My instructor gave me the best advice about talking to the tower. That was somthing I was worried about and thought it was a bit overwhelming. He told me "just remember that they are people too, just talk to them as people and you'll be fine." Atc is there to serve you, not the other way around. Their job is to help you and keep you safe. I was flying with an Englishman last year, he was quite shocked when I talked the controller in Santa Monica and called him dude.
Learning to talk is easy. You are usually saying the same thing over and over again. Listening is harder. Just listen and respond as you would anybody else. Don't be afraid to ask again or ask to explain. Most controllers can tell by how you speak whether your a student or not and they will take the time to help you out. I was flying to Van Nuys with a student who was having trouble on the radio so I jumped in. The controller told me to stay out of it and let my student try again and get it right.

I had a great flight with Kim last week. She's a natural and I can't wait to start flying with her more.

Good luck with your solo. Just do what you know and what your instructors know you can do and be carefull and most of all, have fun.