Question 1

When speaking with someone whose first language is not English, it is a good idea to speak more loudly than usual to help him or her understand.

Accepted Answer

Speaking more loudly can actually make it harder for someone to understand, especially if they are not used to hearing English spoken at a loud volume. It is better to speak clearly and enunciate your words, and to avoid using complicated or idiomatic expressions.

Question 2

Normally, younger employees who are very computer-literate and "tech-savvy" have also developed better writing and speaking skills than older colleagues and employers.

Accepted Answer

The statement is a sweeping generalization and is not necessarily true. Writing and speaking skills vary based on individual abilities, education, and experience, and cannot be attributed solely to age or technological literacy.

Question 3

Information that we access in a library is always more credible that information that we find using online sources.

Accepted Answer

The credibility of information depends on the source, not the medium. Both libraries and online sources can contain credible or non-credible information.

Question 4

Stereotyping is the belief that one's own culture is superior.

Accepted Answer

Stereotyping is the act of making assumptions about a group of people based on preconceived notions or limited information, often resulting in unfair or inaccurate generalizations. While stereotyping can be a result of cultural differences, it is not necessarily based on the belief that one's own culture is superior.

Question 5

One effect of modern communication technologies, such as instant messaging, is that communication is often synchronous and is more often interrupted.

Accepted Answer

Modern communication technologies, such as instant messaging, allow for real-time communication and therefore interruptions are more common as people can easily send and receive messages at any time.

Question 6

Canadians generally place more emphasis on tradition, ceremony, and social rules than people in most other cultures.

Accepted Answer

Canadians are known for being polite and respectful, but they are not generally considered to place more emphasis on tradition, ceremony, and social rules compared to many other cultures, such as those in Asia or Europe.

Question 7

Because speech speed is so much faster than thought speed, speakers must be concerned about speaking slowly enough to be understood.

Accepted Answer

Thought speed is generally faster than speech speed, allowing listeners to process and understand spoken words even if they are delivered quickly.

Question 8

Many companies have customized templates that employees can use as a basis for new documents, presentations, or web pages.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Many companies have branded templates that employees can use to ensure consistency and adherence to company branding guidelines.

Question 9

Becoming familiar with and using modern office and collaboration technologies can help employees be more successful in today's workplace.

Accepted Answer

With the increasing reliance on technology in the workplace, familiarity and proficiency in modern office and collaboration technologies can significantly improve an employee's productivity, efficiency, and ability to work with others. These technologies may include cloud-based platforms, project management tools, video conferencing software, and communication channels such as instant messaging and email.

Question 10

Researchers say that most of us listen at 75 percent efficiency.

Accepted Answer

Most people listen at only about 25 percent efficiency, not 75 percent, according to various studies on listening and communication skills.

Question 11

In order to be successful in the "knowledge economy" of tomorrow, Canadian businesses will need to rely more on the ability of their employees to communicate effectively with people beyond their regional, national, and possibly homogeneous working groups.

Accepted Answer

As global markets become more interconnected, it is essential for Canadian businesses to have employees who can effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. This is particularly important in the knowledge economy, as innovation often requires collaboration across borders and disciplines.

Question 12

Employees in today's workplace are usually expected to leave decisions to managers who are higher in the company's hierarchical structure.

Accepted Answer

In modern workplaces, there is a trend towards empowering employees at all levels to make decisions, fostering a more collaborative and inclusive environment rather than strictly hierarchical decision-making.

Question 13

You will not be able to control some of the many factors that determine your success in the workplace. One factor that you can control, however, is how well you communicate.

Accepted Answer

Effective communication is a skill that can be learned and improved upon, and it can have a significant impact on your success in the workplace.

Question 14

Customers often prefer companies that practise diversity.

Accepted Answer

Studies have found that customers tend to gravitate towards companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion in their workforce and business practices. This is particularly true for younger generations who place a high value on diversity and equality.

Question 15

In North America, looking a person straight in the eye is usually interpreted as a sign of respect, confidence, and truthfulness.

Accepted Answer

In North American culture, maintaining eye contact is generally viewed as a positive behavior and signifies respect, confidence, and honesty. However, eye contact norms may vary among different cultures and should be approached with cultural sensitivity.

Question 16

People who develop the habit of faking attention to a listener often find it hard to concentrate even when they want to pay attention.

Accepted Answer

This is because their habit of faking attention has become a default mode for them, making it difficult for them to switch to genuine attention even when they try to. Their brain has adapted to the habit of pretending to listen, so it takes more effort to actually concentrate.

Question 17

Computer-based communications systems such as wikis that allow users to collaborate on web-based documents and websites are useful resources, but users should also be aware of some hazards they may present.

Accepted Answer

While computer-based communications systems such as wikis are useful resources for collaboration, there are some hazards users should be aware of, such as potential security breaches or the spread of misinformation or inappropriate content.

Question 18

Since communication skills are inherited, there is no point in trying to develop and improve these skills.

Accepted Answer

Communication skills are not solely inherited, they can also be developed and improved through practice, training, and feedback.

Question 19

If Françoise believes that all Americans are impatient and rude, she is guilty of stereotyping.

Accepted Answer

Stereotyping involves making broad generalizations about a group of people based on limited or biased information. Françoise's belief that all Americans have certain negative traits is an example of stereotyping.

Question 20

Younger employees (members of the "Net Gen") will likely find that employers are quick to accept and adapt to the communication habits and styles of younger workers.

Accepted Answer

Employers may not always be quick to adapt to the communication habits of younger workers due to established practices and potential resistance to change.

Quiz 1: Career Success Begins With Communication Skills