Communication Skills Course

1. Who is this class for?

   • This class is designed for agriculture students who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in agricultural sciences. It aims to develop effective communication skills that are essential for interacting with farmers, agribusiness professionals, policymakers, and the broader community. This course helps students communicate agricultural knowledge, advocate for sustainable practices, and collaborate with stakeholders.

2. What will the students learn in this class? Students will learn:

   • Effective Communication with Farmers: Understanding how to simplify technical information for farmers and rural communities.
   • Extension and Outreach Communication: Developing skills for educating farmers about new technologies, best practices, and research findings in agriculture.
   • Interpersonal Communication: Building relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and the agricultural community through clear and respectful communication.
   • Public Speaking and Presentations: Presenting information on agricultural topics to various audiences, including rural communities, academics, and policymakers.
   • Report Writing and Documentation: Writing reports, proposals, and research papers with clarity and precision.
   • Negotiation and Conflict Resolution: Mediating disputes or conflicts in agricultural settings and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.
   • Non-verbal Communication: Understanding body language and tone of voice when interacting with different groups.
   • Communication in Extension Work: Applying communication strategies to extension activities, such as workshops, training programs, and agricultural fairs.

3. Is there anything the students need to bring to the class?

   • Notebook and pen/tablet: For taking notes during lectures and exercises.
   • Preparedness for role-playing: Students may participate in mock communication exercises with farmers or other stakeholders.
   • Open mind for active participation: Students should be ready for interactive sessions like group discussions, role-playing, and field communication scenarios.
   • Agricultural case studies (if applicable): In some sessions, students might need to bring specific agricultural case studies or examples for analysis and discussion.