Question 1

A meta message is
A) the gist of the primary message that the subject line of a topic communicates.
B) the overall but often underlying message people take away from a communication.
C) the unofficial message that travels through the grapevine.
D) the message communicated using an asynchronous mode of communication.
E) the direct message in which the autonomous voice of the speaker is most prominent.

Accepted Answer

Meta messages are the overall but often underlying messages people take away from a communication or group of communications.

Question 2

Liam,a recent college graduate,has taken an entry-level job at a playground equipment company.He notices that his colleagues don't seem to take him seriously.What advice would you give him about building his credibility?

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

Describe the deductive approach of setting up business messages.Give a specific example.

Accepted Answer

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Question 4

Extensive use of the I-voice in a business message
A) fails to convey the interests of the audience.
B) increases the positivity of the message.
C) reveals that the writer has slanted the facts.
D) emphasizes that the writer understands the concerns of the reader.
E) indicates that the writer uses faulty either/or logic.

Accepted Answer

In content and form,your message should show that you have the interests of your audience in mind.Therefore,avoid any display of self-centeredness,such as extensive use of the I-voice.

Question 5

A business message that primarily relies on the _____ shows that the message is self-centered.
A) you-voice
B) we-voice
C) I-voice
D) impersonal voice
E) other-oriented voice

Accepted Answer

I-voice amplifies the self-centered tone;whereas the repeated use of we-voice and you-voice amplifies a tone that reflects other-orientation.

Question 6

Sending mixed signals is most likely to
A) result in positive meta messages.
B) increase the flexibility of encoding and decoding.
C) cause the reader to feel confused.
D) resolve conflicts between content and tone.
E) increase the credibility of a message.

Accepted Answer

Mixed signals occur when the content of a message conflicts with the tone,nonverbal communication,or other signals coming from the message's author.Sending mixed signals is not only confusing,but it also frequently results in negative meta messages.

Question 7

The use of we-voice in a business message
A) fails to reflect the interests of the audience.
B) indicates that the writer has not reached any conclusions.
C) decreases the credibility of the message.
D) emphasizes the writer's shared interests with the reader.
E) indicates that the writer is slanting the message.

Accepted Answer

In content and form,a business message should show that you have the interests of the audience in mind.The subject of a sentence almost always becomes the focus or emphasis.So rather than focusing on the I-voice,the focus of a business message should be on your reader (you-voice),your shared interests with the reader (we-voice),or simply the business issue at hand (impersonal voice).

Question 8

Explain what mixed signals are,and discuss the consequences of sending mixed signals in business messages.

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

List three techniques that can be used to ensure that a business message is positive.

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

What factors differentiate average business writers from expert business writers? Explain why each is important.

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

Explain the importance of framing your primary business message.

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

Henry,a manager at a small shipping company,wants to install a new system for sorting packages that uses computer technology to read bar codes containing all the pertinent information.He writes a proposal and,in it,states that the U.S.Postal Service uses just such a system.How effective is Henry's analogy? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Henry,a manager at a small shipping company,wants...

Question 13

In content and form,a business message should typically
A) avoid any form of self-centeredness.
B) exaggerate facts.
C) avoid using diplomatic terms.
D) avoid using strong analogies.
E) slant facts skillfully.

Accepted Answer

In content and form,a business message should show that you have the interests of the audience in mind,so any form of self-centeredness should be avoided.

Question 14

Which of the following is most likely to show that the writer of a business message has concern for the audience?
A) relying heavily on the I-voice
B) presenting exaggerated facts to the audience
C) respecting the autonomy of the reader
D) presenting slanted facts to the audience
E) giving credit to any sources used

Accepted Answer

The business world can be a hectic,deadline-filled environment.In many situations you will want fast responses.If you show consideration for others' time as well as for their sense of autonomy,you will often achieve your intended results more effectively than if your words sound bossy and demanding.

Question 15

Carlton finds that a geographic restructuring would have a positive effect on his insurance company and increase its efficiency.He draws up a report for the board of directors in which he mentions that separate departments should be set up for each of the company's 10 sales territories.Which of the following statements is most likely to increase the positivity of his proposition?
A) Let me know if you want to work on changing the structure of the company.
B) Using a geographic structure will not guarantee that the company's productivity increases.
C) Geographic restructuring is not likely to reduce the company's overall costs.
D) I look forward to putting together a detailed plan to restructure the company geographically.
E) A geographic structure might possibly have a positive effect on the company.

Accepted Answer

In order to make business messages more positive you should focus on actions you can accomplish and demonstrate a realistic optimism.

Question 16

Describe the three components of the AIM planning process used for business messages.

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

What are the common characteristics of excellent business thinkers?

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 5: Creating Effective Business Messages

A meta message is

Liam,a recent college graduate,has taken an entry-level job at a playground equipment company.He notices that his colleagues don't seem to take him seriously.What advice would you give him about building his credibility?

Describe the deductive approach of setting up business messages.Give a specific example.

Extensive use of the I-voice in a business message

A business message that primarily relies on the _____ shows that the message is self-centered.

Sending mixed signals is most likely to

The use of we-voice in a business message