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University of Maryland, College Park

Effective Communication for Project Stakeholders and Teams

University of Maryland, College Park via Coursera

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Overview

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Go beyond technical project management and master the power skill that drives success—learn how to truly connect, not just communicate, as an effective program or project leader. Earning a certification like the PMP® or CAPM® gives you the technical foundation to manage projects—but true leadership requires more than process knowledge. It requires connection. In this course, you'll go beyond what’s taught in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) to explore the deeper dynamics of effective communication. You’ll discover how communication is not just the transfer of information, but the creation of shared understanding between sender and receiver. Through the Understanding Triad—know-what, know-how, and know-why—you’ll learn how to tailor your message to every audience: team members, stakeholders, customers, and executives. This approach helps you ensure your message is not just delivered, but understood and acted upon. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to lead conversations that drive alignment, strengthen collaboration, and accelerate project success. Communication becomes more than a skill—it becomes your strategic advantage as a program or project leader. Certified program and certified project managers earn 10 professional development units (PDU) as they learn how communication can make a difference in every interaction, and become a truly effective program or project manager.

Syllabus

  • Week 1: Defining Communication
    • Define the two communication models: transmission and emergence. Then, how each communication model is used in program and project management.
  • Week 2: Creating Messages to be Understood
    • The second week describes the three parts of the Understanding Triad. You will learn how know-what, know-how, and know-why work together in creating an effective and compelling message.
  • Week 3: Feedback and Understanding
    • The third week describes the value of feedback in building understanding. You will learn the three types of feedback and how to combine the three feedback types with the Understanding Triad for better testing of agreement.
  • Week 4: Audience Analysis
    • The last week gives the program or project manager the tools to determine who is their audience and their information needs. You will combine the Understanding Triad with audience analysis to tailor your messages for maximum impact.
  • Final Exam

Taught by

William A. Brantley

Tags

Reviews

4.8 rating, based on 27 Class Central reviews

4.5 rating at Coursera based on 29 ratings

Start your review of Effective Communication for Project Stakeholders and Teams

  • Anonymous
    I recently completed Effective Communication for Project Stakeholders and Teams from the University of Maryland on Coursera, and I found it genuinely helpful. The course breaks down communication in a simple, practical way and uses real project scenarios to explain how to work with different stakeholders. I especially liked how it covered communication planning, feedback, and managing team dynamics—things we deal with all the time but rarely pause to learn properly. Overall, it’s a clear, well-paced course that definitely improved how I approach communication in projects. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to strengthen their professional communication skills.
  • Anonymous
    Very in-depth course on effective communication and project mangement techniques. This course has really changed my thinking surrounding my communication skills and how to handle difficult conversations when dealing with stakeholders.
  • Anonymous
    From the first module, I began implementing the lessons learned. It has shown me my communication gaps and how to monitor and address them effectively. This course is wonderful and would recommend it to any PM.
  • Anonymous
    I really enjoyed the course. However, in the evaluations, some questions have answers that don't agree with the content presented.
  • Anonymous
    The course was very informative , detailed and practical. Especially I liked the knowledge check after each module and it build the confidence to take the final test.This course really help me to refine the way should communicate to the stakeholder/project manager.
  • Anonymous
    This was my first time taking this type of course, and it really opened my mind to the understanding that "how we do it" is more important than "what we do."
    Communicating without connecting is worse than not communicating at all. This course taught me that beyond sharing information, there's also embracing the recipient. I loved it!
  • Anonymous
    This course was helpful to my role as a program manager. It helped me refine how I communicate and understand some program management basics. Gave me lots of food for thought.
  • Anonymous
    The course is easy to understand. Effective communication can lead to many benefits, including: improved problem solving, better decision making, stronger business relationships and better team culture. Thank you!
  • Anonymous
    Visually engaging. Nice size modules. Knowledge checks throughout the course. Interesting case studies to cement the concepts being conveyed. Great course.
  • Anonymous
    This was exactly what I was looking for in breaking down effective communication for program and project management. Videos were great to watch and the transcripts were easy to follow. The quizzes were short and helpful in maintaining understanding.
  • Anonymous
    The content was great, but there was quite a lot of technical issues - the grade was not accepted (after submitting 100%, when pressing next item the module was not marked with green flag). What was great was also AI, it helped with chatting and solving problematic or misunderstood content
  • Profile image for Tanisha Harper
    Tanisha Harper
    1
    I enjoyed how practical and targeted the information was in each module. The course was very specific and refreshing. I also enjoyed how the professor used storytelling throughout the course. This not only modeled superior storytelling, but it also has been a key component to information retention and application.
  • Anonymous
    I really appreciate the modules. Each module was targeted information specific to Program Management. The course was incredibly practical and detailed. The professor was engaging, and I especially appreciated the knowledge checks. The coaching companion that helps with the final graded assignments were also helpful.
  • Anonymous
    I find the course practical and concise. Through the various tools and techniques highlighted in the course, I am better equipped at communicating more effectively with my stakeholders
  • Anonymous
    This course is really helpful to understand the importance of communication with stakeholders.

    It provides me the road map to develop and enhance the communication network with the associated members in the project.
  • Anonymous
    I really enjoyed this course and actually feel like I learned some things. This course is well thought-out. The information is delivered in small doses so it's easy to sit and listen and retain the information that is being shared. There is a "knowledge-check" at the end of each module. I highly recommend taking notes during the modules. The quizzes are easy enough if you are paying attention, but you will need your notes for the final exam. Really enjoyed this course and am looking forward to the next one in the specialization!
  • Anonymous
    This course was a big surprise for me. I thought it would be boring and a bunch of words I would have to memorize. But, it turned out to be a really well presented course. I know have a good grasp of what other people have been talking about. It was interesting and informative.
  • Anonymous
    Great course, broke down stakeholder communications clearly. I especially like the stakeholder mapping section that broke down stakeholders, their importance and impact.
  • Anonymous
    I love how the topics has been organized and presented. Love also the checking and exam to check the learnings.
  • Anonymous
    Great course. Very effective in introducing concepts, linking them seamlessly with one another, to build up to a comprehensive understanding of how all the tools practically help in project management, stakeholder and otherwise.
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