Professional Communication Tip Sheet

Quick Reference for Students

📧 Email Etiquette

- Use a clear subject line (e.g., “Meeting Request – CDS 101”)
- Start with a greeting: “Dear Professor Smith,” or “Hello Dr. Lee,”
- Be concise: state your purpose in 1–2 sentences
- Use proper punctuation, spelling, and grammar
- End with a polite closing: “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name

🗣️ Verbal Professionalism

- Introduce yourself clearly (name, year, major)
- Speak confidently and make eye contact
- Use polite language: “Could you please…”, “Would you mind if…”
- Avoid filler words and slang in formal settings

💬 Professional Phrases to Use

- “I hope this message finds you well.”
- “I am writing to follow up on…”
- “Would it be possible to schedule a time to meet?”
- “Thank you for your time and support.”

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

- Avoid using emojis or texting shorthand (e.g., “u” instead of “you”)
- Don’t start emails with “Hey” or leave out a greeting
- Avoid writing in all caps or using overly casual tone

🌟 SLP Student Presentation Planning Guide🌟 

Title of Presentation: __________________________
Target Audience (e.g., peers, parents, clinicians): __________________________
Presentation Context (e.g., case study, research, IEP meeting): __________________________
Time Allotted: __________ minutes

1. Purpose and Key Takeaways

Main Message or Purpose:
If my audience remembers only 1–2 things, they should remember...

2. Structure Outline

Introduction

Hook, purpose, overview (Why does this matter?)

Main Points

Organized 2–4 key points with transitions

Conclusion

Summary, impact statement, call to action or reflection

3. Engagement & Clarity

• Engagement Strategies: (e.g., question, story, visual, polling tool)

• Visual Supports or Handouts: How do they enhance understanding?
  
  

4. Voice & Delivery

• Appropriate Tone/Register for Audience:
  ☑ Formal Academic ☑ Professional Conversational ☑ Parent-Friendly

• Delivery Aspects to Focus On:
  ☑ Volume ☑ Pace ☑ Clarity ☑ Pausing ☑ Eye Contact ☑ Filler Words

• Practice Phrase to Redirect if You Forget or Lose Your Place:
  e.g., “Let me reframe that…”

5. Cultural & Contextual Responsiveness

• Cultural or Linguistic Considerations:

• Incorporating Personal Perspective or Background as an Asset:
  
  

6. Reflection Before Practice

• What am I most confident about?

• What am I unsure or nervous about?

• Goal for this Practice Presentation:

7. In-Class Presentation Logistics

Preparation for presenting in class with a projector and audience:

Before Presentation Day:

• ☑ Slides tested for contrast, readability, and formatting

• ☑ Video/sound clips embedded and tested

• ☑ Fonts are compatible (avoid rare or non-standard fonts)

• ☑ Bring presentation in multiple formats:

  • USB drive

  • Cloud backup (Google Drive, email, etc.)

  • PDF version (in case animations fail)

Day of Presentation:

• ☑ Arrive early to test projector and sound

• ☑ Confirm clicker/keyboard/remote use if applicable

• ☑ Check lighting (avoid washed-out visuals)

• ☑ Water bottle available

• ☑ Notes/cards printed if needed

• ☑ Know what to do if tech fails (e.g., present without slides, use printed handouts)

Presentation Practice & Self-Evaluation Rubric

Use this rubric for self-evaluation or peer feedback

Clarity of Message

Clear main idea and takeaways; well-supported by content

Structure & Flow

Logical order with smooth transitions

Visual Aids

Slides/media are readable, relevant, and not overcrowded

Audience Awareness

Content and tone tailored to the audience's needs

Delivery

Eye contact, voice, pace, confidence, body language

Engagement

Uses questions, visuals, stories, or tone to engage

Time Management

Stays within time without rushing or dragging

Handling Questions

Responds thoughtfully; acknowledges gaps honestly

Cultural Responsiveness

Reflects awareness of linguistic, cultural, or identity factors in content or delivery

Technology & Logistics

Demonstrates readiness with projector, media, backups, and troubleshooting

Reflection & Growth

Identifies strengths and areas for growth post-presentation