Foundation Course (UROC)

Course Content

Expand All

Introduction (UROC) 11 Topics | 5 Quizzes Sample Lesson

View Lesson

Expand

Lesson Content

0% Complete 0/11 Steps

Learner Expectation

The goal of the course is for you to acquire the necessary tools to be able to build a deliberate and transformational strategic communication practice that is individual to you, your circumstances, outcomes and intentions. You will learn concepts and vocabulary, contextual preparation and patterns, as well as thoughtful Reflection and Practice that provides the roadmap for making the course materials your own. Engaging with the Foundation Course reflectively is the first step in building a strong understanding of what a strategic communication practice involves and the next step is deliberately employing a communication tool set toward supporting your communicative outcomes. You can expect to find a tool or concept that will guide you in creating an effective strategic advantage in your communication.

( Topic 1) What is Strategic Communication? 5min

With so many possible considerations to be made, what does the framework for a communication strategy look like?

What is Strategic Communication? Recap

Foundation Course Pre Survey 4min

Let's see where your level of comfort is with a few of our subjects before we get started

(Topic 2) Understanding Fundamental Skills 3min

A basic set of Fundamental Skills can combine to create innumerable communicative patterns.

Understanding Fundamental Skills Recap

(Topic 3) How Does it Work? 4min

What about Strategic Communication can make what I already do more effective?

How Does it Work? Recap

(Topic 4) Why Does it Matter? 3min

How will investing time in this material add value to my life?

Why Does it Matter? Recap

(Topic 5) What Makes it Mine? 4min

What steps can I take to better absorb recorded materials into my own communicative practice?

What Makes it Mine? Recap

Frame and Stance (UROC) 12 Topics | 6 Quizzes Sample Lesson

View Lesson

Expand

Lesson Content

0% Complete 0/12 Steps

Learner Expectation

The goal of the course is for you to acquire the necessary tools to be able to build a deliberate and transformational strategic communication practice that is individual to you, your circumstances, outcomes and intentions. You will learn concepts and vocabulary, contextual preparation and patterns, as well as thoughtful Reflection and Practice that provides the roadmap for making the course materials your own. Engaging with the Foundation Course reflectively is the first step in building a strong understanding of what a strategic communication practice involves and the next step is deliberately employing a communication tool set toward supporting your communicative outcomes. You can expect to find a tool or concept that will guide you in creating an effective strategic advantage in your communication.

(Topic 1) Understanding Frame and Stance 5min

Frame is a concept word that refers to the physical structure of the body, and Stance is a concept word that describes the width of the Base used to support the Frame. Narrow, Basic, and Wide Stances can be used as a way to soften or amplify physical presence.

Understanding Frame and Stance Recap

(Topic 2) Finding a Ready Position 4min

A simple combination of Counterbalance and availability to gesture create a Ready Position that is easy to depart from and return to.

Finding a Ready Position Recap

(Topic3) The Ready Position While Seated 3min

It’s important to ensure that your body remains active and ready to engage, especially when gesturing from a seated frame.

The Ready Position While Seated Recap

(Topic 4) Understanding Counterbalance 5min

Counterbalance is a concept word that describes the relationship between the Base and the actions of the torso of the body. Narrow Stances restrict counterbalanced movement, while Wider Stances increase it.

Understanding Counterbalance Recap

(Topic 5) Creating a Listening Body 4min

A Listening Body can demonstrate active engagement in response to the verbal content of a communication partner.

Creating a Listening Body Recap

(Topic 6) Stance, Symmetry, and Weight 4min

By shifting weight from one side of the Frame to another, a presenter can use Degrees of Symmetry to both soften and amplify physicality as they speak.

Stance, Symmetry and Weight Recap

Gesture (UROC) 11 Topics | 6 Quizzes

View Lesson

Expand

Lesson Content

0% Complete 0/11 Steps

Learner Expectation

The goal of the course is for you to acquire the necessary tools to be able to build a deliberate and transformational strategic communication practice that is individual to you, your circumstances, outcomes and intentions. You will learn concepts and vocabulary, contextual preparation and patterns, as well as thoughtful Reflection and Practice that provides the roadmap for making the course materials your own. Engaging with the Foundation Course reflectively is the first step in building a strong understanding of what a strategic communication practice involves and the next step is deliberately employing a communication tool set toward supporting your communicative outcomes. You can expect to find a tool or concept that will guide you in creating an effective strategic advantage in your communication.

(Topic 1) The Base to Gesture Relationship 4min

The width of the Base influences the accessibility of gesture in space. Narrow Stances influence gesture to remain close to the torso, whereas Wider Stances encourage gesture to extend out in proportion to the Counterbalance available in the body.

The Base to Gesture Relationship Recap

(Topic 2) Practicing Extended Gesture 5min

Extended Gesture is a full-bodied approach to gesture that sends physical energy into Counterbalanced space around the body.

Practicing Extended Gesture Recap

(Topic 3) Understanding Linear Gesture 5min

Linear Gesture is a gestural pattern that is supportive of verbal content that is fact-based and direct.

Understanding Linear Gesture Recap

(Topic 4) Understanding Rounded Gesture 5min

Rounded Gesture is a flexible gestural pattern that is supportive of narrative based verbal exchange.

Understanding Rounded Gesture Recap

(Topic 5) Gesturing With a Remote 5min

When using a hand-held remote, such as a clicker, a slide advancer, or a laser pointer, we can employ principles of gesture to ensure that our performance remains natural and fluid with the device in hand.

Gesturing With a Remote Recap

(Topic 6) Understanding Collected Gesture 3min

Collected Gesture is a reserved approach to gesture that focuses on keeping the energy of the arms and hands weighted and well controlled.

Understanding Collected Gesture Recap

The Breath-Thought Connection (UROC) 8 Topics | 4 Quizzes Sample Lesson

View Lesson

Expand

Lesson Content

0% Complete 0/8 Steps

Learner Expectation

The goal of the course is for you to acquire the necessary tools to be able to build a deliberate and transformational strategic communication practice that is individual to you, your circumstances, outcomes and intentions. You will learn concepts and vocabulary, contextual preparation and patterns, as well as thoughtful Reflection and Practice that provides the roadmap for making the course materials your own. Engaging with the Foundation Course reflectively is the first step in building a strong understanding of what a strategic communication practice involves and the next step is deliberately employing a communication tool set toward supporting your communicative outcomes. You can expect to find a tool or concept that will guide you in creating an effective strategic advantage in your communication.

(Topic 1) One Breath, One Thought 3min

A listener finds meaning in the rhythm and patterning of a speaker’s voice. That nonverbal punctuation is communicated by breathing points in speech.

One Breath, One Thought Recap

(Topic 2) Think, Breathe, Speak 3min

When we inhale to speak we cue the body to produce sound. If that cue is delivered before we have a thought prepared to articulate, we fill that gap with sounds like “ums” and “uhs.” A simple order of operations can help keep our speech clear and filler-free.

Think, Breathe, Speak Recap

(Topic 3) Finding Diaphragmatic Breath 5min

Many disciplines benefit from targeted breathing patterns. Diaphragmatic Breathing is a pattern that both supports the voice and strengthens the connection between our physicality and our thought process.

Finding Diaphragmatic Breath Recap

(Topic 4) Practicing Directive Thoughts 5min

Some thoughts can be acted upon, and some thoughts are commentaries on actions. In order to take more agency over our own performance, we can pair a Diaphragmatic Breath with an Actionable Intention to create a Directive Thought.

Practicing Directive Thoughts Recap

Physical Orientation (UROC) 16 Topics | 8 Quizzes Sample Lesson

View Lesson

Expand

Lesson Content

0% Complete 0/16 Steps

Learner Expectation

The goal of the course is for you to acquire the necessary tools to be able to build a deliberate and transformational strategic communication practice that is individual to you, your circumstances, outcomes and intentions. You will learn concepts and vocabulary, contextual preparation and patterns, as well as thoughtful Reflection and Practice that provides the roadmap for making the course materials your own. Engaging with the Foundation Course reflectively is the first step in building a strong understanding of what a strategic communication practice involves and the next step is deliberately employing a communication tool set toward supporting your communicative outcomes. You can expect to find a tool or concept that will guide you in creating an effective strategic advantage in your communication.

(Topic 1) The Emotional Center 4min

There is a visceral reaction felt in the body in response to external stimuli, what is referred to in the western tradition as a “gut feeling.” We can use this concept to physically project our own attention, and to insulate ourselves from external attention that feels overwhelming, invasive, or outside our comfort zone.

The Emotional Center Recap

(Topic 2) Understanding Line Focus 4min

Focus and Attention can be given, requested, drawn, and denied by the way the torso of the body is physically oriented in space. Line Focus is a concept word that allows us to articulate the flow of that attention.

Understanding Line Focus Recap

(Topic 3) Understanding Physical Orientation 4min

We can organize the use of Line Focus into five basic Physical Orientations. Full Front, Quarter Turn, Profile, Three-Quarter Turn, and Full Back.

Understanding Physical Orientation Recap

(Topic 4) Understanding Full Front 4min

Full Front is a Physical Orientation that gives and requests the most Line Focus. This can be a position of power, but also one of significant vulnerability.

Understanding Full Front Recap

(Topic 5) Understanding Quarter Turn 3min

A Quarter Turn is a Physical Orientation that remains attentive, but softens the amount the Line Focus that is given and received. This orientation removes some of the intensity from a communication and is referred to as a “shared position.”

Understanding Quarter Turn Recap

(Topic 6) Understanding Profile 4min

Profile is a Physical Orientation that allows for Eye Focus exchange, but does not allow for the exchange of Line Focus. This orientation minimizes the impact of attention on the Emotional Center.

Understanding Profile Recap

(Topic 7) Understanding Three-Quarter Turn 3min

Three-Quarter Turn is a Physical Orientation that denies Line Focus, but leaves the body open an over-the-shoulder sight line.

Understanding Three Quarter Turn Recap

(Topic 8) Using Full Back 3min

Full Back is a Physical Orientation in which there is no Line Focus exchange. Although this orientation can be one of non participation, it can also be used to Point Up an eminent action or build anticipation for a reveal.

Understanding Full Back Recap

Strategic Advantage (UROC) 20 Topics | 10 Quizzes

View Lesson

Expand

Lesson Content

0% Complete 0/20 Steps

Learner Expectation

The goal of the course is for you to acquire the necessary tools to be able to build a deliberate and transformational strategic communication practice that is individual to you, your circumstances, outcomes and intentions. You will learn concepts and vocabulary, contextual preparation and patterns, as well as thoughtful Reflection and Practice that provides the roadmap for making the course materials your own. Engaging with the Foundation Course reflectively is the first step in building a strong understanding of what a strategic communication practice involves and the next step is deliberately employing a communication tool set toward supporting your communicative outcomes. You can expect to find a tool or concept that will guide you in creating an effective strategic advantage in your communication.

(Topic 1) What Are Given Circumstances? 5min

Given Circumstances are an analytical tool to develop situational awareness. Our Given Circumstances comprise one of three governing components of a communication strategy.

What are Given Circumstances? Recap

(Topic 2) Selecting a Desired Outcome 5min

Our goals for a communication should drive the way we employ our Fundamental Skills and interact with our Given Circumstances.

Selecting a Desired Outcome Recap

(Topic 3) What Makes an Intention Actionable? 4min

In order to work toward a Desired Outcome, we need to provide ourselves with goals and intentions that can be deliberately acted upon.

What Makes an Intention Actionable? Recap

(Topic 4) Organizing Actionable Intentions 5min

Actionable Intentions can be organized to influence what an audience will think, feel, sense, and report to others about a shared interaction.

Organizing Actionable Intentions Recap

(Topic 5) Understanding Point of Influence 4min

Point of influence is a concept word that describes a fundamental skill deliberately placed at the center of a communication strategy.

Understanding Point of Influence Recap

(Topic 6) Choosing a Point of Influence 3min

We can quickly and easily select a Point of Influence for a communication by adopting physical amplification that matches our Actionable Intention.

Choosing a Point of Influence Recap

(Topic 7) Selecting Operative Words 3min

When delivering content out loud, we have the power to influence how an audience understands a thought by controlling the Point of Emphasis in each line.

Selecting Operative Words Recap

(Topic 8) Pointing Up 3min

Pointing Up is a concept word that describes cueing an audience toward an imminent action or event.

Pointing Up Recap

(Topic 9) Deciding What to Wear 5min

The wardrobe you select for a performance or a public communication will either enable or restrict your balance, your breath, and your access to dynamic physicality.

Deciding What to Wear Recap

(Topic 10) Capturing and Maintaining Attention 4min

The flow of attention in an interaction can be influenced by people, objects, and events. With a basic understanding of the Attention Cycle, we are better equipped to deliver prepared content and to improvise with greater effect.

Capturing and Maintaining Attention Recap

Navigating Space (UROC) 14 Topics | 7 Quizzes

View Lesson

Expand

Lesson Content

0% Complete 0/14 Steps

Learner Expectation

The goal of the course is for you to acquire the necessary tools to be able to build a deliberate and transformational strategic communication practice that is individual to you, your circumstances, outcomes and intentions. You will learn concepts and vocabulary, contextual preparation and patterns, as well as thoughtful Reflection and Practice that provides the roadmap for making the course materials your own. Engaging with the Foundation Course reflectively is the first step in building a strong understanding of what a strategic communication practice involves and the next step is deliberately employing a communication tool set toward supporting your communicative outcomes. You can expect to find a tool or concept that will guide you in creating an effective strategic advantage in your communication.

(Topic 1) Navigating Space 4min

We can use the concepts of Level, Horizontal, and Plane to describe the way the body travels through and occupies space.

Navigating Space Recap

(Topic 2) Understanding Plane 4min

Plane is a concept word that allows us to describe physical positioning forward or backward on a line. This can be travel-focused, moving from one location in space to another, or more localized, inclining or declining the torso in relation to the object of interest.

Understanding Plane Recap

(Topic 3) Understanding Level 5min

Level is a concept word we can use to describe the elevation of our Line of Sight in space. Level Dynamics can be influenced by both physical choices and by aspects of an architectural environment.

Understanding Level Recap

(Topic 4) Understanding Horizontal 5min

Horizontal is a concept word that we can use to describe lateral movement and positioning. This idea can be understood from both the personal and the external perspective.

Understanding Horizontal Recap

(Topic 5) Level and Physicality 4min

Level inequities caused by differences in physical size can be countered by other ways of occupying space.

Level and Physicality Recap

(Topic 6) Understanding Micro Plane 3min

Micro Plane is a concept word to describe inclinations of joint oriented parts of the body such as the crown of the head, arms, and hands. These inclinations can modify the information provided by the Plane in space occupied by the Base of the body.

Understanding Micro Plane Recap

(Topic 7) Level and Architecture 5min

Certain architectural environments are designed to enforce Level Dynamics as a way to influence an interaction.

Level and Architecture Recap

Voice (UROC) 10 Topics | 5 Quizzes

View Lesson

Expand

Lesson Content

0% Complete 0/10 Steps

Learner Expectation

The goal of the course is for you to acquire the necessary tools to be able to build a deliberate and transformational strategic communication practice that is individual to you, your circumstances, outcomes and intentions. You will learn concepts and vocabulary, contextual preparation and patterns, as well as thoughtful Reflection and Practice that provides the roadmap for making the course materials your own. Engaging with the Foundation Course reflectively is the first step in building a strong understanding of what a strategic communication practice involves and the next step is deliberately employing a communication tool set toward supporting your communicative outcomes. You can expect to find a tool or concept that will guide you in creating an effective strategic advantage in your communication.

(Topic 1) Understanding Vocal Production 4min

Breath, Resonance, Modulation, and Articulation all work together to create speech- and each of these components can be adjusted individually to influence how the voice is perceived by an audience or communication partner.

Understanding Vocal Production Recap

(Topic 2) Articulation Exercises 5min

Tongue twisters are an important part of any performance-prep routine.

Articulation Exercises Recap

(Topic 3) Vocal Placement 6min

Focusing the voice into the soft palate of the mouth helps a speaker to improve projection and clarity.

Vocal Placement Recap

(Topic 4) Resonance Exercises 6min

A few simple exercises can be explored to gain more agency over vocal resonance and warm up the voice as part of a performance-prep routine.

Resonance Exercises Recap

(Topic 5) Modulation Warmup 4min

Modulating the pitch of the voice as you speak adds character to your content and allows an audience to better engage in active listening.

Modulation Warmup Recap

Presenting with a Display (UROC) 12 Topics | 6 Quizzes

View Lesson

Expand

Lesson Content

0% Complete 0/12 Steps

Learner Expectation

The goal of the course is for you to acquire the necessary tools to be able to build a deliberate and transformational strategic communication practice that is individual to you, your circumstances, outcomes and intentions. You will learn concepts and vocabulary, contextual preparation and patterns, as well as thoughtful Reflection and Practice that provides the roadmap for making the course materials your own. Engaging with the Foundation Course reflectively is the first step in building a strong understanding of what a strategic communication practice involves and the next step is deliberately employing a communication tool set toward supporting your communicative outcomes. You can expect to find a tool or concept that will guide you in creating an effective strategic advantage in your communication.

(Topic 1) PowerPoint and Line Focus 5min

Line Focus is one of several Points of Influence that we can employ when facilitating a PowerPoint presentation.

PowerPoint and Line Focus Recap

(Topic 2) PowerPoint and Plane 6min

Plane is one of several Points of Influence that we can use to facilitate a PowerPoint presentation.

PowerPoint and Plane Recap

(Topic 3) PowerPoint and Level 7min

The Level relationship between presenter and presentation screen is a factor that can be countered with the use of Line Focus, Horizontal, and Plane.

PowerPoint and Level Recap

(Topic 4) PowerPoint and Horizontal 4min

Horizontal is one of several Points of Influence that we can use to facilitate a PowerPoint presentation.

PowerPoint and Horizontal Recap

(Topic 5) Presenting with a Visual Aid 5min

Poster presentations require that a presenter create a dynamic audience experience from a static visual aid by using the tools of physical composition.

Presenting with a Visual Aid Recap

(Topic 6) Virtual Slide Presentation Guide 6min

Management of the visual focus relationship during virtual presentation is greatly enhanced by crystal clear verbal direction.

Virtual Slide Presentation Guide Recap

Introduction to Microphones (UROC) 10 Topics | 5 Quizzes Sample Lesson

View Lesson

Expand

Lesson Content

0% Complete 0/10 Steps

Learner Expectation

The goal of the course is for you to acquire the necessary tools to be able to build a deliberate and transformational strategic communication practice that is individual to you, your circumstances, outcomes and intentions. You will learn concepts and vocabulary, contextual preparation and patterns, as well as thoughtful Reflection and Practice that provides the roadmap for making the course materials your own. Engaging with the Foundation Course reflectively is the first step in building a strong understanding of what a strategic communication practice involves and the next step is deliberately employing a communication tool set toward supporting your communicative outcomes. You can expect to find a tool or concept that will guide you in creating an effective strategic advantage in your communication.

(Topic 1) Introduction to Microphones 5min

Amplification systems are complex. As a presenter, it’s useful to become familiar with basic vocabulary and best practices to increase your comfort level on stage.

Introduction to Microphones Recap

(Topic 2) Basic Microphone Technique 5min

A few best practices can help bring confidence to the use of a microphone on stage.

Basic Microphone Technique Recap

(Topic 3) Understanding Lavalier Microphones 4min

A Lavalier Microphone is a small omnidirectional microphone that allows for high talent visibility and hands-free movement.

Understanding Lavalier Microphones Recap

(Topic 4) Using Handheld Microphones 4min

A few basic practices take the mystery out of handheld microphone use.

Using Handheld Microphones Recap

(Topic 5) Using Fixed Mount Microphones 5min

A microphone mounted at a podium or on a conference table will confine range of motion. But gesture and physicality can contribute to dynamic expression from a stationary position.

Using Fixed Mount Microphones Recap

Environments and Stages (UROC) 14 Topics | 7 Quizzes

View Lesson

Expand

Lesson Content

0% Complete 0/14 Steps

Learner Expectation

The goal of the course is for you to acquire the necessary tools to be able to build a deliberate and transformational strategic communication practice that is individual to you, your circumstances, outcomes and intentions. You will learn concepts and vocabulary, contextual preparation and patterns, as well as thoughtful Reflection and Practice that provides the roadmap for making the course materials your own. Engaging with the Foundation Course reflectively is the first step in building a strong understanding of what a strategic communication practice involves and the next step is deliberately employing a communication tool set toward supporting your communicative outcomes. You can expect to find a tool or concept that will guide you in creating an effective strategic advantage in your communication.

(Topic 1) The Proscenium Stage 5min View Topic

The Proscenium Stage Recap

(Topic 2) The Thrust Stage 4min View Topic

The Thrust Stage Recap

(Topic 3) The In the Round Stage 7min View Topic

The In the Round Stage Recap

(Topic 4) Intro to Lecterns and Podiums 6min

Communicating with an audience from a speaking platform requires that the speaker rise to the amplified baseline and sense authority that the platform creates.

Intro to Lecterns and Podiums Recap

(Topic 5) Lecterns and Plane 4min

Plane can be used behind a Lectern to provide an audience with nonverbal cues.

Lecterns and Plane Recap

(Topic 6) Lecterns and Horizontal 4min

Although a lectern physically locates the center point of a speaker’s performance, small steps to either side of the structure can be combined with gesture in space to add dynamics and create meaning using horizontals.

Lecterns and Horizontal Recap

(Topic 7) Lectern and Level 5min

The elevation of the stage, or the elevation of the audience in a performance space, can be managed and compensated for by considering the Level dynamics of a speaker behind a lectern.

Lectern and Level Recap

Foundation Course Post Survey 3min

Let's see where your concept confidence is after all this work

Foundation Course Final Quiz

Not Enrolled

Take this Course

Course Includes

11 Lessons
138 Topics
70 Quizzes
Course Certificate

learner expectations

The goal of the course is for you to acquire the necessary tools to be able to build a deliberate and transformational strategic communication practice that is individual to you, your circumstances, outcomes and intentions. You will learn concepts and vocabulary, contextual preparation and patterns, as well as thoughtful Reflection and Practice that provides the roadmap for making the course materials your own. Engaging with the Foundation Course reflectively is the first step in building a strong understanding of what a strategic communication practice involves and the next step is deliberately employing a communication tool set toward supporting your communicative outcomes. You can expect to find a tool or concept that will guide you in creating an effective strategic advantage in your communication.