Course Collection
Focus Communications is proud to offer a series of training courses that are accessible and affordably-priced. Each course is presented via Zoom and takes less than three hours.
Communication expert Sue Heuman delivers training that’s informative and practical.
Each course features discussion, real-world examples and brief learn-as-you-go exercises to reinforce key concepts. Learn the theory, implement the lessons.
Courses are delivered on demand – our training fits with your schedule and time zone. Participants each receive a workbook in which to make notes and underscore concepts that resonate.
There is no class minimum – come one, come all! Discounts available for groups of five or more from the same organization.
Communication Skills for Middle Managers
- 3 Hours
- 399 CAD / Person
Let’s face it. Middle managers are the ‘ham in the sandwich,’ serving as a communication pipeline from the executive team to the front line, and from the front line to the executive team. It can be challenging to keep up with demands!
If you’ve ever had to explain something, and reinforce it repeatedly, you will want to learn the key skills to make communication relevant for your team.
What You'll Learn
From you to your staff:
- The six questions every employee has and how to communicate to meet their needs
- How to use the Head-Heart-Hands model to connect with staff
- How to translate long-term corporate goals into projects and actions you need staff to do
- How to connect with field teams and shift workers
From you to your executive:
- How to feel at ease in the C-Suite when presenting your project
- Make an impression and be promotable
- Providing staff feedback to executives
Elevate your Executive Profile
- 2 Hours
- $299 CAD / Person
New managers can sometimes feel unsure of their approaches. Fear not, this course is designed to help you feel at ease in the C-suite. Fit in and stand out with tips to give memorable presentations and learn the micro manners your colleagues already know.
What You'll Learn
- How to give powerful presentations and manage your emotional intelligence
- Practice social and business interactions to help you be smooth in your everyday contact with peers and leadership
- Discover tips for LinkedIn, your digital resume
- Find out how to land your dream job
- Learn about forms of attire and what to wear in today’s post-pandemic world
- Refresh your dining and business etiquette skills
Writing Promotional Content for Non-Profits
- 1 Hour
- 199 CAD / Person
Getting the word out about your programs can be tough. There is a lot of competition for people’s attention – what’s the best way to cut through the clutter? Learn how to craft compelling content to attract diverse audiences to your programs. Target demographic groups, such as teens or seniors, with the right tone and language. A series of exercises will give participants a hands-on experience to practice what they’ve learned.
What You'll Learn
- How to create compelling, interesting content
- How to write for websites and social media
- How to create a Public Service Announcement to send to media
- Practice your learning with fun exercises!
Plain Language Writing
- 2 Hours
- 299 CAD / Person
“Let’s make this harder to understand,” said no one, ever. There’s never a good reason to make something more complicated!
People want to read, see and hear plain language. No buzzwords. No acronyms. No ambiguous statements.
Learn how to write in ways that provide clear information to inform, excite, motivate or inspire the people who connect with your organization.
What You'll Learn
- Writing basics, such as spelling, punctuation and grammar
- Tips to write better, sharper content
- How to eliminate jargon and acronyms
- Seven steps to create clear, compelling content
Practical Marketing and Communications
- 2 Hours
- 299 CAD / Person
Marketing and Communications used to be separate departments, but no more! In fact, using a mix of marketing and communication channels can be the most effective way to reach your target audiences. For more than a decade, Focus Communications has been using advertising, media relations and corporate communications tools to help our clients get their messages seen and heard. We know that grassroots advertising, digital marketing, paid and organic social posts can be combined to offer cost-effective solutions.
What You'll Learn
- Marketing channels, including traditional media and digital advertising
- Communication channels, such as media relations, websites and intranets
- How to segment your audiences
- How to choose the right mix
Restoring Civility to the Work Place
- 2 Hours
- 149 CAD / Person
Uncivil behaviour has been escalating in recent years. Not since medieval times has respectful behaviour been so absent. Manners have stood for centuries as the cornerstone of civil society. “Yes, please. No, thank you. It’s my pleasure. How do you do?” Now, signs are posted in offices that have to expressly state that abuse will not be tolerated. Seriously. What happened?! I’m on a mission to bring back respect and courtesy to the workplace. This course helps leaders and staff learn how to deal with difficult situations, and interact better with one another.
What You'll Learn
- How did we get here?
- Service standards
- Interpersonal skills
- Dealing with difficult situations
Elevate your Executive Profile
- 2 Hours
- 299 CAD / Person
You’ve got that proverbial seat at the table, now what? Define your own personal leadership style, hone interpersonal skills and use Micro Manners to both fit in and stand out at the executive level. Learn how to make an effective case, and earn support, for your initiatives. Be smooth and confident in your everyday interactions with peers and team members. Lead with confidence, suitably attired for every occasion. This workshop is designed for communication professionals, or mid-level managers, who currently occupy, or have been recently promoted to, senior leadership roles.
What You'll Learn
- How to give powerful presentations and manage your emotional intelligence
- Practice social and business interactions to help you be smooth in your everyday contact with peers and leadership
- Discover tips for LinkedIn, your digital resume
- Find out how to land your dream job
- Learn about forms of attire and what to wear in today’s post-pandemic world
- Refresh your dining and business etiquette skills
