Decker Digital: Online Learning In Bite-Sized Modules - With A Twist

The Leading Business Communications Firm Decker Communications Expands into the Digital, E-Learning Space

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Mar 16, 2017, 11:30 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Gone are the days where "online training" and "e-learning" were synonymous with "boring" and "waste of time," where users mindlessly click-click-snooze. Decker Communications Inc., the leading business communication training, coaching and consulting firm, unveiled a first-of-its-kind online learning training. Get this – it's an online communication training where the learner does the speaking.

Since 1979, the hallmark of Decker Communications has been in-person communication training experiences for C-suite executives and their teams at Fortune 500 companies, leading non-profits and startups. That all changes today as the firm expands into the digital, e-learning space to round out its core business.

"For years, our clients have been asking us, 'How can I practice?' 'Is there a way for my remote teammate to get this experience?' 'What's the best way to keep getting better?' So, we created a platform to do just that – deliver the Decker experience online," explained Kelly Decker, president of Decker Communications and co-author of Communicate to Influence: How to Inspire Your Audience to Action (McGraw-Hill, 2015).

"We've leveraged cutting-edge technology to create the next best thing to training with us or working with a Decker Coach," says Decker, "For all of our clients who have disparate workforces and anyone else who is interested in self-paced learning, we can finally reach you. And for those who have used templated courses on their LMS systems, we've invented something that is effective, and it's actually fun, too. This program is a game changer."

Brand fanatics will be delighted to learn that the first course the company will offer under the umbrella of Decker Digital is called, "Communicate to Influence."

"Since video feedback and coaching have always been at the core of our programs, this is no different. It's interactive, innovative and impactful learning that meets you anywhere you have an internet connection," Decker described.

So where's the twist?

"The magic is in the Decker Digital Lab," revealed Decker.

Created to be the ultimate practice atmosphere, learners will test and drill their communication habits in front of a simulated live audience in a unique environment called the Decker Digital Lab™. Using their webcams, they will record themselves. Then, they will play back the footage to see their habits and identify what needs to change.

Though the course is just being released today, it's been incredibly well-received by online learning veterans around the world who have previewed the course. Jean-Baptiste Kamate, Director of Global Field Operations at World Vision International, loved the course, raving, "The Decker online course is magic! Unlike other online programmes, the Decker course is revolutionary. It gets you to move and gets you absolutely engaged! It is more than a course; it is a conversation to get the job done: communicate to influence! This is the best ever online communication course I've participated in."

Another savvy tester was Diane Parks, Sr. Manager, Talent Development and Programs, Talent Management and Organizational Development at Western Digital, who manages training offerings across her global company. "I expected to suffer through it, like usual. Instead, I was blown away," Parks admitted. "This course made communication a conversation," and she noticed all of the details that are unique to the Decker Digital experience, "Format was fabulous – the layout was easy to use, the graphics packed a punch, it was easy to watch and listen to the music. The language was easy to take in. I also really liked the intro with what to expect – helped manage expectations, time and got me excited."

The program is initially available on Google Chrome for laptop and desktop users, starting today. Individuals can sign up for a 12-month license via the Decker Communications website. It is priced at $449, and there is volume pricing available, as well.

At a Glance:

Decker Digital: Communicate to Influence:

Video record yourself, identify areas of improvement and practice with purpose
"Live" audience simulation: choose your audience including one-on-one, a small group, a team huddle and a larger town hall
See and hear your voice using an oscilloscope
Interactive exercises and build-your-own workbook to capture your notes
7 bite-sized modules
Instruction by hosts Ben Decker and Kelly Decker
It's available via the web, and it can also integrate with your corporate LMS

About Decker Communications:
Decker Communications consults and trains businesses in communications – both in what they say and how they say it. Since 1979 Decker has worked with thousands of leaders in Fortune 500 companies. Decker is the leading expert in business communications, creating focus and confidence to help leaders communicate vision, motivate action or close the deal. For more information, visit http://decker.com or call 415.543.8100.