The Communication Lab is a service available to all students enrolled in COM114, Fundamentals of
Speech Communication. Trained instructors are available to help you through every aspect of
preparing a presentation, including: selecting a topic, finding support, organizing arguments, writing
and revising outlines, delivering presentations.
Students are not required to make appointments, but we highly encourage students to schedule in
advance. Same-day appointments and walk-in slots might not be available every day. Students can
call 496-2771 to schedule a session or email comhelp@purdue.edu.
Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule an appointment. Give yourself time to revise after meeting
with a consultant. Students who meet with a tutor the day (or even the day before) an assignment is
due may not have sufficient time to devote to necessary revisions.
Since the Communication Lab can be busy, especially when outlines and speeches are due, students
may not be able to schedule an appointment at a convenient time. The sooner that students schedule
an appointment, the more likely that students can find days and times that fit their schedules.
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Bring any assignment sheets, textbooks, notes, and relevant materials to the session. Often,
students will have one impression of an assignment, and the syllabus or assignment sheet
may request something else. During a session, tutors and students may need to refer to
auxiliary materials and textbooks for further information.
Take notes during your consultation.
Have specific questions ready for consultant.
No. But we will point out if grammar and punctuation are a concern on your outline. We can direct you
to university services and websites that might help you improve your grammar.
The Communication Lab is designed to help you with specific areas you are struggling with, not review
entire outlines or fix your mistakes. For example, you might be struggling with your thesis. We’d be
happy to walk you through the process of writing a good thesis. Or we’d be happy to review your
current thesis with you and walk you through the process of improving it. Because appointments are
short, we advise students to have specific questions ready for the instructor, not just “Look at my
outline.”
No. The Communication Lab can help in any stage of the presentation process, from topic selection to
constructing outlines through delivery of your presentation.
We’ll be happy to provide you with a slip to take to your instructor.
No. Obviously the more attention you pay to an assignment, the greater the chances you will do
better. However, coming to the lab for help does not guarantee a high grade. The consultants can only
offer suggestions. You must still produce a final product. In addition, your instructor may have given
you additional instructions that the consultant might not be aware of. If these instructions are not
followed, this could adversely affect a grade.
Other factors, such as plagiarism, could also adversely affect your grade. The consultants will not run
your speech through an electronic plagiarism checker. They can review course policies on plagiarism
and suggest ways you can prevent plagiarism, but it is still your responsibility to ensure your
assignment is your original work.