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A spell checker A) cannot automatically correct misspelled words as you type. B) highlights words it doesn’t recognize. C) suggests synonyms. D) has eliminated the need for proofreading. E) is always more effective than a human editor. Answer: The best […]

The purpose of most business presentations is to inform or persuade. Answer: No. 10 envelopes used in U.S. businesses measure 8 1/2 inches in length to accommodate standard letters that are 8 1/2 inches wide. Answer: FALSE Explanation: No. 10 […]

The secret to a successful action phase in the AIDA model is A) getting readers to change their minds. B) increasing the audience’s awareness of your product or service. C) emphasizing how taking the action you propose will benefit the […]

The best way to handle frequent job changes on a résumé is to A) avoid any mention of a job you held for less than a year. B) group similar jobs under a single heading. C) provide a detailed explanation […]

You should prepare for a video interview in much the same way you would prepare for an in-person interview. Answer: Recommendation letters have created so many legal problems that many companies no longer allow employees to write them. Answer: TRUE […]

In MS Word, the AutoCorrect feature can A) correct common typing errors. B) add or delete footnotes and endnotes. C) insert names and addresses from a database. D) promote consistency throughout your document. E) all of the above. Answer: Supplementing […]

Regarding grammar and spelling in written communication, today’s employers generally A) expect employees to follow accepted standards. B) take a laid-back approach as long as employees can get their point across. C) understand and accept that abbreviations (such as those […]

If you are listening mainly to understand the speaker’s message, you are engaging in ________ listening. A) content B) critical C) empathic D) active E) defensive Answer: What is the tense of the verb in this sentence? “We had given […]

Because the competition for most jobs is so great, even a seemingly minor mistake (such as a typo on a résumé) can eliminate your chances of success. Answer: A semicolon is used to separate independent clauses when the second clause […]

The term ________ describes the practice of accepting multiple cultures on their own terms. A) ethnocentrism B) cultural pluralism C) ethnography D) stereotyping E) cultural dynamism Answer: In business communication, the ________ of a message usually have the greatest impact […]

Using technology for communication in the business world A) complicates the communication process for everyone who’s involved. B) can improve or worsen the communication’s quality, depending on how it is used. C) always improves the quality and effectiveness of business […]

Employees who engage in whistleblowing A) are disloyal and should be terminated. B) usually haven’t tried to resolve their problems through normal channels. C) are, in many cases, providing vital information to their employers. D) rarely provide information of any […]

In refusing a customer’s request for adjustment, you are concerned about possible defamation charges. You should A) make the refusal by phone instead of in writing. B) explain why you are making the refusal. C) consult your company’s legal department […]

All résumés should be organized chronologically. Answer: Most employers interview an applicant multiple times before deciding whether to offer a person a job. Answer: TRUE Explanation: Most employers interview an applicant multiple times before deciding to make a job offer. […]

Factors such as poor acoustics and uncomfortable meeting rooms can be annoying, but they don’t affect communication. Answer: Transitional words and phrases such as, “Now that we’ve covered…” are generally less important in oral presentations than in written reports. Answer: […]

One of the steps in analyzing your audience is to A) determine their likely emotional state. B) remember to keep your speech or oral presentation short. C) define your purpose. D) prepare a detailed, informative outline. E) none of the […]

The primary difference between constructive feedback and destructive feedback is A) constructive feedback is focused on the people involved. B) destructive feedback is focused on the process and outcomes of communication. C) constructive feedback can hurt people’s feelings. D) destructive […]

If you have a criminal record, you are required by law to disclose it on your résumé. Answer: When you’re applying for jobs, assume that potential employers will search online to learn more about you. Answer: TRUE Explanation: Today’s employers […]

Which one of the following would be the most effective way to open an indirect message that delivers bad news to someone who applied for a summer internship? A) “Please accept my apology for having to deliver bad news.” B) […]

If you’re unsure about your personal appearance in the workplace, it’s best to match your style to the expectations of your organization. Answer: If your report will be posted online, make the report easy to skim. Answer: TRUE Explanation: Revising […]

When making a direct request, you should state what you want in the first sentence or two and then follow with an explanation. Answer: The primary goal of empathic listening is to solve the speaker’s problem. Answer: FALSE Explanation: The […]

Causation and correlation A) are not the same, and confusing the two in persuasive messages can lead to faulty logic. B) are essentially the same. C) should not be addressed in persuasive business messages. D) are so complex that only […]

Informative headings and subheadings A) simply identify topics covered in the document. B) guide readers to think a certain way about the topics covered. C) are easier to write than descriptive headings. D) are less helpful to readers than descriptive […]

When a team that has never worked together collaborates on communication efforts, A) it’s important to give members time to bond before getting down to business. B) there isn’t time for team members get to know one anotherwork should begin […]

When composing collaborative messages, the best strategy is to A) avoid composing as a group. B) begin by letting all members “do their own thing” and then seeing what they all produce. C) let all members use their own preferred […]

Many companies are now using ________ to replace or supplement some conference calls, training courses, and other communication activities. A) blogs B) instant messaging C) email D) text messaging E) podcasts Answer: The term type style refers to A) the […]

Unsolicited application letters to prospective employers A) require more research than solicited letters. B) irritate the personnel office staff. C) are never read. D) almost never result in a job offer. E) are none of the above. Answer: The quality […]

If the audience for your report is likely to accept what you have to say, focus on A) the logical arguments in your report. B) your conclusions or recommendations. C) the benchmarks used to compile your results. D) the criteria […]

You should use the direct approach for negative messages when the message has a relatively minor impact on the audience. Answer: It’s best to back up all claims and requests for adjustments with invoices, sales receipts, and so on and […]

In some cultures, planning is regarded as a waste of time. Answer: When the bad news is a logical outcome of the reasons that come before it, the reader is more prepared to receive it. Answer: TRUE Explanation: An ideal […]

Communication is the process of A) transferring information and meaning. B) listening actively. C) writing messages. D) speaking to others. E) none of the above. Answer: When you’re introducing a presentation, include a ________ to help your audience understand the […]