Speak Like a Pro Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Speak Like a Pro: Tone & Register
Lesson 1
Communication Pros Sequence
Lesson Objective
Students will differentiate between casual speech and professional dictation, applying "code-switching" techniques to produce formal digital communication using voice-to-text tools.
The Hook: Text vs. Letter
"If you were texting your best friend about being late, you'd say: 'omw lol sry.' If you were dictating an email to your boss, what would you say?"
Display a messy transcript of casual speech versus a polished dictated sentence. Ask students which one is easier for a computer to turn into a professional document.
At a Glance
Instructional Sequence
1
Concept Introduction (10 mins)
Define Tone and Register . Discuss why software struggles with slang, fillers (um, like), and run-on thoughts. Explain that "Speaking to Type" requires a "Dictation Voice."
2
The "Voice Filter" Activity (15 mins)
Provide students with casual sentences. Challenge them to "translate" them in their heads before speaking them into the dictation tool. Focus on replacing slang with formal equivalents.
3
Guided Practice: Peer Dictation (15 mins)
Students work in pairs. Partner A "acts" as a computer, writing exactly what Partner B says. Partner B tries to dictate a professional request. Swap roles.
Accommodations
Provide a word bank of formal transitions (However, Furthermore).
Allow students to use physical sentence starters.
Reduce the number of required sentences for translation.
Extensions
Students can research how AI handles different accents/dialects.
Draft a longer formal "Letter of Intent" using only voice.
Key Discussion Questions
"Why does the computer need us to use punctuation commands (like 'period' or 'new line') instead of just guessing?"
"How does changing our tone change how people treat our requests in an email?"
Speak Like a Pro Slides Speak Like a Pro
Mastering the Professional Dictation Voice
Communication Pros: Lesson 1
Text vs. Professional Tone
Casual Text
"hey im gonna b late lol traffic is crazy sry"
Professional Email
"Please be advised that I am running late due to heavy traffic. I apologize for the delay."
Which one does the computer understand better?
What is Tone?
Tone
The attitude or "vibe" your writing sends to the reader.
Register
Adjusting your language based on who you are talking to (Formal vs. Casual).
The "Dictation Voice"
No Slang
The computer doesn't know "bruh" or "no cap."
Clear Stops
You must say "Period" or "New Paragraph."
Pacing
Speak at a steady, rhythmic pace.
Live Challenge
Translate this casually spoken phrase:
"Uhh... hey, can u like, check my math work? i'm stuck lol thx."
Step 1
Filter Slang
Step 2
Add Commands
Step 3
Speak Clearly
Speak Like a Pro Worksheet Tone Switcher Challenge
Communication Pros • Lesson 1
Name
Date
Part 1: The Basics
Match the term to its correct definition by writing the letter in the box.
1. Tone: The attitude or "vibe" of your message.
2. Register: Changing your style depending on who is listening.
3. Dictation Voice: Speaking clearly and including punctuation commands.
Part 2: The "Brain Filter"
Read the casual phrases below. Rewrite them into professional sentences that a computer can easily transcribe.
Casual Input:
"Hey, bruh... u busy? I need help with that thing later."
Casual Input:
"Yo teach, sry I missed class... my bad, won't happen again."
Part 3: Mic Check
Digital Lab Required
Open your dictation software. Dictate the sentences you wrote in Part 2. Paste or write what the computer actually typed below.
Transcript 1
(The computer's text goes here)
Transcript 2
(The computer's text goes here)
Efficiency Check
Did the computer get it right the first time? Why or why not?
The Email Engine Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
The Email Engine: Format & Navigation
Lesson 2
Communication Pros Sequence
Lesson Objective
Students will identify the four standard parts of a professional email and use voice commands to navigate email fields and dictate concise requests.
The Hook: Time Attack
"You have 2 minutes to explain to your teacher why your homework is late. Ready? Go!"
Use a digital timer. Have students try to dictate a 3-sentence email. Discuss the difficulty of formatting (subject lines, greeting) when in a rush.
At a Glance
Instructional Sequence
1
Email Anatomy (10 mins)
Review Subject Line (concise), Salutation (formal), Body (purpose), and Closing . Model a "perfect" 3-sentence email.
2
Dictation Navigation (15 mins)
Teach voice commands for the specific platform (e.g., "Tab," "Enter," "Select All"). Discuss why some fields are better typed (like Email Addresses) vs. dictated (Body).
3
Simulation: The Request (20 mins)
Students dictate a formal email requesting a meeting with a teacher or explaining a tech issue. Focus on using "New Line" and "Period" commands.
Common Roadblocks
The "Running Sentence" Effect
Students forget to dictate periods. Remedy: Have them tap their desk every time they finish a thought to trigger the command.
Email Address Accuracy
Dictation software often fails on "jsmith2024@school.org ". Remedy: Teach students to manually type addresses but dictate content.
The Email Engine Slides The Email Engine
Formatting & Voice Navigation
Lesson 2: Communication Pros
The 4 Core Parts
1. Subject Line
The "Headline" of your message. Short and clear.
2. Salutation
The "Greeting." (e.g., Dear Ms. Smith,)
3. Body
The "Action." Why are you writing?
4. Sign-off
The "Goodbye." (e.g., Sincerely, [Your Name])
Subject Line: "Clickbait" or "Clarity"?
"Heeeyy!!! HELP!!!!"
"Meeting Request: Science Project Question"
A professional subject line never uses more than 5-7 words.
Voice Navigation
The "Tab" Command
Saying "Tab" moves the cursor from the Subject field to the Body field without using a mouse.
The "New Line" Command
Saying "New Line" moves the cursor down, creating space between your greeting and your message.
Time Attack!
Scenario:
"Your Chromebook isn't charging. Dictate an email to the Tech Office (tech@school.org ) asking for a replacement."
2:00
Must have all 4 parts!
The Email Engine Worksheet Email Engine Blueprint
Communication Pros • Lesson 2
Name
Date
Part 1: Anatomy of an Email
Label the four parts of this email using the word bank: Body, Subject Line, Closing, Salutation.
Subject:
Request for Classroom Presentation Help
Part A: ________
Dear Mr. Henderson,
Part B: ________
I am writing to ask if you could help me set up the projector for my presentation tomorrow. I will be in the room five minutes early. Thank you for your time.
Part C: ________
Best regards,
Sam Johnson
Part D: ________
Part 2: Navigation Commands
Draw a line from the voice command to what it does on the computer.
"TAB"
"PERIOD"
"NEW LINE"
Moves the cursor down (Enter key)
Ends a sentence and adds a dot
Jumps to the next text field
Part 3: Time Attack Prep
You need to email the librarian (Ms. Book) because you found a torn page in your library book. Brainstorm your Subject Line and Salutation before you dictate.
Planned Subject Line
Planned Salutation
Final Body Draft (Write what you will say!)
Tech Trouble Hunters Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Tech Trouble Hunters: Troubleshooting
Lesson 3
Communication Pros Sequence
Lesson Objective
Students will develop troubleshooting strategies for common dictation failures, including managing environmental noise, verifying microphone input, and applying software "restarts" when tools become unresponsive.
The Hook: The Noisy Cafe
"Try to dictate your name while I play this YouTube video of a busy coffee shop at full volume. Can the computer hear you?"
Play background noise. Students will immediately see the dictation tool fail or make hilarious errors. This leads into the "Why" of environmental management.
At a Glance
Instructional Sequence
1
The 3 Pillars of Accuracy (10 mins)
Explain Environment (Quiet vs. Loud), Hardware (Mic position/Mute), and Software (Refresh/Restart). Create a "Trouble-Hunter Checklist."
2
Inquiry Lab: Find the Fault (15 mins)
Sabotage several workstations (e.g., mute the mic in system settings, slightly unplug a headset, or turn off the dictation extension). Students must diagnose and fix the "broken" tech.
3
Resilience Reflection (10 mins)
Discuss the "Frustration Point." What do you do when the tech isn't working? (Take a breath, use the checklist, ask for a quiet space, or switch to typing temporarily).
The "Hunters" Checklist
Is the microphone physically plugged in?
Is the system volume or mic input muted?
Is there too much background noise?
Have I tried refreshing the page?
Tech Trouble Hunters Slides Tech Trouble Hunters
Solving Glitches & Managing Your Environment
Lesson 3: Communication Pros
Simulation Time!
The "Noisy Cafe" Challenge
Can your computer understand you when the world is loud? Let's test the limits of your microphone.
Wait for the background noise to start...
Where is the glitch?
Environment
Fans, chatter, cars outside, or loud music. Is your room too loud?
Hardware
Broken mic, muted button, or loose cables. Is the gear working?
Software
Frozen apps, no internet, or wrong settings. Does the app need a restart?
The "Hunter's" Checklist
1
Check physical plugs
2
Verify system mute
3
Find a "Sound Wall"
4
Refresh the page
Resilience
What do you do when the computer gets it wrong?
❌ Don't get angry at the screen.
✅ Take a breath and check the list.
"The technology works for you, you don't work for the technology!"
Tech Trouble Hunters Worksheet Trouble Hunter's Field Log
Communication Pros • Lesson 3
Name
Date
Part 1: Environment Audit
Listen closely to your classroom. Check the boxes for any sounds you hear that might confuse the dictation software.
Humming fans or AC
Other students talking
Tapping/typing sounds
Hallway noise
My "Sound Wall" Plan:
If the room gets too loud, I will solve the problem by...
Part 2: Solve the Glitch
Read each scenario and write the check from the Troubleshooting Checklist that fixes it.
"The computer is typing gibberish because the person next to me is talking."
Fix Command:
"I'm talking but the little microphone icon isn't moving at all."
Fix Command:
"The dictation tool was working fine, but now it's stuck on one word."
Fix Command:
The Resilience Pledge
Tech isn't perfect, but neither are we. When I get frustrated with my dictation tool, I will...
1. ________________________________
2. ________________________________
How confident do you feel today?
I need more help
I'm a Trouble Hunter!
My Voice My Power Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
My Voice My Power: Self-Advocacy
Lesson 4
Communication Pros Sequence
Lesson Objective
Students will draft and practice a professional "elevator pitch" to explain their use of dictation technology to authority figures, focusing on articulating their needs and the benefits of the tool.
The Hook: The Substitute Teacher
"Imagine a substitute teacher walks in and sees you talking to your screen. They say: 'Put that away and start writing!' How do you respond professionally?"
Role-play the "wrong" way (getting defensive) versus the "professional" way (calm explanation). This sets the stage for self-advocacy.
At a Glance
Instructional Sequence
1
The Power of "Because" (10 mins)
Explain that people are more likely to support you if you give a clear reason. Introduce the formula: Tool + Benefit + Specific Need. (e.g., "I use dictation because it helps me organize my thoughts...")
2
Scripting Your Pitch (15 mins)
Students draft their scripts. Focus on professional vocabulary (Accommodations, Efficiency, Accessibility). Use the student worksheet for scaffolding.
3
Role-Play Rotations (20 mins)
Students practice in pairs. One is the "Skeptical Boss/Teacher" and the other is the "Advocate." Switch roles and give feedback on tone and clarity.
Professional Vocabulary
Accommodations Accessibility Productivity Efficiency Standard Practice Advocacy
My Voice My Power Slides My Voice My Power
Mastering Self-Advocacy & Tool Explanation
Lesson 4: Communication Pros
What is Self-Advocacy?
"Self-advocacy is the ability to speak up for what you need and explain how you learn best."
— You are the expert on your own learning style!
The "Advocacy Script"
1
The Tool
"I use voice-to-text dictation..."
2
The Benefit
"...because it helps me be more efficient and productive."
3
The Need
"I need a quiet corner to speak clearly."
Level Up Your Language
Don't Say:
"I have to talk to my laptop."
Instead Say:
"I use assistive technology for my writing tasks."
Don't Say:
"Typing is too hard."
Instead Say:
"Dictation allows me to better organize my thoughts."
Mission Control
Role Play Scenario:
"A substitute teacher tells you to stop talking to your computer. Explain your needs in 3 sentences."
Partner A: Advocate
Partner B: Skeptic
My Voice My Power Worksheet Advocate's Script Builder
Communication Pros • Lesson 4
Name
Date
Part 1: The "Why"
Before you speak to someone, you need to know exactly why you use your tool. Check all that apply to you:
It helps me get my ideas down faster.
It helps me with spelling/grammar.
It stops my hands from getting tired.
It helps me organize my thoughts.
Part 2: The Advocacy Formula
Fill in the blanks to create your professional pitch.
1. Identify the Tool
"Excuse me, I use ____________________________________________________________________"
(Example: assistive technology, voice-to-text dictation, digital writing tools)
2. Explain the Benefit
"...because it allows me to ________________________________________________________________"
(Example: be more productive, share my ideas clearly, complete my work efficiently)
3. Request an Accommodation
"To use this tool properly, I need ________________________________________________________"
(Example: a quiet corner, to wear my headset, a five-minute extension)
Part 3: Proposing Solutions
If someone says "No" because you're being too loud, what are two professional solutions you can offer?
Peer Review Check
Was their tone calm?
Did they explain the benefit?
Was their request clear?
The Office Sprint Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
The Office Sprint: Mastery Simulation
Lesson 5
Communication Pros Sequence
Lesson Objective
Students will demonstrate mastery of professional dictation by completing three distinct workplace communication tasks—managing a schedule, drafting a multi-part email, and creating a task list—within a timed simulation.
The Hook: Executive Assistant Day
"Welcome to your first day at AT-Pros Corp! Your boss is in back-to-back meetings and needs you to clear their inbox. You only have your voice—no keyboard allowed!"
Hand out the "Sprint Dossier." Set a timer for 25 minutes. This is a quiet, high-focus simulation where the teacher acts as the "Boss" checking in.
At a Glance
Duration
60 Minutes
Assessment Type
Mastery-Based Simulation
The Sprint Roadmap
1
Briefing (10 mins)
Review all previously learned skills: Punctuation commands, navigation, professional tone, and troubleshooting. Distribute the Simulation Worksheet.
2
Simulation Run (30 mins)
Students perform 3 tasks. Task 1: Dictate a 5-item daily schedule. Task 2: Respond to an urgent email. Task 3: Dictate a technical support request about a "bug."
3
Debrief & Celebration (15 mins)
Review common errors. Award "Professional Communicator" certificates or badges. Discuss how they can use these skills in high school and beyond.
Success Criteria
Skill Target Mastery Tone No slang; uses professional register in all tasks. Accuracy Includes punctuation (periods, commas) via voice commands. Efficiency Completes all three tasks within the 30-minute window. Formatting Emails include Subject, Salutation, Body, and Closing.
The Office Sprint Slides The Office Sprint
Mastery Simulation: Executive Assistant Day
Final Mission: Lesson 5
The Challenge
"You have been hired as a Junior Executive Assistant. You must clear your boss's inbox using ONLY your voice. No typing allowed!"
Rule 1
Mic On Only
Rule 2
Pro Tone Only
Rule 3
30 Min Timer
The Sprint Dossier
01
The Schedule
Dictate the boss's 5 meetings. Use "New Line" after each.
02
The Urgent Reply
Dictate a formal email responding to a meeting request.
03
The Tech Ticket
Dictate a troubleshooting request about a broken mic.
Level Up
You've moved from "Texting Friends" to "Professional Efficiency." How will you use your Dictation Voice in your other classes?
English
Dictating Essay Drafts
Science
Dictating Lab Observations
Sprint!
Mastery Status
Commence Simulation Now
The Office Sprint Worksheet Office Sprint Dossier
Communication Pros • Final Mastery Simulation
Mastery Badge
Simulation Mission
You are the Junior Executive Assistant for AT-Pros Corp. Your boss is currently in a meeting and needs you to handle three urgent tasks. You must use only your voice for these tasks.
Professional Tone
Correct Commands
No Keyboard
Task 1: The Daily Schedule
5 POINTS
Dictate the following meetings into a list. You must say "New Line" or "Next Item" after each.
• 9:00 AM - Staff Coffee
• 11:30 AM - Marketing Sync
• 1:00 PM - Client Lunch
• 3:00 PM - Project Review
• 4:30 PM - Board Briefing
Open your dictation app.
Dictate the list here.
Task 2: The Urgent Reply
10 POINTS
Your boss needs you to email the catering company (events@eatwell.com ). Tell them the 1:00 PM lunch is for 12 people, not 10. Must have all 4 parts of an email!
Dictate your formal email reply here.
(Include Subject Line and Sign-off)
Task 3: The Tech Ticket
5 POINTS
Your microphone is cutting out. Write a 2-sentence script explaining the problem to the IT desk using your Self-Advocacy Formula .
My Advocacy Script Draft
Requested Solution
Sprint Status:
Supervisor (Teacher) Signature