What to say/do when meeting with your professor

• Be prepared and on time: The most important things to do when meeting with your professor is prepare for this session and also arrive on time.
• Use Fast Track Way’s Steps 1 & 2 to prepare to meet with professor: As for preparing to speak, you’d want to apply the Fast Track Way’s Step 1—assess your professor’s perspective and know your purpose in speaking with him—AND Step 2—state your main point at the outset. These two steps are the best way to prepare for any communication situation. Now let’s look at several scenarios.
• How to meet with professor to discuss grade: Let’s say that you’re meeting with your professor to discuss your grade. You received an A-, but you think that you deserved an A. Here’s what you might say, “Professor Clark, although I performed well on both my exam and my paper, I didn’t perform up to my own expectations. Since I received an A-, how can I improve my performance?” In response, your professor may say that when he grades, he also assesses whether a student speaks up in class, and you do not do so. He may go on to recommend that you speak up in class, especially regarding topics in which you excel. In turn, you might reply, “This is very helpful input. As you may know, speaking up in class isn’t emphasized in the Chinese educational system. Consequently, I’m not used to doing so. But, recently, a friend told me about advanced online English training that has shown him how to speak up in class. I will use this information to improve my own communication skills.” As you can see, using this approach, you’d have a productive—not a defensive—conversation with your professor.
• How to meet with professor to discuss project: Let’s say that you’re speaking with your professor about a project that you’d like to do. You might says, “Professor Rosen, I’d like to initiate a project on improving childhood nutrition. I’ve done some preliminary research and think that I could obtain funding from the XYZ Foundation. I’d appreciate any input you might provide.” Perhaps your professor has a colleague who’s already started a similar project and, therefore, suggests that you meet with this person to discuss his findings before you start your own project. In response, you might say, “I appreciate your letting me know that someone else is already working on a similar project. Meeting with this individual will help me decide whether or not to proceed with my project and, if so, how to narrow its focus and obtain the necessary resources. I’d appreciate your giving me this person’s contact information. After I meet with him, I’ll let you know. That way, I can get your feedback on whether I should move forward.” By listening to your professor and taking his input into consideration, once again, you’d have a productive—not a defensive—conversation.
• How to ask professor for reference: If you’re meeting with your professor to ask for a reference, you might say, “As you know, I’ve really enjoyed your course on how to market in the 21^st century. Recently, I interviewed with DEF Company for a position in their Marketing Department. I’d love an opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in this job. Therefore, I’d appreciate your serving as my reference for this wonderful opportunity.” Most likely, your professor would be happy to help you.
• How to ask professor for referral: If you’re meeting with your professor to ask for a referral, you might say, “I’ve truly enjoyed our class, especially learning how the American political system works. Because I’m about to start my job search, I’d appreciate any suggestions you might have as to how I can best leverage my degree and also anyone you might refer me to.” When you approach a professor seeking his guidance, he’s often flattered and, therefore, willing to help.