Deck 1: Communicating in Everyday Life

Question 1

Discuss the four background elements that can play an important role in determining a receiver's possible reaction and response to a message.

Answer 1

The four background elements that can play an important role in determining a receiver's possible reaction and response to a message are:
a) The knowledge both the sender and the receiver already have about the facts, ideas, and language used in the message.
b) The personality of the receiver-particularly the emotions, attitudes, and prejudices that are likely to influence the way the message is interpreted.
c) The receiver's experiences relevant to the message content.
d) The receiver's interest and motivation regarding the subject of the message.

Question 2

Define both oral communication and written communication and describe when each type of communication is most effective.

Answer 2

Oral communication requires a speaker and a listener. Oral communication is most effective when the sender has good speaking skills and the receiver has good listening skills. Written communication requires a writer and a reader. Written communication is most effective when the sender has good writing skills and the receiver has good reading skills.

Question 3

List and describe the six basic components of communication.

Answer 3

The six basic components of communication are:
a). Message sender - The sender composes the intended message.
b). Actual message - The actual message may be written, oral, or nonverbal; or it may combine two or more types of communication.
c). Message transmission - Written messages can be sent in traditional formats such as letters, memos, and reports. Written messages can also be sent electronically using fax machines, text messages, or e-mail. Oral messages can be delivered through face-to-face conversations, by phone, by voice mail, or by live video chats. Nonverbal messages are sent through gestures, body movements, and facial expressions.
d). Message receiver - The receiver takes delivery of, or receives, the message.
e). Message interpretation - The receiver interprets the message. The interpretation may be different from the intended message or the actual message.
f). Feedback - The sender and the receiver respond to each other through written, oral, or nonverbal means or through a combination of these components.

Question 4

What are the differences between using the "you-attitude" and the "I-attitude" in a business situation?

Question 5

In what ways can a communicator be considerate of his or her receiver?

Question 6

Explain how speaking is important in your social, educational, and professional life.

Question 7

Describe how writing is important in your social, educational, and professional life.

Question 8

53. Describe how reading is important in your social, educational, and professional life.

Question 9

Describe how information flows within an organization.

Question 10

Discuss how the tone of business communication differs in internal versus external communication.

Question 11

_____ are online communities that use technology to facilitate communication among individuals or group members.

Question 12

Factors interfering with communication that may negatively affect the intended message are called _____.

Question 13

_____ skills, also known as interpersonal skills, involve the ability to understand and deal with people in a way that maintains a favorable relationship and goodwill.

Question 14

_____ is attentively listening to the speaker's actual words, as well as tone of voice, and observing the body language and emotions displayed.

Question 15

In a social setting, good _____ -those who understand what the speaker is saying and why-are much in demand.

Question 16

The management team of an organization transfers information about an employee to the HR department of the organization. In this scenario, the type of communication between the management team and the HR department is an example of _____ communication.

Question 17

The transfer of information to and from people outside the company is called _____.

Question 18

All communication should be consistent in fact, treatment, and _____.

Question 19

Paula is writing to her boss about the negative effects of having separate offices for senior management and junior management. To support her views, Paula refers to a published paper on the topic. In the context of the six Cs of business communication, this is an example of consistency in _____.

Question 20

Which type of communication provides proof that information was exchanged?

A) Written communication
B) Nonverbal communication
C) Oral communication
D) Kinesthetic communication

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a basic component of communication?

A) Feedback
B) Actual message
C) Message transmission
D) I-attitude

Question 22

According to the psychologist Abraham Maslow, esteem needs are satisfied:

A) through food, shelter, and clothing.
B) through feelings of self-importance or prestige.
C) by providing security against mental abuse.
D) by providing security against physical abuse.

Question 23

According to the psychologist Abraham Maslow, self-actualizing needs are met through a:

A) feeling of self-importance, prestige, or recognition.
B) sense of achievement, competence, and creativity.
C) feeling of belonging to a group.
D) sense of security from physical harm and mental abuse.

Question 24

Which of the following statements is True about the different types of communication?

A) Written communication does not provide proof that the information was exchanged.
B) Nonverbal communication is communication with words.
C) In written communication, immediate feedback may not always be possible.
D) Oral communication is communication without words.

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT one of the main purposes of communication?

A) To inquire or to inform
B) To persuade
C) To demonstrate extensive vocabulary
D) To develop goodwill

Question 26

Which of the following background elements relates to the emotions, attitudes, and prejudices that are likely to influence the receiver's interpretation of a message?

A) Receiver's knowledge
B) Receiver's personality
C) Receiver's experience
D) Receiver's interest and motivation

Question 27

Which of the following is the reason why physical distractions are usually easier to prevent in a listening or speaking situation?

A) In a listening or speaking situation, the listener has little control over his or her surroundings.
B) The surroundings of a listening or speaking situation can often be changed.
C) In a listening or speaking situation, the sender is never required to develop error-free messages.
D) In a listening or speaking situation, the receiver is never expected to provide feedback to the sender.

Question 28

Jimmy's understanding and interpretation of an instruction from his teacher is hampered because he is preoccupied with a personal matter. Which type of barrier to communication does this represent?

A) Emotional distraction
B) Physical distraction
C) I-attitude
D) You-attitude

Question 29

Which of the following communication skills are used when you listen to instructions and ask questions for clarification?

A) Listening and reading
B) Listening and writing
C) Reading and writing
D) Listening and speaking

Question 30

Which of the following will enhance and reinforce your listening skills?

A) Lacking knowledge of the subject matter
B) Worrying about an upcoming event
C) Asking questions to clarify points
D) Lacking vocabulary

Question 31

Which communication skill broadens your knowledge and understanding of the world and actually makes you a more interesting person in your social life?

A) Reading.
B) Speaking.
C) Writing.
D) I-attitude.

Question 32

In your educational life, asking questions, summarizing information, and expressing ideas are an important part of the learning process. Which communication skill would you be using for each of these activities?

A) Listening
B) Writing
C) Speaking
D) Reading

Question 33

Transmitting information between and among persons within a business or organization is called:

A) internal communication.
B) peripheral communication.
C) external communication.
D) intrapersonal communication.

Question 34

Jennifer writes an e-mail to the HR department of her organization to suggest a new caterer for the cafeteria. This is an example of:

A) peripheral communication.
B) intrapersonal communication.
C) internal communication.
D) external communication.

Question 35

A job listing that tries to attract qualified personnel to fill a certain position is an example of:

A) upward communication.
B) intrapersonal communication.
C) internal communication.
D) external communication.

Question 36

Tone, as it applies to business communication, usually refers to:

A) the number of components in a communication process that are used to determine the length of a message.
B) the general manner of expression or effect of a written document, conversation, discussion, or speech.
C) the color of the paper on which a message is written.
D) the charisma of the receiver who interacts with the sender in a communication process.

Question 37

Which of the following is one of the six Cs of effective business communication?

A) Credibility
B) Comprehensiveness
C) Consistency
D) Complexity

Question 38

With regard to the six Cs of effective communication, the arrangement of listings, such as alphabetical, numerical, or chronological is referred to as consistency in:

A) fact.
B) sequence.
C) treatment.
D) courteousness.

Question 39

With regard to the six Cs of effective communication, being specific rather than vague is a way to meet the criterion for:

A) correctness in communication.
B) courteousness in communication.
C) clear in communication.
D) consistency in communication.

Question 40

Oral communication is the use of spoken words to exchange ideas and information.

Question 41

The other communication skills assist listening in every profession.

Question 42

Feedback to a message may include a written response and verbal questions, but it does not include nonverbal gestures.

Question 43

Physical distractions as barriers to communication are usually harder to prevent in a speaking or listening situation because the surroundings cannot be controlled or changed.

Question 44

Miscommunication occurs when components of the intended message, actual message, or interpreted message are different for either the sender or the receiver.

Question 45

The you-attitude involves putting your reader or listener first and being considerate of the other person.

Question 46

Written communication is most effective when the sender has good writing skills and the receiver has good reading skills.

Question 47

Reading is an inefficient means of gaining information because you cannot control the flow of information.

Question 48

When used together, listening, speaking, reading, and writing tend to confuse most communication situations.

Question 49

In business, horizontal communication is communication with people who are at the same level as you.

Question 50

Reflective listening involves putting your reader or listener first and being considerate of the other person.

Question 51

With regard to the six Cs of effective communication, consistency in fact means treating similar items the same way.

Question 52

15. One of the six Cs of effective communication is complexity.