Finnish Business Communication 2 (5cr)

Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, the student

practice his/her skills in managing various speech situations in business life
prepare and give presentations, as well as express oneself clearly in a group
give and receive constructive feedback on oral presentations
act well as a listener and as a member of the audience
understand the importance of correct and suitable language in PR related events and documents
recognise the structure and assess the content and meaning of varying PR messages
formulate the message that promotes the company and/or minimizes harm to it
manage corporate communications situations, including sensitive ones, in the appropriate style

Contents

Theory: preparation, observation; types of speech situations, dialogue, argumentation, group dynamics
Practice giving presentations on one's own: improvised speeches, presentations
Practice in groups: panel discussions and debates
Practical exercises and tips on planning and giving presentations, giving feedback and managing stage fright
Observing yourself as a speaker or performer by writing a learning diary
Analysing PR and communication in Finnish business environment: e.g. websites, social media and traditional media
Producing and improving PR messages: press releases, bulletins, invitations etc.
Practical exercises on representing the company in different situations

Implementation methods, demonstration and Work&Study

Focus is on practice individually and in groups.
Contact hours
Independent studies
The assessment of one’s own learning
Written and oral exercises individually and in pairs, group work, workshops.
Homework and preparation for lessons and exams

Learning materials

E.g.
Kallio, H. 2006. Point. Tehoa ja taitoa työelämän esiintymistilanteisiin. Infor, Hämeenlinna. OR
Koskimies, R. 2002. Asiantuntijan esiintymistaito. Finn Lectura, Helsinki
Kortetjärvi-Nurmi, S. & Murtola, K. 2015. Areena. Yritysviestinnän käsikirja. Edita. Helsinki. OR
Kortetjärvi-Nurmi, S., Kuronen, M.-L. & Ollikainen, M. 2011. Yrityksen viestintä. Edita. Helsinki.
Other material provided by teacher.

Starting level and linkage with other courses

Mastering the rules of correct written Finnish, sufficient text processing skills (Word) and command of Powerpoint; Preferably Finnish Business Communication 1. Excellent Finnish skills if one's mother tongue is other than Finnish.

Assessment criteria - grade 1

The student shows interaction in standard communication situations, listens to others, expresses her/his own opinion and argues her/his own point. (S)he is able to make a presentation in a clear voice and aims at getting in contact with the audience. The student is able to give peer feedback when asked and is able to produce understandable PR documents and presentations, as well as understands the varying purposes of different documents. (S)he meets deadlines, follows instructions and participates in class.

Assessment criteria - grade 3

The student works successfully in a flexible manner in team communication situations: (S)he communicates actively, listens to others and argues her/his own point well. The student is able to plan a suitable, well-organized presentation by proportion, duration and demonstration, and speaks correct spoken Finnish in a clear voice and has a good contact with the audience. (S)he is able to give and utilize peer feedback, and independently evaluate and produce basic PR documents in Finnish, which are of suitable quality to be sent to the recipient in terms of appearance and phrasing. The student displays proper ways of professional working and meets deadlines. (S)he knows how to follow instructions and independently apply his/her skills.

Assessment criteria - grade 5

The student expresses her/himself using dialogue in team communication situations and is able to guide them successfully in a flexible manner. (S)he listens actively, shows her/his know-how in argumentation, and pays attention to the others. The student is able to modify her/his working methods and make presentations which are skillfully targeted and suitable for different communication situations and the professional role. The student speaks correct and well-versed Finnish language, in a clear voice and natural expression and in contact with the audience. (S)he shows excellent technical know-how, gives constructive peer feedback to others, and is able to critically assess her/his own communication skills and develop through practice and feedback. The student is able to independently evaluate, plan and produce PR documents in Finnish, which are correct in appearance, phrasing and contents. S/he is able to manage the most demanding word processing tasks. The student follows schedules well and is able to plan his/her time use.