Question 1

When selecting a communication channel, the preferences of the audience should be a major consideration.

Accepted Answer

The preferences of the audience should be considered in order to select a communication channel that is most effective for reaching and engaging them. Failure to consider the audience's preferences may result in ineffective communication and a lower level of engagement.

Question 2

The first step in choosing the correct wording for a message is to consider the characteristics of the audience to whom the message will be directed.

Accepted Answer

It is important to consider the audience when choosing the wording of a message because different audiences may respond better to different types of language, tone, and terminology.

Question 3

You should always select a communication channel that you are comfortable using. If it works for you, it's good for the audience.

Accepted Answer

The choice of communication channel should be based on the audience's preferences and the nature of the message, not just the sender's comfort level.

Question 4

When listening, you should NOT get overly comfortable because if your body is too relaxed, your mind may wander more easily.

Accepted Answer

When the body is too comfortable, the mind may wander more easily, which can lead to distraction from the listening process. It is better to sit upright and maintain a alert posture while listening.

Question 5

Memos are a good communication channel when the intent is to convey a noncontroversial but detailed message to a large number of people.

Accepted Answer

Memos can be an effective communication channel when the message is straightforward and informative, meant for a large group of people without any controversial details. As it is devoid of expressed opinions or emotions, memos are used to provide clarity to a large group of people in a professional context.

Question 6

Videoconferencing is a good channel for communicating complex information to many people in geographically distant locations.

Accepted Answer

Videoconferencing allows for real-time communication and the ability to share visual aids, making it an effective channel for presenting complex information to a large audience located in different locations.

Question 7

According to the International Listening Association, 85 percent of what people learn is derived from listening.

Accepted Answer

The International Listening Association states that 85 percent of what people learn is derived from listening.

Question 8

When listening, you should use verbal feedback and questions to indicate understanding and empathy.

Accepted Answer

Verbal feedback and questions are important parts of active listening, as they show the speaker that you are engaged and understanding their message. Using empathetic language and reflecting back what the speaker has said can also help to strengthen the connection and understanding between listener and speaker.

Question 9

Amie Johannson is the CEO of Megabux Inc. Her company has just worked out an agreement to merge with Lottadoe Enterprises, and Amie wants to announce the deal to her employees. She knows that the merger will require a reorganization and that some employees will worry about their job security. She wants to assure them of her personal commitment to minimizing layoffs. One of the best ways for Amie to communicate information about the merger would be to issue a memo to all employees.

Accepted Answer

A memo may not be the best way to communicate sensitive information like a merger and potential layoffs. A more personal approach, such as a company-wide meeting or video message, would allow for clearer communication and the opportunity to address employee concerns directly.

Question 10

One drawback of voice mail is that it doesn't provide the sender with a permanent record of the message.

Accepted Answer

Voice mail messages are typically deleted or automatically erased after a certain period of time, so they do not provide a permanent record of the message for the sender.

Question 11

Texting provides a richer communication channel than telephone conversations.

Accepted Answer

Telephone conversations offer a richer communication channel because they convey tone of voice, emotion, and immediate feedback, unlike texting which relies solely on written words and sometimes emojis, making it harder to convey nuanced emotions and intentions.

Question 12

In the business world, spending more than a few minutes working on the wording of a message is usually a waste of time because the way a message is worded has little impact on how the message is received.

Accepted Answer

The way a message is worded can have a significant impact on how it is received in the business world, as it can affect clarity, tone, and even credibility. Spending time crafting the wording of a message can improve its effectiveness and ensure the intended message is received correctly.

Question 13

Effective listening is the passive part of the communication process.

Accepted Answer

Effective listening is actually an active part of the communication process which involves paying attention, understanding, interpreting, analyzing, and remembering what is being communicated. It requires effort and engagement on the part of the listener.

Question 14

When you do not want to reveal any additional information through body language, a memo is an effective tool to disburse information to employees on changes in company policies.

Accepted Answer

A memo is a written document that can be used to communicate information to employees without the need for additional body language or nonverbal cues. This can be an effective way to disseminate information about changes in company policies, procedures, or other important updates. By using a memo, employers can ensure that everyone receives the same information and that there is less room for misunderstandings or misinterpretation.

Question 15

The key to finding the best communication channel is to evaluate the needs and expectations of your audience.

Accepted Answer

Understanding the needs and expectations of your audience is crucial in choosing the right communication channel. Different channels may be more effective depending on factors such as the age, gender, occupation, and location of your target audience. By analyzing these demographics, you can determine which channels are most likely to resonate with your audience and achieve your communication objectives.

Question 16

Otto Pierson, the vice president of finance for Pallisades Produce Company, is likely to spend much more of his time listening than his company's hourly employees routinely do.

Accepted Answer

As a vice president of finance, Otto Pierson is likely to spend a significant amount of time listening to his colleagues, stakeholders, and clients, in order to make informed financial decisions for the company. Hourly employees may not have the same level of responsibility or need to engage in as much active listening in their daily tasks.

Question 17

Mary Meyers must inform her department members about a new absenteeism policy. Given the controversial nature of the message, she should inform them of the policy shift via e-mail.

Accepted Answer

Given the controversial nature of the message, it would be better to inform the department members about the new absenteeism policy through a face-to-face meeting or a video conference call rather than via email. This will allow for better communication, questions, and concerns to be addressed in real-time, which can help to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts that might arise from a written message.

Question 18

Speaking immediately after someone stops talking shows poor listening skills.

Accepted Answer

When someone immediately starts speaking after another person stops talking, it indicates that they were not really listening to what the other person was saying, and were just waiting for their turn to speak. This shows poor listening skills as listening involves paying attention to what the speaker is saying, understanding their point of view, and then responding appropriately.

Question 19

One of the problems with communication is that people listen faster than they are able to think.

Accepted Answer

People generally think faster than they listen. The average person has the ability to process words and thoughts much quicker than the speed at which most conversations happen.

Question 20

Larry Bergeron needs to quickly hear from his colleague Ralph concerning the prospect of changing vendors on the Harris Project. He leaves Ralph a lengthy voice mail on the subject. Ralph is in the habit of picking up voice mail messages once each day. If Larry is asked by his boss about the vendor problem, he is covered because he sent Ralph a message about it.

Accepted Answer

Leaving a lengthy voicemail on a matter that requires a quick response is not an effective way to ensure timely communication. Larry cannot be sure when Ralph will pick up his voicemail, and therefore cannot guarantee that he has covered himself with his boss.

Quiz 17: Business Communication: Creating and Delivering Messages That Matter