So as you know we're doing a course project. And in my course we're going to write a memo. And it's a pitch memo to Coursera and we're going to persuade them that they need to publish a new specialization called Effective Communication. So it's basically the specialization we're working on right now, right? Okay, so I'm going to walk my students through how to outline it and how to write it. and what I'd like to do is brainstorm with you. What do you think, if we're trying to persuade Coursera to publish effective communication. What are the things that you think I should put in my memo? >> Specializations are more popular than ever. >> That's true. >> Maybe that could go in. I don't know. >> Yeah, because we could ride the wave of Coursera success, right? >> Could, could. >> This specialization, okay. >> Need. >> Need, yeah. Market need. >> Market need. >> I agree with that because I do know from my own research and really that companies who often go back in and spend money on new employees training them to write well. So I really believe in that part of the course. >> So maybe this is the heart of the memo that there are certain skills that we can teach. >> Good. >> And clarity revision of message >> We may have to work these out as you revise your own memo, but they lead to a sense of self branding >> Yes. >> Of self branding, right? They lead to a sense of self presentation beyond just saying, well, I'm presenting myself as William Cuskin, but the William Cuskin is a little more than just William Cuskin, right? It's a statement. [LAUGH] Sorry about that. >> [LAUGH] >> The other thing is that the three pieces of our specialization, writing, design, and presentation, they fit really well together. I mean, I'm always amazed when we're brainstorming about our lecture that what I'm teaching about writing is the same for design. It's just a different medium or platform for the way that you're expressing your ideas. And so the principles Work all the way through. I've been struck by that in many ways by Dave's contributions here because it seems to that there's a, I guess some terms would kick around before scaffolding or grid or formula that is common to what we're talking about. >> Right. >> And that that too, it's clarity, organization, then it's authority, and all of it ties into revision. >> Yes. >> Right? >> Right. Absolutely. Yeah. >> And then the kind of sum total of that work >> is the brand of the south. >> I think one other thing that our different fields have in common is that people think these things are really hard. That they think writing well is really, they go, well I really don't know. I can't write. I can't design. >> Yeah, yeah. >> Speaking for designers, as a designer, I would have to say, it's not that hard. >> [LAUGH] >> It's easier than people would think. >> Yeah, this is a commonality between the three of us, too. >> Absolutely, yeah. >> That, though we note >> Many design flaws, and much bad writing, and certainly we've sat through a number of bad presentations. [LAUGH] It's actually not that hard to get to good. >> No. >> It's not that hard to get to good. >> Which is where you want to be when you start. [LAUGH] >> Which is where you want to be. >> Right. >> You do not want to start >> Cause you can get from good to great. You can get from good to great. >> Yeah. [CROSSTALK] >> But, it's amazing how many people aren't willing to put in this small effort to get to great, to be great. It's not that hard. >> Well, and do you know, I think so many times, and I've seen this with students designing something at the end of a semester. It's a semester long project. >> They feel that this glass part, the design part or that presentation part or the riding part is an after thought. >> Yes. >> I've done all this research, I've done all field work >> Yeah. >> This part of it doesn't matter that much whereas that's the shell that surrounds everything they've done. >> That's what everyone sees, right? >> And that's what repels people of it's not, if it's not inviting. >> That's right. >> Yeah. >> Good. I think you have a good memo. At least some pink. [LAUGH] Right in the. [CROSSTALK] >> I think I have some work to do. >> Yeah you have some work to do. [LAUGH] [CROSSTALK] >> Yeah, you're the writer. See you later. >> I think I have some revision to do. [LAUGH] >> Okay, here's the deal. You write it up I'll help you design it so that it's beautiful. >> Perfect, and then maybe you can do a presentation to Coursera from what we say? >> I'll do my best. >> Okay. >> We'll make you look good. >> Thanks. >> [LAUGH] >> That is hard.