This course includes
- Project-based training from experts
- Answers from real instructors
- Verified digital certificate of completion
- Learn at an accredited institution
- Credits: 3.0 CEUs
Much of your job success depends on your ability to communicate well, both in person and on paper. In this class, master the fundamental communication skills needed to get ahead. Discover how to analyze verbal and nonverbal communications, write clearly and concisely, organize and deliver an oral presentation, and break down communication barriers to work better with others.
Level up with a certificate — more training, more opportunity.
Tuition
Full Tuition
Full tuition: $1,849Due before the class starts
This course includes
- Project-based training from experts
- Answers from real instructors
- Verified digital certificate of completion
- Learn at an accredited institution
- Credits: 3.0 CEUs
Learning Experience Highlights
Training from government‑experienced instructors
Receive instruction from subject‑matter experts who bring proven government experience.

Specialized for government & DOD
Courses that are regularly updated based on feedback and industry developments, ensuring versions are mapped to federal competencies.
The instructor was wonderful and so knowledgeable. The course materials were extremely relevant to what my job is. I feel like I can be better because of this class.
— 2025 student

Real-world solutions
Directly addressing the day-to-day challenges of federal employees.
125+ departments & agencies served
Your trusted training partner, equipping public service professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles and drive meaningful impact.
100% Online. Start Anytime
- 24/7 access to our premium course videos and projects.
- Industry experts are assigned as your course instructor. Message your instructor with any questions.
- Participate in GSUSA online discussion forums — share ideas and receive additional support.
- Hands-on quizzes and mini projects to test and reinforce concepts.
Expert Instructors
Our instructors are industry experts and experienced educators, driven to help you succeed.

Alan Zucker
Instructor

Amy Sareeram
Instructor

Cindy Morgan-Jaffe
Instructor

Dr. Le'Angela Ingram
Instructor

Michele Proctor
Instructor

Natalya H. Bah
Instructor

Heather Murphy Capps
Curriculum Program Manager

Doris McMillon
Instructor

Bascom Destrehan “Dit” Talley
Instructor




Communication Skills Course (Self-Paced) Curriculum
What You'll Learn at a Glance
- Recognize your own behavior style.
- Deal effectively with different personalities.
- Organize and deliver an oral presentation.
- Recognize communication barriers and how to minimize them.
- Organize your written work more clearly and concisely.
Course Syllabus
- The basics: tools for emphasis
- The speech sounds of English
- Rhythm
- Volume
- Pitch
- Facing your audience
- Body language
- Your audience
- Dealing with nerves
- Giving and receiving feedback
- 10 keys to keeping positive
- 3 exercises for staying positive
- Active listening/direct expression
- What is active listening?
- 3 role reversal exercises
- Speaking
- Listening
- Simplification
- Behavior Style
- Behavior style model
- Behavior style exercises
- Grammar and vocabulary
- Verbs
- Action verbs/linking verbs exercise
- Understanding and using a larger vocabulary
Related Courses: Compare to Communication Skills Course (Self-Paced)
These related courses share skills and topics with Communication Skills Course (Self-Paced). Select up to two and tap Compare selected courses to view a side-by-side comparison.
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Communicating for Results Course (Self-Paced)
12 hours $999Overcome barriers to effective office communications. Develop strategies to increase your ability to be understood by identifying your own communication style and that of others. Explore methods of interpreting verbal and nonverbal feedback and the use of appropriate repetition to clarify communications.
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Interpersonal Communications Course (Self-Paced)
12 hours $999Learn proven techniques to work more productively and improve your everyday interactions with others. Discover conflict resolution strategies and negotiation techniques, and benefit from useful tips on tact and diplomacy.
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Communicating for Results Course
2 days $1,049Enhance workplace communication by identifying styles, interpreting feedback, and overcoming barriers to understanding.
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Assertiveness Skills Course (Self-Paced)
12 hours $999Learn to speak honestly and directly, make decisions more easily, and influence people. Create a turning point in your life by recognizing the difference between assertive and aggressive behaviors, communicating more effectively, and listening to understand others' motives. Effectively handle criticism, deal with workplace anxieties, and build self-confidence by learning to approach business situations assertively.
Leadership Group Training
Since 1921, Graduate School USA has partnered with over 125 federal agencies and trained more than one million federal employees. Led by instructors with deep, real-world knowledge of federal regulations, policies, and practices, our private group programs are practical, mission-driven, and tailored to your agency’s objectives. We offer expertise across key federal domains—including human resources, financial management, acquisition and contracting, leadership, and more—to deliver training where and how your team needs it.
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