At CIS University, the course Communicating in Business once again demonstrated that communication is not taught through concepts alone, but through actual experiences. Under the guidance of Professor Karyn Suárez, second and third-year students took on one of the most meaningful projects of the semester: a challenge designed not only to develop effective communicators but also leaders capable of influencing with intention, ethics, and creativity.
The course introduces students to essential skills for their professional future, such as oral communication, negotiation, leadership communication, and teamwork. However, it was in the final module, focused on Persuasion and Influence, that theory truly became a transformative tool. Students explored Cialdini’s six principles of persuasion, analyzing how they shape business negotiations, sales conversations, and leadership dynamics.
From this learning experience emerged the Campus Café Expansion Project, a realistic simulation that invited teams to step into the role of the executive committee of a fictional on-campus café. Their mission was to develop a persuasive presentation capable of convincing a group of investors that their proposal was the most solid, creative, and strategic. It was not simply about presenting a plan, but also very much about demonstrating the ability to influence through credibility, emotion, and coherence.
One Challenge, Three Classes, One Shared Goal: Persuading with Authenticity
The three classes took part in a friendly competition that quickly revealed the students’ talent, commitment, and growing communication maturity. Presentation after presentation, Professor Suárez observed ideas becoming bolder, arguments more robust, and an increasingly confident delivery all around. Creativity merged with strategic rigor, resulting in a series of persuasive proposals that far exceeded initial expectations.
Given the high level achieved, the professor decided to expand the recognitions and create several special award categories, each celebrating different strengths within the communication process:
The Wolf of Velázquez Award
For outstanding selling techniques, persuasive vocal delivery, and confident communication.
The Café Architects of the Year Award
For innovative design, precise conceptual planning, and highly creative visual development.
The Cialdini’s Professor Award
For the clearest, most rigorous, and most precise application of Cialdini’s six principles.
The main recognition, the Excellence in Persuasion Award, was presented to Nicolás Antakly, Isabella Gonzalez, Rebeca Kamens, Pedro Alcántara Roca de Togores, and Jaime del Rey, whose presentation stood out for its impeccable persuasive structure, effective use of storytelling, seamless teamwork, and ability to inspire and convince their audience.
Persuasion as a Bridge to Leadership
The purpose of this project was clear: to help students master essential competencies for any business professional. Learning how to influence ethically, communicate with clarity, and act with intention is, ultimately, learning how to lead.
As Professor Karyn Suárez noted: “If you learn how to persuade, you can lead people, open opportunities, and position yourself for success in any business environment.”
A Closing That Opens New Paths
CIS University congratulates all the students who participated in this challenge for their dedication, professionalism, and outstanding performance.
Each presentation was more than an academic exercise; it was a reflection of personal growth, of the ability to connect, inspire, and embrace the challenge of communicating with authenticity.
Because at CIS University, we understand that leadership is not measured solely by results, but by the ability to turn ideas into impact, and persuasion into a tool for building projects with purpose.