Barbara Tannenbaum is a distinguished Senior Lecturer in Theatre Arts and Performance Studies and the driving force behind the School of Professional Studies’ highly sought-after course, Effective Communication. With over 50 years of teaching experience at Brown, Tannenbaum has transformed the careers of countless students through her expertise in public speaking and persuasive communication. She has been a key member of the SPS faculty from the beginning.
Her interactive and intensive online course provides participants with a foundation in core concepts, personalized coaching and practical strategies to elevate their communication skills in any setting. In addition to her certificate course, Barbara teaches communication and influence in the Master’s in Technology Leadership program and lectures in the Health Equity Scholars program. Beyond the classroom, Tannenbaum delivers annual communication workshops for many constituents within the Brown community.
In addition to her work at Brown, through her consulting firm Dynamic Communication, Tannenbaum has designed and delivered communication programs on six continents. Her impressive client list includes global technology companies, the California and Florida Supreme Courts, the International Monetary Fund and some of the world’s most prestigious museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Tannenbaum’s dedication to teaching excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including the John Rowe Workman Award for excellence in teaching in the humanities and the Barrett Hazeltine Citation for excellence in teaching, which she has received eleven times.
Through her efforts, she continues to inspire individuals to harness the power of their voices and become influential leaders. We sat down with her to discuss the past, present and future of SPS in honor of its 10th anniversary as a school.
- What has been the most rewarding aspect of teaching at the School of Professional Studies?
I love working with students and seeing them grow. The most rewarding part is hearing from them about how they’ve applied what they learned in my course to achieve extraordinary results.
- What skills do you believe are most crucial for professionals in today's rapidly changing job market?