Written by Shana Childs
After establishing a decade-long career in journalism at outlets like ABC News and Al Jazeera, Jess Goldberg has joined Columbia SPS as a lecturer for the M.S. in Strategic Communication program. The Emmy Award-winning producer teaches a section of the course, The Compelling Communicator. Students in the course practice developing audience-driven, written messages as well as presentation skills through speechwriting and data visualization.
Over the course of reporting on major stories about global conflict and mental health, Goldberg says she realized that many of the world’s problems could be solved with clear and compassionate communication. She spoke with SPS senior writer Shana Childs (’14JRN) about that idea and what she hopes students will gain from her class.
What does clear and compassionate communication mean?
Clear communication means you are able to stay focused and clarify what matters most to you. Compassionate communication means you are able to truly listen to the concerns someone else might have and navigate them with kindness. Clear and compassionate communication creates shared understanding and positive outcomes.
How can clear and compassionate communication be a vehicle for improving society?
Have you ever had a colleague, friend, or family member that you wanted to give feedback to? My guess is yes. Well, if you go into the conversation with heated emotions, you may end up just making them feel bad rather than changing their behavior. However, if you are able to clarify the impact specific behaviors had and you are able to keep an open mind to hearing their perspective, it is much more likely you’ll spark change and increase connection.
On a larger scale, I see clear and compassionate communication as the key to solving many of our political problems. I believe many political problems boil down to unmet needs; if both sides could clarify what they need and really listen to each other, they might be able to come up with better solutions that meet both their needs.
What makes someone a “compelling communicator”?
A compelling communicator is someone who knows how to connect with their audience. Compelling communicators craft their message with their audience in mind the entire time. They tell stories that captivate their audience. They simplify and contextualize information for their audience. They use facts and sources that their audience will trust. Compelling communicators know that if they don’t prioritize their audience, they risk not being heard at all.
What’s one thing you hope students in your section of The Compelling Communicator will take from the course?
My class is the first class students take in the Strategic Communications program. I hope that students develop a growth mindset in my class. Strong communication skills can be hard to develop, but students may be surprised by how much they can improve in a semester! People have the capacity to improve and keep improving!
About The Course
The Compelling Communicator is a three-credit course focused on written deliverables—emphasizing audience-framed messaging and developing simple, clear, and persuasive content—and spoken delivery and presentation skills through speechwriting, storytelling, and data visualization to motivate an audience to act.
About The Program
The business world’s around-the-clock communications challenges are demanding a new level of strategic thinking. Columbia University’s Master of Science in Strategic Communication graduates emerge equipped with all the essential skills and tools for a successful career in a wide range of communication fields. The program is available in three formats for professionals of varying experience levels and locations: the Executive M.S. for experienced (6+ years) communication leaders (36 credits in 16 months for degree completion); Full-Time M.S. for early-career communication professionals and career-changers (36 credits in 12 to 16 months for degree completion); and Part-Time M.S. for working professionals looking for flexibility (36 credits in 24 months to three years for degree completion).
Application deadlines for fall 2023 enrollment are quickly approaching. Visit the admissions deadlines pages for your chosen format for dates: Executive M.S.; Full-Time M.S.; Part-Time M.S.
