Question 1

Using words that infer the communicator is on a superior level as compared to the receiver's inferior level is known as

Accepted Answer

Condescending language implies that one person is superior to another, and therefore talks down to the other person. This can be done through tone, choice of words, or use of body language.

Question 2

The perception of reality of both the sender and the receiver

Accepted Answer

Both the sender and receiver's perception of reality is limited by the signals they receive through their five senses. This can result in misinterpretation of messages and misunderstandings in communication.

Question 3

Which of the following statements is ethically questionable?

Accepted Answer

Exaggerating facts is unethical as it distorts the truth and can mislead the reader. It is important to be truthful and honest in communication.

Question 4

To inform U.S. employees about the transfer of 300 jobs from Dallas, Texas to Heidelberg, Germany, a manager should use a deductive outline for the message.

Accepted Answer

In such sensitive situations involving job transfers or layoffs, an inductive approach is often more appropriate as it allows the manager to prepare the employees by presenting the reasons and context before delivering the bad news, helping to mitigate negative reactions.

Question 5

Both good-news and routine news messages follow the deductive pattern.

Accepted Answer

Both good-news and routine news messages follow the deductive pattern, which means the main message or the most important information is presented at the beginning of the message. This helps the audience understand the main point of the message quickly and helps them to act on it.

Question 6

Which of the following statements is true of dysphemisms?

Accepted Answer

Dysphemisms are negative and derogatory terms used to refer to a particular individual, group or place. These terms are not friendly, but are meant to insult or belittle the subject. Some dysphemisms can be region or occupation specific, such as slang terms used in certain industries or communities. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. The other options are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the nature of dysphemisms.

Question 7

An investment manager enthusiastically reports that his client's stock portfolio has experienced 24 percent growth but does not reveal that the stock market as a whole grew by 32 percent during the same period. Which of the following ethical guidelines has the investment manager ignored?

Accepted Answer

The investment manager has violated the ethical guideline of honest and fair expression of the idea by selectively presenting data that focuses only on the 24% growth and not revealing the larger market growth of 32%. This could mislead the client and make them believe that their portfolio outperformed the market when it did not.

Question 8

Which of the following statements should a manager use to effectively communicate with an employee who has recently learned to speak English?

Accepted Answer

Option D provides clear and concise feedback that is easy to understand for an employee who has recently learned to speak English. The language used is straightforward and avoids idiomatic expressions or slang that may be confusing. Options A, B, and C use idioms and expressions that may be difficult for the employee to understand.

Question 9

Jacquelyn wants to attach a memo to the report that her supervisor requested concerning a new employee health care plan. She is generally in favor of the new plan. Select the best opening sentence for that memo.

Accepted Answer

This opening sentence directly addresses the purpose of the memo and previews the contents of the attached report. It also hints at the author's positive opinion of the new health care plan. Option A and D are too generic and do not provide any information about the report or the author's stance on the issue. Option B does state the author's opinion, but it is not as relevant to the purpose of the memo as option C.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about empathy is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Empathy does not require firsthand experience. It involves the ability to understand and relate to the emotions and experiences of others, even if the writer has not personally experienced those same emotions or experiences.

Question 11

Which of the following statements is MOST sender-centered?

Accepted Answer

Statement B is the most sender-centered because it focuses on what the sender wants to express (their thanks), rather than focusing on the receiver's needs or achievements.

Question 12

By adapting its products to fit a more culturally diverse group of consumers, Hallmark Cards, Inc. has demonstrated the need to analyze its audience.

Accepted Answer

By adapting its products to fit a more culturally diverse group of consumers, Hallmark Cards, Inc. has shown that it recognizes the importance of understanding and catering to its audience's needs and preferences.

Question 13

Which of the following sentences best expresses the receiver's point of view?

Accepted Answer

This sentence directly addresses the recipient of the message and shows a positive view of the recent promotion. It is the clearest expression of the receiver's point of view. The other options either express the sender's point of view or make a more general comment about promotions.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the appropriate use of euphemisms?

Accepted Answer

While euphemisms can sometimes be appropriate, it is important to avoid excessive sugar coating or those that come across as insincere or sarcastic. Instead, use more neutral language to convey the intended meaning in a tactful manner. Eliminating euphemisms entirely (choice A) is not necessary, and using them excessively (choice C) can come across as disingenuous. Therefore, the best approach is to use euphemisms sparingly and thoughtfully.

Question 15

A message that will not likely interest the receiver should be organized in a deductive order.

Accepted Answer

A message that will not likely interest the receiver should be organized in an inductive order, where the main point is presented at the end, in order to build interest and engagement.

Question 16

The sender of a message should analyze the audience before developing the message in order to do all but which one of the following?

Accepted Answer

It is not possible to assure that everyone has the same perception of reality as individuals perceive and interpret information differently based on their beliefs, experiences, and cognitive biases. The sender can only strive to minimize misinterpretation by understanding the audience's background and tailoring the message accordingly. A, B, and C are valid reasons for analyzing the audience.

Question 17

Richard sent a letter to Enrico, his client in El Salvador who speaks English with hesitancy. What is the most obvious problem with the following excerpt from the letter? "I'm so sorry I dropped the ball on the contract negotiations. I've been wearing so many hats lately, I hardly know if I'm coming or going. I promise I'll make things up to you as soon as my situation levels out."

Accepted Answer

The answer of Richard sent a letter to Enrico, his...

Question 18

Which of the following is FALSE about how perceptions can affect the communication process?

Accepted Answer

Perception affects communication by acting as a filter through which messages are interpreted. However, people do not generally tend to support ideas that are different from their own. In fact, people often have a confirmation bias, seeking out and interpreting information in a way that supports their existing beliefs. Therefore, option C is false.

Question 19

The politician seeking re-election referred to the importance of "revenue enhancements" for providing additional community services. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

"Revenue enhancements" is an example of doublespeak, which is language deliberately constructed to disguise, distort, or reverse the meaning of words. In this case, it is a euphemistic way of saying "tax increases" in order to avoid negative connotations associated with that term.

Question 20

Christopher told his new employee that he developed a marketing campaign in his previous position. In fact, he actually was assigned to the marketing campaign after it was developed. Which ethical guideline did Christopher violate?

Accepted Answer

Christopher violated the ethical guideline that the message should not embellish or exaggerate the facts by claiming that he developed the marketing campaign when he was actually assigned to it after it was already developed.

Quiz 3: Planning Spoken and Written Messages