Professional Communication 101 - Implementation Templates
These templates provide structured frameworks to help you apply the key skills from each lesson in real-world professional situations.
Strategic Networking - Relationship Development Plan Template
Personal Networking Inventory
Current Network Strengths:
Network Gaps to Address:
Relationship Cultivation Targets
Name | Connection Type | Shared Interests/Goals | Next Interaction | Value I Can Offer | Long-term Vision |
Networking Opportunity Calendar
Month | Event/Opportunity | Preparation Needed | Goals | Follow-up Plan |
Relationship Maintenance System
Weekly Actions:
Monthly Actions:
Quarterly Actions:
Clear Communication - Message Planning Template
Communication Purpose
Primary Goal: (Inform, Request, Persuade, Instruct, etc.)
Specific Outcome Desired:
Audience Analysis
Who is my audience?
What do they already know about this topic?
What are their primary concerns or interests?
What potential resistance might I encounter?
Message Structure
Opening: (Attention-getter, purpose statement)
Main Points: 1. 2. 3.
Supporting Evidence/Examples:
Call to Action/Conclusion:
Clarity Check
Jargon to eliminate or explain:
Potential ambiguities to clarify:
Visual aids or examples needed:
Active Listening - Conversation Preparation Template
Listening Context
Conversation Purpose:
My Typical Listening Barriers in This Context:
Active Listening Plan
Level of Listening Required: (Conversational, Active, Deep)
Physical Environment Preparation:
Mental Preparation:
Engagement Techniques to Use
Non-verbal Engagement:
Verbal Encouragement Phrases:
Clarification Questions:
Summarization Approaches:
Post-Conversation Reflection
Key Points I Heard:
Underlying Needs/Concerns Identified:
Follow-up Actions:
Influential Speaking - Presentation Planning Template
Presentation Purpose
Primary Goal:
Specific Audience Response Desired:
Audience Connection Strategy
Audience Analysis:
Relevance Statements:
Common Ground to Establish:
Message Structure
Opening: (30-60 seconds)
Key Points: (limit to 3-5) 1. 2. 3.
Supporting Evidence for Each Point: - Point 1: - Point 2: - Point 3:
Closing and Call to Action:
Delivery Enhancement
Vocal Variety Elements to Focus On:
Movement/Gestures to Incorporate:
Visual Aids to Develop:
Potential Questions to Prepare For:
Feedback Delivery - Conversation Planning Template
Feedback Context
Relationship with Recipient:
Previous Feedback History:
Timing and Setting:
SBI Feedback Formulation
Situation: (When and where the behavior occurred)
Behavior: (Specific, observable actions)
Impact: (Effect on you, team, outcomes, etc.)
Agreement: (Collaborative next steps)
Delivery Approach
Opening Statement:
Key Points to Cover:
Questions to Ask:
Potential Responses and How I’ll Address Them:
Follow-up Plan
Check-in Timeline:
Success Indicators:
Support to Offer:
Feedback Reception - Processing Template
Feedback Received
Source:
Key Points:
My Initial Reaction:
Feedback Analysis
What triggered me about this feedback? - Truth trigger: - Relationship trigger: - Identity trigger:
What might be valid in this feedback?
What additional information do I need?
How does this align with other feedback I’ve received?
Response Plan
Clarifying Questions to Ask:
Appreciation to Express:
Next Steps Based on This Feedback:
Timeline for Implementation:
Negotiation - Preparation Worksheet
Negotiation Context
Issue to be Negotiated:
Relationship Considerations:
Timeline and Constraints:
Interest Analysis
My Core Interests: (must-haves)
My Important Interests: (strong wants)
My Minor Interests: (nice-to-haves)
Their Likely Core Interests:
Their Likely Important Interests:
Potential Shared Interests:
Options Development
Potential Solutions:
Creative Alternatives:
Possible Trades:
BATNA Analysis
My Best Alternative If No Agreement:
Strength of My BATNA: (1-10)
Their Likely BATNA:
Strength of Their BATNA: (1-10)
Objective Criteria
Relevant Standards or Benchmarks:
Precedents or Past Practices:
Principles of Fairness:
Collaborative Communication - Team Interaction Plan
Team Context
Team Purpose:
Current Communication Pattern:
Key Communication Challenges:
Personal Adaptation Strategy
My Natural Communication Style: - Directness: - Formality: - Detail level: - Emotional expression: - Pace:
Adaptations Needed for This Team:
Contribution Planning
Discussion Preparation: - Key points to contribute: - Questions to ask: - Information to gather beforehand:
Balanced Participation Strategy: - If I tend to speak less, I will: - If I tend to speak more, I will:
Conflict Navigation Approach
Potential Conflict Areas:
De-escalation Phrases:
Issue-Focused Statements:
Communication Norm Suggestions
Meeting Protocols:
Information Sharing:
Decision-Making Clarity:
Integrated Communication - Scenario Response Template
Scenario Analysis
Communication Context:
Key Stakeholders:
Primary Communication Challenges:
Desired Outcomes:
Skill Integration Strategy
Primary Skills Needed: 1. 2. 3.
How These Skills Will Work Together:
Communication Plan
Preparation Steps:
Key Interactions: 1. 2. 3.