A public speaking class assists students with overcoming stage fright, logically formulating thoughts for a cohesive presentation and using the appropriate tone given the subject matter. In a public speaking course syllabus, The University of Auburn at Alabama at Birmingham lists other objectives including developing listening skills and understanding speech terminology. Public speaking courses typically require students to deliver different types of speech including informative, persuasive, toasts and impromptu. The activities required of students include writing speeches that prescribe to the stylistic outline, rating and critiquing the speeches of others and, in some cases, making a visual presentation to accompany their speech.
Business communication courses teach students how to effectively relay messages, ideas and orders in the workforce. This type of class provides hands-on lessons such as resume and cover letter writing, oral presentations and project management and team building. Additional workplace communication tips may be discussed, including e-mail etiquette and conflict resolution with co-workers. Some business courses integrate the tenets of sociology and psychology through units such as leadership techniques, motivations and incentives. Though most business majors are required to take this course, anyone with a full-time job in a corporate or office setting can take these courses and apply the communication lessons taught.
The study of nonverbal communication analyzes the symbolism of body language, inflection, accent and even the signals issued by visual appearance such as clothing. Julia T. Wood, author of "Interpersonal Communication: Everyday Encounters," cites scholarly studies by Birdwhistell; Hickson, Stacks and Moore and Mehrabian indicating that nonverbal communication conveys 65 to 93 percent of the message a person conveys. By understanding the power and types of nonverbal cues, students can use this skill to engage in more meaningful discussion. For example, students may learn to make better eye contact or develop better posture as a way to convey authority. Nonverbal communication courses may teach reading body language, how to analyze facial expressions and how to use appropriate nonverbal communication in business.
Communicating with someone from another country is riddled with discrepancies in the use of language. For instance, the amount of space that people from other countries afford another person while engaging in conversation may differ depending on cultural norms. The University of Colorado explains how language barriers can exacerbate misunderstandings, especially when conveying abstract ideas. A limited vocabulary also means the other person is unable to soften the meaning of phrases with hedge words or euphemisms. Courses in cross-cultural communication teach students patience, tolerance and the reasons for common misunderstandings when conversing with a person from a different culture. Many community colleges and universities now offer this type of course.