BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS
CHAPTER 2 REVIEW
True/False
- The most basic form of communication is nonverbal.
- Although nonverbal cues had significance in primitive times, they have little value in today's sophisticated world of communication.
- All gestures mean the same thing in every culture.
- Verbal communication has more impact than nonverbal communication.
- If a person were to say one thing but transmit a conflicting nonverbal signal, we would probably believe the verbal message.
- People spend more time receiving information than transmitting it.
- The formality of a situation is one important factor in choosing a transmission channel.
- Business messages contain only a content meaning.
- When formulating business messages, you should bear in mind that you're communicating both as an individual and as a representative of your organization.
- do not give your audience a preview of the topics you intend to cover if some of your ideas are controversial.
- Especially in business environments, it is important to keep messages brief and to the point.
- Receivers are more likely to understand and accept your message if you show how new ideas relate to familiar ones.
- Feedback is easy to get regardless of the transmission method you choose.
Multiple Choice
- Compared to nonverbal communication, verbal communication (A) is more structured; (B) is more spontaneous; (C) has more impact; (D) is more reliable.
- The aspect of communication that is relatively easy to control is your (A) facial expression; (B) vocal characteristics; (C) choice of words; (D) body language.
- In the first step of the communication process, (A) the sender decides what to say; (B) the sender has an idea; (C) the sender chooses a medium of transmission; (D) the sender transmits the message.
- You must take into account the message you want to convey, the location of your audience, the need for speed, and the formality of the situation when choosing (A) a communication channel; (B) a communication purpose; (C) what to wear (D)gestures and facial expressions.
- The final link in the communication chain is (A) sending the message; (B) receiving the message; (C) giving feedback to the sender; (D) interpreting the message.
- Communication is effective only when (A) the sender has a meaningful idea; (B) the idea becomes a message; (C) the message gets transmitted; (D) each step of the communication process is successful.
- Indecision about message content, lack of familiarity with the situation or receiver, and difficulty in expressing ideas are problems you might encounter when (A) formulating a message; (B) sending a message; (C) receiving a message; (D) interpreting a message.
- Someone who has trouble putting thoughts into words (A) can forget about a career in business; (B) can avoid jobs that require a great deal of communication; (C) can make an effort to take courses or undertake a self-study program to overcome this problem; (D) will have little trouble succeeding in today's business world.
- The most extreme example of how backgrounds can impede communication occurs when the communicators (A) are different ages; (B) are of different social status; (C) come from different countries or cultures; (D) have opposing political views.
- Composing a business message is made more complex by (A) conflicts between the writer's personal views and the demands of the organization; (B) dry or difficult subject matter; (C) difficult working conditions; (D) all of the above.
- Which of the following is not a principal quality of successful communicators? (A) credibility; (B) aggression; (C) congeniality; (D) control.
- The best way to create messages carefully is to focus on (A) your delivery; (B) your style and tone; (C) your audience; (D) your appearance.
- If feedback is important to you, (A) stick with a written message; (B) plan how and when to accept it; (C) avoid people who might have negative comments; (D) do all of the above.
Short Answer
- Explain the four channels of verbal communication.
- Identify the steps in the communication process.
- Discuss at least two communication barriers and how you can overcome them.
- List three things you can do to improve communication.