Training and Development

We are excited to welcome back Ching Ching Tan, MFA, to the Grad Slam team!  

Ching Ching Tan is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Communication Studies at San Jose State University. She earned her M.F.A. in Creative Nonfiction in 2024 and M.A. in Communication Studies in 2015 from San Jose State University, following a B.A. in International Studies - Linguistics from the University of California, San Diego in 2011.

A proud immigrant from China, Professor Tan began her U.S. education journey in community college ESL programs before transferring to UCSD. She draws on her linguistic identity to teach public speaking for English learners and create literary work exploring language and identity. Her teaching portfolio also includes interpersonal communication and other communication subjects.

A fun and interactive experience awaits for you!

The Grad Slam team will provide you, as a semifinalist, with a one-on-one rehearsal session prior to filming your submission video.

Dates and Times:

March 16 through March 20, 2026.  Various time slots will be available, and sign-ups will be required.

Semi-Finalists are invited to attend a 30-minute one-on-one dress rehearsal feedback appointment via Zoom.  You should come ready to give your presentation as if it were the filming day. During this appointment, you will deliver your presentation and show your slide. You can ask questions and receive live, individualized feedback on your speech, delivery, slide, and camera setup as needed to help you refine your work before the semi-final video submission date.

The Grad Slam team will provide you, as a finalist, with a rehearsal session prior to the stage performance at the Grad Slam.

Dates: April 9 and April 10, 2026

Time:  TBD.  Sign-ups will be required.

Finalists are invited to a 30-minute one-on-one feedback appointment in person on the SJSU Campus. During this appointment, you will deliver your presentation from the front of a large room to practice using the physical space.  You can ask questions and receive live, individualized feedback on your speech, delivery, slide, and stage use as needed to help you refine your work before speaking on stage. You should come prepared, as this is your last practice before the presentation day.

Participation in the Grad Slam experience will provide you with these key skills below that employers seek.  Formerly known as "soft skills," these skills are now referred to as "foundational skills" - those skills that employers expect in their incoming employees.  

• Tailor presentations to diverse teams and audiences

• Produce effective visualization of ideas

• Connect and build relationships with mentors and colleagues 

• Receive and provide constructive feedback

• Use persuasive skills appropriately

• Utilize time management skills under pressure

• Condense complex ideas into understandable units

• Understand and combat the effects of imposter syndrome