COMMUNICATING CLEARLY Step by Step COMMUNICATING CLEARLY Exploratory

COMMUNICATING CLEARLY

Step by Step: COMMUNICATING CLEARLY § Exploratory & Explanatory Process § Exploratory- discovering what you want to say; done in private; read only by you (ex. Journaling, Outline, etc. ) § Explanatory- transmitting ideas to others; published/complete; prepared to let others read it (ex. OU reflection paper, English paper, etc. ) ***Writing is tangible evidence illustrating how well you think and understand concepts taught in your courses. ***

STEPS TO BETTER WRITING § Prewriting § First stage of exploratory; fill your mind with research information on topic; write down everything you think you need to know; seek answers § Writing § Exploratory becomes explanatory; rough draft; create outline and put ideas in a logical order; create a thesis (purpose of paper) § Rewriting § Adding smooth transitions; remove repetition; check spelling and grammar; get feedback (i. e. BEAR CLAW) ***The essence of good writing is rewriting!***

WAYS TO COMMUNICATE IN WRITING § Formal Writing § Papers, speeches, emails to authority figures, etc. § WATCH FOR: short hand, misspellings, grammar, tone, demands, & be sure to re-read BEFORE hitting send. § Informal Writing § Text messages, facebook, twitter, IM, etc. § Free expression, but still consider how others will perceive your tone if applicable ***Always consider readers point of view!***

PUBLIC SPEAKING § Quick Tips! § § § § § Prepare before presenting! Write down what you want to say. Watch body language Make eye contact Smile when appropriate Watch pitch, rate of speech, tone, volume, pronunciation, etc. Watch fillers…um, like, uh, you know, etc. Be clear and articulate Consider your appearance Practice! PRACTICE!!! Have FUN! ***Everyone has anxiety and gets nervous; it’s normal!!***

SWITCHING GEARS!!! How should you communicate with your Professor? ? Let’s review REAL emails GEP students sent this semester!

LET’S DISCUSS!!! Example 1: “Dear Professor, I don’t understand the homework assignment. Can you explain it more to me. Please email me back ASAP. Thanks. ” What’s wrong with this email? What suggestions would you offer your peer?

LET’S DISCUSS!!! Example 2: “So, my grade on blackboard is not right. I turned in the time schedule assignment. Can you please fix my grade. Thank you for your time. ” What’s wrong with this email? What suggestions would you offer your peer?

LET’S DISCUSS!!! Example 3: “Dear Professor, I tried 2 turn n my paper 2 u when u had office hours but u were not there. Can u get back 2 me as soon as possible so it will not b late. ” What’s wrong with this email? What suggestions would you offer your peer?

LET’S DISCUSS!!! Example 4: “Dear Professor, I’m sorry I missed class today again. I just been real stressed out and I will be honest. I have been shooting the shit with friends to much. But I am willing to improve and come to class so that my grade can improve. What can you do to help me? Thanks. ” What’s wrong with this email? What suggestions would you offer your peer?

When communicating with professors (especially via email) consider the following… § Label the subject of the email so they can quickly identify you and your concern § It may be “fluff” but using an opening line such as “I hope all is well; how are you; etc. ” can soften the tone of the email before hand § Don’t give orders (e. g. please get back to me; change my grade; respond asap, etc. ) § Remember instructors tend to believe you (the student) are on “their” time…soooo somewhat “play the game” and use phrases like (e. g. I look forward to hearing from you soon; at your earliest convenience; thanks for your time; etc. ) § If they don’t respond in a reasonable amount of time (give them at least 2448 hours), it is ok to send them a friendly follow-up § You are NOT the only student they have, so understand the ratio is 1 to 1+

SWITCHING GEARS!!! MARKET YOURSELF IN… 30 SECONDS FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING IMPRESSIONS!!!

30 SECOND INTROS… § Should Include: § Let’s discuss together… § Should Not Include: § Let’s discuss together…

ACTIVITY TIME!!! § Take out a sheet of paper § Write out your 30 second intro § Get with a partner and read your intro § Listen to make sure your partner did/did not include what we’ve discussed § Partners look at the clock to make sure it is 30 seconds § Give constructive feedback § Practice!!! § We will revisit soon!!!

Go forth and… COMMUNICATE CLEARLY!! ENJOY YOUR SPRING BREAK!!! SAFE TRAVELS!!!