Question 1

Which of the following is considered a form of nonverbal communication?

Accepted Answer

All of the options listed are forms of nonverbal communication. Facial expressions, eye contact, and use of time are just a few examples of forms of nonverbal communication.

Question 2

On the job you are more likely to be taken seriously and promoted if you

Accepted Answer

If you look and sound professional while working, you are more likely to be taken seriously and promoted.

Question 3

Because the U.S. economy is increasingly _____________ based, education is extremely important.

Accepted Answer

Because the U.S. economy is increasingly knowledge based, education is extremely important. Two thirds of all new jobs require some kind of postsecondary education.

Question 4

One of the fastest ways to ensure your career success is to

Accepted Answer

Developing excellent communication skills is one of the fastest ways to ensure your career success.

Question 5

Amelia has made a conscious effort to become an active listener. Therefore, she shuts down her computer, turns off her cell phone, and asks her assistant to hold all incoming calls when she conducts interviews. What technique is she using to improve listening?

Accepted Answer

Active listeners strive to do all of these, but Amelia is focusing on controlling her surroundings by removing as many competing sounds and distractions as possible.

Question 6

North Americans value straightforwardness and are suspicious of evasiveness. These traits identify the cultural dimension of

Accepted Answer

In business situations, North Americans tend to value straightforwardness and are suspicious of evasiveness. These values illustrate communication style.

Question 7

Major trends in today's dynamic world of work include increased emphasis on self-directed work groups and virtual teams, heightened global competition, innovative communication technologies, new work environments, and focus on

Accepted Answer

A major trend in the new world of work includes a focus on information and knowledge as corporate assets. Corporate America is increasingly aware that information is the key to better products and increased profitability. Other trends in today's workplace include flattened management hierarchies and more participatory management.

Question 8

Communication is defined as "the transmission of information and meaning from one individual or group to another." The crucial element of this definition is _______________.

Accepted Answer

Communication is successful only if meaning is exchanged, making "meaning" the crucial element. You can send information; but if it means nothing to the receiver, true communication has not occurred.

Question 9

Brian is attending a seminar on workplace efficiency and must make a presentation on this topic when he returns to work. Brian can increase his comprehension by keeping an open mind, listening for main points, taking selective notes, and

Accepted Answer

Brian will comprehend better, and probably make a better presentation back at work, if he judges ideas and not appearances. If he disagrees with the speaker, he should not immediately speak up, and he should not let his mind wander to other tasks he needs to do. He also needs to maintain eye contact with the speaker.

Question 10

Your boss is giving instructions for a new method of keeping expense accounts. However, you find it difficult to concentrate because you think the change is unnecessary. What type of barrier to effective listening are you experiencing?

Accepted Answer

You are experiencing a psychological barrier. Psychological barriers result from having different cultural, ethical, and personal values, including preconceived thoughts. Language barriers refer to word choices, physical barriers refer to problems in the setting, and nonverbal barriers refer to body language and other delivery dynamics.

Question 11

Every country has a unique culture or common heritage that

Accepted Answer

Every country has a unique culture or common heritage that teaches its members how to behave and conditions their reactions. This culture or common heritage has nothing to do with a common gene pool.

Question 12

Most people think that the best predictor of a speaker's true feelings is his or her

Accepted Answer

While all of these types of nonverbal communication may provide some indication of the speaker's feelings, most people think that the eyes are the best predictor of a speaker's true feelings.

Question 13

Nonverbal communication includes

Accepted Answer

Nonverbal communication is all communication except the actual words (verbal communication). Body language, eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions are only a part of nonverbal communication.

Question 14

Suzanne wants to make a good impression during a job interview. What should she do?

Accepted Answer

Suzanne should wear professional business attire to send a positive message to the interview. She should also maintain eye contact to signal interest, attentiveness, strength, and credibility. In addition, she should encourage communication and interaction by leaning forward, sitting erect, and looking alert during the interview.

Question 15

The communication process begins when the sender

Accepted Answer

The communication process begins when the sender has an idea.

Question 16

Many of us are poor listeners because

Accepted Answer

Many of us are poor listeners because our brains can process information faster than speakers talk, because we tend to "tune out" speakers whose ideas run counter to our own, and because we would rather talk than listen.

Question 17

Communicators in _____________ cultures (such as those in North America, Scandinavia, and Germany) depend little on the context of a situation to convey their meaning. They tend to be logical, analytical, and action oriented.

Accepted Answer

Communicators in low-context cultures tend to be logical, analytical, and action-oriented. They depend little on the context of a situation to convey meaning.

Question 18

You can improve your listening skills if you follow tips for active listening, including

Accepted Answer

Active listening tips include stopping your talking, controlling your surroundings, establishing a receptive mind-set, keeping an open mind, listening for main points, capitalizing on lag time, listening between the lines, judging ideas and not appearances, holding your fire, taking selective notes, and providing feedback. They do not include using biases or concentrating on appearances or your own next comment.

Question 19

A listener who nods her head and maintains eye contact with a speaker is probably

Accepted Answer

While it is possible this listener is confused, faking attention, or considering a snappy comeback, the eye contact and head nodding probably indicate she is listening actively to and is interested in the speaker's message.

Question 20

Melissa noticed that Stephen slammed his desk drawer right after he said that he was happy to work late. Melissa should

Accepted Answer

When you perceive nonverbal cues that contradict verbal meanings, politely probe for more information. You can improve communication and resolve confusion by asking a sincere, polite question.

Quiz 1: Communication Skills As Career Filters