Guide to Soft Skills and Proper Communication for College Students


Effective communication is an essential skill for college students, both in academic settings and beyond. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. This guide will help you navigate communication in a way that’s clear, respectful, and professional, with practical examples to illustrate key points.


1. Understanding Your Audience


Before you write an email, participate in a discussion, or send a text, consider who you’re talking to. Your tone, language, and how you present your message should match the situation and the expectations of the person you’re communicating with. Unless you have developed a relationship with the individual you are communicating with, all text in an email (or verbal language) should be courteous, professional, and to the point. 


 Example:

– Email to a professor: “Dear Professor Smith, I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to ask for clarification on the assignment due next week. Could you please provide more details on what you expect for the literature review section? Thank you, [My Name]”

– Text to a classmate: “Hey [NAME], can you send me the notes from today’s lecture? Thank you, [MY NAME]”


 Key Points:

  • Know your audience: Adjust your communication style depending on whether you’re talking to a professor, a classmate, or a friend.
  • Use appropriate tone: Formal language is expected in emails to professors, while a casual tone is fine