an intermediate level of English language proficiency for the most effective learning and participation in our online and face-to-face courses. A list of minimum recommended scores on some common English tests can be found on our website. If you have questions about your English language proficiency and ability to succeed in this course, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.Recommended For
Those currently in or aspiring to leadership positions in municipal government.Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Certificate in Information and Communication : Required
