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Communicating with Diverse Audiences

Explore what drives the way you communicate and develop communication strategies for successful communication in diverse settings.

15,404 enrolled on this course

A group of people, from different ethnic backgrounds, chatting and laughing

Communicating with Diverse Audiences

15,404 enrolled on this course

  • 4 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Accreditation available

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Learn to interpret different varieties of English and avoid communication bias

Communication with diverse audiences is necessary for many professions.

You may face communication barriers when talking to people with a different cultural background, who speak different varieties of English, or who don’t share your life experiences and professional practices.

On this course, you’ll learn how different values or expectations, and different varieties of English can pose challenges to effective communication.

You’ll learn to make conscious decisions about the way you use language in interpersonal interactions and how to communicate more effectively through a range of strategies.

What topics will you cover?

During this course you will cover the following subjects:

Week 1: The role of culture and language in communication

Week 2: Language and unconscious bias

Week 3: Using English as a lingua franca with speakers from different linguistic backgrounds

Week 4: Using language to establish interpersonal relationships

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service
The CPD Certification Service:

This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Describe the layers and facets of culture and of other possible influences on communication practices
  • Assess which factors influence how they and others communicate
  • Reflect critically on their own and others' communicative behaviours to avoid unconscious bias
  • Describe different varieties of English and reflect critically on their own position as an English speaker
  • Apply a range of new strategies to establish rapport and achieve desired goals
  • Explain how language can be used to build interpersonal relationships
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of their communicative repertoire

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for professionals looking to improve their ability to communicate across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Recommended for learners age 16+

Who developed the course?

University of Surrey

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. Surrey empowers students for personal and professional success by providing exceptional teaching and practical learning.

Ways to learn

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$134/one-off payment

$27.99

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$134/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 16 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

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Get a taste of this course

Find out what this course is like by previewing some of the course steps before you join:

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