Overview
Effective communication is more than exchanging information—it’s the key to breaking silos, strengthening collaboration, and building trust in high-pressure environments. Communicating for Impact is a three-day immersive programme that equips participants to cut through noise, manage competing demands, and clarify intent in fast-moving settings. Learners build practical techniques in story structure, questioning, listening, feedback, and repairing trust, while adapting tone and channel to suit different audiences. The course combines real-world scenarios with hands-on practice, helping participants handle everyday challenges and high-stakes conversations with confidence. Each learner leaves with a personalised impact plan and a toolkit of proven techniques ready to apply immediately.
Who will this course benefit?
There are no formal prerequisites for this course. An open mindset and willingness to participate in interactive exercises will enhance the learning experience.
Target audience
Professionals who need to communicate effectively across teams, departments, or levels—especially in fast-paced, high-stakes, or cross-functional settings where clarity, empathy, and impact are essential.
By the end of the course you will be able to:
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Apply a prioritisation tool to distil high-value messages from information overload.
- Recognise and challenge unspoken assumptions that distort communication clarity.
- Select and adapt communication channels and tone to match message purpose and context.
- Create structured messages using storytelling principles that drive clarity and action.
- Describe your communication style under pressure and how to flex it for greater impact.
- Apply communication techniques to bridge roles and reduce cross-functional friction.
- Use language and empathy tools to repair miscommunication and rebuild trust.
- Listen with empathy and ask better questions to uncover meaning and build understanding.
- Apply structured feedback models to give and receive feedback with clarity and trust.
- Plan and deliver high-stakes conversations with clarity, empathy, and control.
- Practise integrating communication tools in live scenarios and receive peer feedback.
- Create a personal pledge to apply your toolkit, shift your mindset, and build lasting communication habits.
What will the course cover
Module 1: Cutting Through the Noise
- Prioritising messages that matter most in high-pressure, fast-moving contexts.
- Moving from activity and volume to clarity and impact.
Module 2: Challenging Assumptions
- Spotting shortcuts and biases that distort communication.
- Checking understanding in real time to prevent misalignment.
Module 3: Choosing the Right Format
- Selecting the right channel and tone for purpose, urgency, and audience.
- Avoiding the common pitfalls of mismatched media.
Module 4: Turning Insights into Stories
- Using the Know–Matter–Act structure to make messages memorable and actionable.
- Applying story techniques to influence and inspire.
Module 5: Flexing Your Style
- Recognising default habits and adapting under pressure.
- Adjusting tone and structure for different audiences.
Module 6: Connecting Across Teams and Silos
- Strengthening collaboration across roles, functions, and hybrid teams.
- Reducing friction and building stronger alignment.
Module 7: Rebuilding Clarity and Trust
- Repairing misfires with acknowledgment, empathy, and clarity.
- Turning setbacks into opportunities for stronger relationships.
Module 8: Listening and Questioning with Intent
- Deepening understanding through active listening.
- Using open questions to surface insights and unlock collaboration.
Module 9: Feedback Without Friction
- Giving and receiving feedback in ways that build clarity and trust.
- Turning feedback into shared ownership and action.
Module 10: High-Stakes Conversations
- Preparing for difficult conversations with calm structure.
- Communicating with presence and authority under pressure.
Module 11: Communication in Action
- Applying tools in live, realistic scenarios.
- Strengthening confidence through peer feedback.
Module 12: Sustaining Impact
- Creating a personal impact plan aligned with organisational goals.
- Building habits to embed clarity and influence in daily practice.
Exams and assessments
There are no formal exams or graded assessments in this course. Participants will engage in practical exercises, live practice, and reflective activities to consolidate learning outcomes.
Hands-on learning
This session includes:
- Role-play exercises to build confidence in handling customer interactions
- Case studies to analyse real-world service challenges and responses
- Instructor insights with real-time feedback on approaches and behaviours
- Guided discussions and peer learning to exchange strategies and experiences
- Small-group coaching to personalise learning and address individual challenges
- Practical framework development to apply learning directly to organisational goals
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.