The course starts with the distinction between hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are specific and teachable. They are actual knowledge, technical or intellectual, and are typically quantifiable and measurable. They include traditional knowledge areas such as the STEM subjects - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - but also encompass other measurable skills such as language proficiency and technical skills. By contrast, soft skills are more difficult to measure and quantify. Often called interpersonal skills, they include personality traits such as critical thinking, leadership, problem-solving, and life skills - which include negotiating, networking, and working with cultural diversity, as well as communication and listening, etiquette, and getting along with other people. Both types of skills are necessary to perform and advance in most jobs successfully. Presentation skills are especially important in the workplace. Knowing how to present your ideas to a group or an individual in a way that is both informative and persuasive is the best tool in your arsenal for success and career advancement. The course focuses on the ability to make a successful presentation.
