As AI reshapes the workplace, real human connection is more valuable than ever, and we build that through meaningful conversation.
This course will teach you how to use small talk to gain visibility, build meaningful relationships, open doors to new opportunities and accelerate your career growth.
This course is for:
- Professionals who want to sharpen their conversation skills and stand out in the workplace
- Individual contributors looking to accelerate their careers by using conversations to signal competence and build trust
- Managers and leaders who want to foster better relationships with their team through effective communication
- Those who want to build authentic connections with colleagues, clients and stakeholders
- Professionals navigating presentations, meetings, and high-stakes conversations who want their communication to work for them, not against them
- Anyone who wants to network more confidently and build stronger, more meaningful work relationships
What you'll get:
- 40+ minutes of instructional video content, broken into digestible lessons
- A 15-page workbook with additional exercises and examples
- Instant access to watch and read at your own pace
Through this course, you will:
- Go from seeing small talk as an inconvenience to leveraging it as a powerful tool for career growth
- Transition from not knowing how to start conversation to using proven frameworks to introduce yourself, initiate, and sustain engaging dialogue
- Move from struggling to end conversations to confidently exiting while setting the stage for future professional relationships
- Go from feeling held back by common conversational hurdles to navigating them with confidence and ease
Why Choose Smarter by CNBC Make It:
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Expert-Led Instruction: Learn from accredited experts with extensive and diverse experience in communication
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Actionable Insights: This course will teach you how to master your verbal communication to improve your workplace communication, with practical, easy to follow steps to help you get ahead at work.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: This course will provide a broad overview of how to improve your verbal communication. We’ll guide you through step-by-step, easy to understand advice on how to start conversations, leverage your conversations to improve your career and overcome common conversation mistakes.
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What students are saying: "The training duo was excellent." - Richard, student
Your Instructors:
Henna Pryor
Henna Pryor, CSP is a workplace performance expert and global keynote speaker who specializes in performance mindset, communication and navigating challenges in a fast-paced world. With 20 years of experience coaching corporate leaders, she offers a science-backed approach to strategic risk-taking and building social and mental fitness. Henna is a columnist for Inc. Magazine, a TEDx and SXSW speaker and a contributor to outlets like CNBC, Fast Company and HuffPost. She’s also a SUCCESS Magazine Woman of Influence, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, Glassdoor WorkLife Pro and author of the award-winning book “Good Awkward,” named a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year.
Matt Abrahams
Matt Abrahams is a leading expert in communication with decades of experience as an educator, author, podcast host, and coach. As a Lecturer in Organizational Behavior at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, he teaches popular classes in strategic communication and effective virtual presenting. A sought-after keynote speaker and communication consultant, he has helped countless presenters improve and hone their communication, and also consults for the United Nations’ Secretary General’s Strategic Planning and Communication Office.
Matt hosts the award-winning podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart The Podcast and authored Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot and Speaking Up without Freaking Out: 50 Techniques for Confident and Compelling Presenting.
Course Curriculum
- How To Set The Right Tone (4:10)
- Overcoming Introversion During Small Talk (2:07)
- Setting Conversation Boundaries (1:51)
- Navigating Group Conversations (6:04)
- Leveraging Communication For Career Growth (2:09)
- How To Overcome Common Communication Issues (6:28)
- Final Thoughts & Words Of Encouragement (1:40)
- Level Up Your Communication: Master Public Speaking Techniques
- Give 10%, Get 10%
- Share Your Thoughts
Additional Courses:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smarter by CNBC Make It a subscription?
No. You are charged once for the course you select, with no recurring charges. After purchase, the course remains available for you to take, subject to the Smarter by CNBC Make It Supplemental Terms. We reserve the right to cancel, suspend or make any changes to any Smater Services in our sole discretion at any time without prior notice.
How many times can I take a Smarter course?
Smarter by CNBC Make It courses are pre-recorded videos, and you can watch them whenever you want, on your own schedule, subject to the Smarter by CNBC Make It Supplemental Terms.
Do Smarter courses have subtitles?
Yes. All Smarter by CNBC Make It courses have subtitles. Turn them on with the subtitle icon at the bottom-right of the screen.
I am enrolled in a Smarter class and having technical issues!
Smarter courses are supported only on Chrome and Firefox. If you are experiencing log-in issues with your class, please try signing in here: https://smarter.cnbcmakeit.com/sign_in
You can try troubleshooting with the steps from this article: General technical troubleshooting.
For other issues, please visit Teachable's help page here.
Can I take Smarter classes on a mobile device?
For iPhone, you can download the Teachable iOS app and follow Teachable's instructions for accessing courses in the app:
Links:
- Teachable iOS app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/teachable-online-courses/id1177062376
- Instructions for using the iOS app: https://support.teachable.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000766167-Use-the-iOS-App-as-a-Student
Please note: Smarter by CNBC Make It courses are only supported on Chrome and Firefox browsers.
Can I take Smarter classes outside of the US?
Yes. Smarter courses should be accessible outside the U.S., and the lessons apply to people living in the U.S. and elsewhere. Course materials are in English. Contact support if you run into access issues.
How do I download the workbook for my Smarter course?
After enrolling, you can download the course workbook as a PDF. The download button is at the bottom of the worksheet page.
Can I purchase a Smarter by CNBC Make It course as a gift?
Yes. Select "Send as a gift" at checkout, then enter the recipient's name, email address, and a gift message. The purchased course is sent to the recipient immediately after purchase.
What is the refund policy for Smarter courses?
All sales for Smarter services are final. Returns, refunds and exchanges are not provided.
More information:
- Terms of Service: https://smarter.cnbcmakeit.com/p/terms.
Read more here.
Have more questions? Reach out to us at smarter@cnbc.zendesk.com and we'll help you out.