Director of Artificial Intelligence Initiatives
Speaking and Presenting: Tact
What You'll Learn
- How to cultivate a "generosity of spirit" when speaking with someone one-on-one
- How to fire someone respectfully
- How to reframe your next presentation or performance as a "contribution"
- How to apologize in a sincere, meaningful way
4 Modules
8 Hours
2 hrs per module (approx.)
Rating
About Speaking and Presenting: Tact
To be an effective speaker you don’t need to overwhelm people with your intellect. You don’t need to dazzle them from start to finish. You simply need to give them the sense that what they are receiving was especially prepared with their interests and needs in mind. This course will help you develop the judgment and dexterity needed to craft a perfectly tailored message.
Skills You'll Gain
- Empathy
- Public Speaking Preparation
- Storytelling
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Welcome Message
Welcome to Speaking and Presenting: Tact, the final course in the Good with Words: Speaking and Presenting Specialization. This course will help you develop the judgment and dexterity needed to craft a perfectly tailored message. You will learn how tactful language builds trust, reduces conflict, and strengthens relationships by centering others and choosing words that foster understanding and collaboration.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Tact: Concepts
- It’s Not About You
- Speaking Stats: The Progress Principle
- P-R-O-D-U-C-T Element: Tact
- The Transformative Power of Being Good with Words
Module 2: Tact: Speaking Stories
- Speaking Stories: Tact
- Hot Letter
- Same, Same, Kind of Different: Patrick Winston
Module 3: Tact: Speaking Studies
- Speaking Studies: Tact
- Mea Culpa
- Same, Same, Kind of Different: Matt Abrahams
Module 4: Tact: Joining The Club
- Tact-Less Top Ten
- Review Exercise: Carpool Karaoke (Encore)
- Speaking Exercises: Tact
- Joining The Club
Grading Policy
Course materials and assignments remain available for self-paced learning. To pass the course and earn the certificate, you must achieve an overall grade of 80%.
Module Review Quizzes — 100% of the Course Grade
Each module concludes with a summative review quiz covering that module’s material. Quizzes include multiple-choice and true/false questions with feedback to support reflection and knowledge checks. Each quiz is worth 25% of the final grade, and unlimited attempts are available.
- Module 1 Review Quiz: 25%
- Module 2 Review Quiz: 25%
- Module 3 Review Quiz: 25%
- Module 4 Review Quiz: 25%
Total Course Grade: 100%
Beginner Level
No prior experience required
