In this intensive, two-week course experience, students model leadership scenarios by learning the elements of oral communication by leaders, analyzing real-world examples, and finally role-playing competing interests while collaborating on an original speech. This course builds on skills learned in Written, Oral, and Multimedia Communication class in Ashesi’s the first-year experience in Semester 1 of the academic year 2020-2021 by reflecting on the motivations and tradeoffs involved in pleasing different constituencies of the audience for a speech. Structured discussion and reflection enables students to gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges inherent in winning support while remaining ethical.

Day 1:  Discussion – Small group discussion and analysis of real-world speeches and political interactions. Why do politicians have a reputation for lying? Is it possible to both inspire and stay realistic?

Day 2:  Role Playing Part 1 – Case Studies in Leadership

Day 3:  Role playing Part 2 – Politicians Debate

Day 4:  Reflection – What have we learned?  What would you do?

Faculty: Takako Mino, Abena Gyekye Okpoti Paolo, Pamela Thomas

Faculty: Lilian Naa Komiokor Quaye, Julianne Djan-Sampson, Rachel Araba Sam