Communicating may be something we do every day, but the ability to do this effectively is a significant asset to both our professional and personal lives. Northern Illinois University students are learning how to effectively communicate in a way that empowers them, as part of the COMS 100 course required for all undergraduates.
“This is not just oral communication; it’s teaching students how to advocate for themselves and how to speak up for themselves.”
Grace Sikapokoo
Grace Sikapokoo joined NIU prior to the fall 2023 semester and serves as COMS 100 director. She points out the significance of learning these skills for all students, regardless of major or career interest.
“For example, if a student is in engineering and they are someday negotiating their salary, they need to be able to advocate. If a student is advancing a cause, they need to know how to persuade,” said Sikapokoo. “Advocacy ties in so nicely to the different types of speeches we do in this course, and it teaches skills to students in any field.”
Sikapokoo offers another example of the importance of teaching these skills to students in COMS 100, with regard to cultural diversity.
Check out the full story in NIU Today.
