Question 1

Examples of conjunctive communication include (1) "Relating to what you just said, I'd like to discuss this." (2) "... so, that's how I see it. So what is your opinion? " (3) "That reminds me .. I have to tell you what I did the other day."

Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is conjunctive because it is indicating a connection between the speaker's current topic and something the other person just said. 
Statement 2 is also conjunctive because it is using the phrase "So what is your opinion?" to connect the speaker's thoughts to the other person's thoughts. 
Statement 3 is not conjunctive, as it is simply introducing a new topic without any obvious connection to the previous conversation.

Question 2

Your presentation didn't go as well as you had hoped. Sam stopped by and remarked, "Everything will be fine. My first presentation didn't go half as well as yours." Sam offered which type of response?

Accepted Answer

Sam's response is a deflecting response because he shifts the focus from your presentation to his own past experience, aiming to reassure you by sharing a similar situation.

Question 3

You need to turn in your expense account. This is your first one. Mary, your co-worker, has turned in over 50 in the last two years. As you explain a problem related to turning in your expense account to her, which response type would be most appropriate for Mary to use?

Accepted Answer

Mary should use an advising response because she has experience with turning in expense accounts and can provide guidance or solutions to help resolve the problem.

Question 4

Your boss always asks you questions and gives you "air time" to offer your ideas. She is practicing what type of communication?

Accepted Answer

Validating communication involves recognizing and accepting another person's thoughts, feelings, sensations, and behaviors. By asking questions and giving you "air time" to offer your ideas, your boss is acknowledging your contributions and making you feel valued, which is a key aspect of validating communication.

Question 5

When using a probing response, which type of question works best?

Accepted Answer

What questions are the most effective when using a probing response because they encourage more detailed and informative responses. They can also help clarify information and gain a better understanding of the situation.

Question 6

"Either you do it now or never." Why is this statement useless?

Accepted Answer

This statement presents a false dichotomy, implying that there are only two options - doing something now or not doing it at all. It ignores any potential for alternatives or timing that may be more conducive to success. It also puts unnecessary pressure on the person receiving the statement, potentially causing anxiety or guilt.

Question 7

Some research suggests that one's communication style may indicate a person's mental health. What did this research find?

Accepted Answer

The research suggests that taking responsibility for one's statements and behavior is indicative of mental health. This indicates a sense of self-awareness and a willingness to be accountable for one's actions, which are important components of good mental health. Avoiding responsibility, on the other hand, can be a sign of avoidance, denial, or difficulty with self-reflection, which are indicative of mental health problems.

Question 8

Your co-worker remarks to you, "You are always late to meetings, how come? " Your co-worker is practicing what type of communication?

Accepted Answer

The co-worker's remark is an example of global communication because it generalizes behavior ("always late") without specifying instances or allowing for exceptions. This type of communication often overlooks the nuances of individual situations.

Question 9

You have just given a report to your boss. He says, "You have a good idea, but I'm afraid headquarters will think it is a little radical." Of what type of communication is this an example?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of disowned communication because the boss is distancing themself from the idea and suggesting that it may not be accepted by higher-ups.

Question 10

If, in a counseling situation, you are willing to accept that other alternatives besides yours exist, which of the following best describes the type of communication you are practicing?

Accepted Answer

Flexible communication involves being open to different perspectives and ideas, and being willing to adapt your own communication style as needed to best meet the needs of the individual or situation. By acknowledging that other alternatives besides theirs exist, you are demonstrating flexibility in your communication.

Question 11

Research has found that which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Research has found that which of the...

Question 12

You tell your boss that disjunctive communication can occur in three ways. They are (1) controlling airtime, (2) extended pauses, and (3) topic control. Is what you said to your boss true or false?

Accepted Answer

All three statements accurately describe ways in which disjunctive communication can occur, highlighting different methods of controlling or influencing the flow and focus of conversation.

Question 13

You want to utilize supportive communication. You plan to employ validation in your communication with your subordinate. In particular, you want to practice areas of mutual agreement. What will you do?

Accepted Answer

Listing compliments before criticisms is the best choice when practicing areas of mutual agreement because it starts the communication on a positive note and shows that you acknowledge the positive actions of your subordinate before giving constructive feedback. This creates a supportive and validating communication environment. Listing the subordinate's past mistakes or areas of disagreement first may create defensiveness and hinder the establishment of common ground.

Question 14

You notice that your manager frequently interrupts you; when you ask him a question, you have to repeat it two or three times before he acknowledges you. Your manager is practicing which form of communication?

Accepted Answer

The answer of You notice that your manager frequently interrupts...

Question 15

A manager maintains little eye contact, interrupts subordinates, and criticizes them for feeling a certain way. He or she is displaying which type of communication?

Accepted Answer

The manager's behavior shows indifference by not engaging properly with subordinates and being impervious by not acknowledging their feelings.

Question 16

When Calvin explained his problem to Melissa, her facial expressions and comments encouraged him to say more. She occasionally restated to make sure she understood what he was saying. Which type of listening response was Melissa exemplifying?

Accepted Answer

Melissa was reflecting by using facial expressions and restating to show she was listening and understood what Calvin was saying, thus encouraging him to share more.

Question 17

You have a tendency to finish your brother's sentences. This annoys him but it makes you happy. You are practicing what type of communication?

Accepted Answer

The answer of You have a tendency to finish your...

Question 18

For a deflecting response to work, which principle of communication should one follow?

Accepted Answer

Conjunctive communication involves connecting responses to what was previously said, which is essential for a deflecting response to be effective.

Question 19

In her student evaluations, Morgan notes the following comments: (1) "The course is boring," (2) "The room is always freezing cold," (3) You are a great teacher," and (4) "You are easy to understand; you provide real-life examples to clarify your point."

Accepted Answer

The answer of In her student evaluations, Morgan notes the...

Question 20

If I own my communication, what does that mean?

Accepted Answer

Owning your communication means taking responsibility for it and being intentional in how you convey your message. By implying that you are willing to invest in the relationship with the recipient of your message, you are taking ownership of the communication and showing that you value the connection between the two of you. Selling it to the highest bidder (A) and implying superiority (B) or a desire for distance (C) are not examples of owning your communication.

Quiz 4: Building Relationships by Communicating Supportively