Social Skills Development Course
*Entry Requirements*: Open to all; no formal prerequisites.
*Course Objectives*
1. Develop foundational communication skills (verbal, non-verbal, and active listening).
2. Build empathy, emotional intelligence, and conflict-resolution abilities.
3. Enhance confidence in social interactions (in-person and online).
4. Teach strategies for building and maintaining healthy relationships.
*Course Modules*
*1. Introduction to Social Skills*
- Importance of social skills in personal and professional life
- Self-assessment: Identifying strengths and areas for growth
- Overcoming social anxiety and shyness
*2. Verbal Communication*
- Effective conversation starters and small talk
- Asking open-ended questions and showing genuine interest
- Assertiveness vs. aggressiveness/passiveness
*3. Non-Verbal Communication*
- Body language (posture, eye contact, gestures)
- Reading facial expressions and tone of voice
- Personal space and cultural differences in non-verbal cues
*4. Active Listening*
- Techniques for focused listening (paraphrasing, summarizing)
- Avoiding interruptions and distractions
- Demonstrating empathy through reflective responses
*5. Building Empathy and Emotional Intelligence*
- Understanding others’ perspectives and emotions
- Practicing empathy in conflicts and disagreements
- Managing emotional triggers and reactions
*6. Professional Social Skills*
- Networking strategies (e.g., elevator pitches, LinkedIn etiquette)
- Email and phone communication etiquette
- Navigating workplace dynamics and office politics
*7. Digital Communication*
- Social media etiquette (commenting, messaging, online debates)
- Video call best practices (Zoom/Teams)
- Avoiding miscommunication in texts and emails
*8. Conflict Resolution and Negotiation*
- De-escalating tense situations
- “I” statements vs. blame language
- Collaborative problem-solving techniques
*9. Building and Maintaining Relationships*
- Making meaningful connections (friendships, romantic relationships)
- Setting healthy boundaries
- Repairing relationships after misunderstandings
*10. Social Skills in Diverse Settings*
- Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in communication
- Adapting to formal vs. casual environments (parties, meetings, interviews)
- Supporting neurodiverse individuals (e.g., interacting with people on the autism spectrum)
*11. Public Speaking and Presentation Skills*
- Overcoming stage fright
- Structuring engaging presentations
- Using storytelling to connect with audiences
*12. Self-Reflection and Continuous Improvement*
- Journaling for self-awareness
- Seeking and giving constructive feedback
- Creating a personal action plan for ongoing growth
*Learning Activities*
- *Role-Playing Scenarios*: Simulated conversations (e.g., job interviews, networking events).
- *Group Discussions*: Debates on social dilemmas (e.g., handling criticism, giving feedback).
- *Video Analysis*: Reviewing recorded interactions to identify non-verbal habits.
- *Community Projects*: Team-based tasks to practice collaboration and leadership.
# *Assessment Methods*
- *Participation*: Engagement in role-plays and group activities.
- *Reflective Journals*: Documenting personal social challenges and progress.
- *Final Project*: Delivering a short presentation or hosting a mock social event.
- *Peer Feedback*: Evaluating classmates’ communication styles constructively.
*Certification*
- Complete 80% of sessions and participate in final project.
- Submit a reflective portfolio showcasing skill development.