Business Communications Final Exam Study Guide
Which of the following is the most accurate statement about the AIDA strategy? The AIDA strategy consists of four separate steps that must be carried out separately. The steps in the AIDA strategy must always be carried out in order. Counterarguments should never be presented in a persuasive message because doing so will remind the reader of other options. Facts, figures, expert opinions, examples, specific details, and direct and indirect benefits will build reader interest.
Facts, figures, expert opinions, examples, specific details, and direct and indirect benefits will build reader interest.
A business plan is necessary only when seeking financial support from venture capitalists. True False
False
A video résumé makes the most sense for traditional, more conservative career fields because it will allow you to stand out among all the print resumes those employers receive. True False
False
Analytical reports should follow an indirect organizational pattern if you expect readers to accept your ideas readily. True False
False
Business researchers can safely assume that the great majority of Web sources are reliable. True False
False
Delivering your presentation extemporaneously means that you avoid rehearsing so that it will seem fresh and conversational. True False
False
Employment rejection letters should provide the specific reasons the candidate was not selected. True False
False
Executive summaries of formal reports should be limited to one page. True False
False
If you don't understand a question asked of you during an interview, just answer it the best you can. Asking for a question to be repeated or clarified will make it look as if you weren't listening. True False
False
If you expect resistance or need to educate the reader, use the direct approach for your persuasive message. True False
False
Most proposals are unsolicited. True False
False
The addition of cyberspace has clarified the concept of "fair use" of others' intellectual property, resulting in more defined boundaries and rules. True False
False
The open job market refers to positions that you can apply for without submitting a résumé. True False
False
You want to be prepared if you are asked about your salary expectations during a job interview. What should you do? Conduct research before the interview so that you know what similar jobs are paying in your geographic region. Determine what you would like to earn per hour so that you can give an exact dollar amount when asked. Create a budget that details your personal expenses so that you can show the employer exactly how much you need to earn to cover your bills. Emphasize the importance of money to you to show your confidence.
Conduct research before the interview so that you know what similar jobs are paying in your geographic region.
Using your smartphone to check voice and text messages during meetings is a good way to showcase your focus on productivity and engagement. True False
False
Which of the following statements would not be appropriate for a letter or memo of transmittal? I would be glad to do follow-up research if required. I appreciate the opportunity to have completed this research project. This report investigating the need to relocate the corporate offices was authorized by Doug Peters. The questionnaire shown here was used to collect data for this report.
The questionnaire shown here was used to collect data for this report.
Select the best buffer to open a letter that refuses a request from a local nonprofit organization for a charitable donation. This is to inform you that your kind letter of May 14 has been directed to me for reply. We have received your letter requesting a donation to your annual fund-raiser. The services you provide for homeless families in our community are necessary and important. Although we admire what your organization does for our community, unfortunately, we are unable to donate to your fund-raiser at this time.
The services you provide for homeless families in our community are necessary and important.
The direct strategy should be used to communicate negative news when ________. the news may provoke a hostile reaction the news affects the receiver personally firmness is necessary the news could threaten the customer relationship
firmness is necessary
The same information may be included in the letter of transmittal, executive summary, and introduction of a formal business report. True False
True
When you have negative news to deliver, one of your first considerations is how the message will affect its receiver. True False
True
To avoid charges of discrimination or wrongful actions, legal advisors recommend that organizations write employment rejection letters that are ________. as specific as possible written using the direct strategy general, simple, and short form letters
general, simple, and short
Not responding to a prospective employer in an effort to avoid informing them that you have accepted another position is called _______. reneging strategizing dismissing ghosting
ghosting
You should avoid apologizing in a negative-news message because doing so admits fault or responsibility. True False
false
You should avoid posting (or commenting on others' posts) about professional topics related to your career goal on social media. True False
false
Which of the following job duty statements will be most effective on a résumé to highlight accounting experience? Responsible for daily account reconciliation Reconciled general ledger accounts daily Reconciled general ledger accounts daily with 100 percent accuracy Responsible for reconciling general ledger accounts daily
Reconciled general ledger accounts daily with 100 percent accuracy
Which statement about conclusions is least accurate? Any set of data can produce a variety of meaningful conclusions. The best conclusions show the audience how the data relate to the problem being studied. Report writers may choose to expand the conclusion section by explaining each item and citing supporting evidence. Report writers should try to draw conclusions that are subjective.
Report writers should try to draw conclusions that are subjective.
Which of the following messages moving downward from superiors to subordinates will most likely require persuasion? Telling employees that they must follow a new procedure for submitting expense claims Telling employees to change their passwords every six weeks Telling employees that they must learn how to operate the new copy machine Requesting that employees participate in a charity 5K run that takes place outside of work hours
Requesting that employees participate in a charity 5K run that takes place outside of work hours
Conclusions and recommendations serve the same purpose. True False
false
The range for daily sales for the week, $89,000, $75,000, $98,000, $66,000, and $99,000, is ________. $33,000. $85,400. $427,000. $89,000.
$33,000
Which of the following is the best career objective for a résumé? Seeking an entry-level position with the opportunity for advancement A challenging position with a public accounting firm Work as a team player for a company that values independent thinking A position in human resources assisting with employee recruitment, selection, background checks, and in-house training
A position in human resources assisting with employee recruitment, selection, background checks, and in-house training
Which of the following is an example of a feasibility report? A report to determine which of three firms to use for after-hours security A report to determine whether a company should provide an on-site gym for its employees A report about a firm's profitability to be sent to the company's shareholders A report on a meeting held with members of the local chamber of commerce
A report to determine whether a company should provide an on-site gym for its employees
Which of the following sentences uses the best writing style for a formal report? After checking several references, the company decided to hire the consulting firm of Anderson, Williams, and Pardee. After considerable research, we've decided to order the Aptura computer from ISB for our office staff. I conducted extensive research that shows companies are recognizing the benefits of telecommuting. My personal opinion is that we should implement the new tracking system at once.
After checking several references, the company decided to hire the consulting firm of Anderson, Williams, and Pardee.
When should you write the introduction to a business report? As your first step in writing the report After you have completed the report About halfway through The introduction can be effectively written at any point.
After you have completed the report
Which of the following sentences uses the passive voice to present the bad news? We are unable to interview you for the social media specialist position at this time. Although we were impressed with your application, we have no positions available at this time. Although the social media specialist position has been filled, we wish you well in your job search. We are not hiring at this time, even though we are impressed with your credentials.
Although the social media specialist position has been filled, we wish you well in your job search.
A company must deliver negative news about revisions to the vacation policy to hundreds of employees quickly. Which of the following communication channels would be most effective? An e-mail Personal phone calls A mailed letter on company stationery A memo posted in the company break room
An e-mail
What is the most accurate statement about correlations? Apparent correlations between two or more variables can stimulate investigation and present possible solutions to be explored. Correlations prove cause-and-effect relationships. Correlations are not useful as statistical analysis tools. The terms correlation and causation are interchangeable.
Apparent correlations between two or more variables can stimulate investigation and present possible solutions to be explored.
Which is the most effective statement in a letter to a customer about an order for which the customer has not yet paid? We cannot ship your order until we receive your payment. Your order will be canceled unless we receive your payment right away. As soon as we receive your payment, we'll ship your order. When are you going to submit payment?
As soon as we receive your payment, we'll ship your order.
Which statement in a cover message is most skillful in referring the reader to the résumé? Enclosed herein please find my résumé. As you will notice from my enclosed résumé, I have over five years of customer service experience. Please see my enclosed résumé. My résumé is enclosed.
As you will notice from my enclosed résumé, I have over five years of customer service experience.
What is the best time to distribute handouts during a presentation? Before you begin your presentation During the presentation At the end of your presentation After each main point of your presentation
At the end of your presentation
Which of the following is a useful guideline for preparing effective surveys? Use questions that produce qualitative answers. Include as many questions on your survey as necessary, even if you may not use the information in your final report. Avoid leading or ambiguous questions. Never offer survey participants compensation as this will skew the results.
Avoid leading or ambiguous questions.
Select the most accurate statement about using animation and color to get the most positive response from your audience. Messages conveyed by color are the same in all cultures. Try to use animation and sound effects on nearly every slide to keep your audience's attention. Bold colors such as blue, green, and purple are best to highlight primary ideas. Adjust the text color in such a way that it provides low contrast, which will make it more readable.
Bold colors such as blue, green, and purple are best to highlight primary ideas.
What is the most accurate statement about using books for business research? Because books are obsolete, they should never be used for business research. Books provide excellent historical, in-depth data. Books are best for finding current data about technical trends. Most business reports are based on research found in books.
Books provide excellent historical, in-depth data.
Which of the following is most likely to gain your audience's attention in the introduction of a presentation? It's a pleasure to be here today. By the end of this presentation, you will know how to protect your customers' personal information from identity thieves. I'm honored to be asked to speak to you today. Today I'm going to talk about identity theft.
By the end of this presentation, you will know how to protect your customers' personal information from identity thieves.
Which of the following statements uses an action verb to highlight an aptitude? Competent in development of innovative and interactive websites Developed innovative and interactive websites Ability to develop innovative and interactive websites Innovative and interactive website development
Developed innovative and interactive websites
Which of the following would be the most effective statement in a letter refusing a local organization's request for a charitable donation? Even though our budget won't allow a contribution this year, we hope to be able to contribute next year. Please accept our sincerest apologies for being unable to donate to your cause. We are unable to contribute this year because of budget constraints. Unfortunately, company policy prevents us from donating to your cause.
Even though our budget won't allow a contribution this year, we hope to be able to contribute next year.
Whether you're using the Modern Language Association (MLA) or the American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style, you should list all sources chronologically in the order you consulted them. True False
False
Yes-no questions produce the best results in an interview with an expert. True False
False
You are reading an article in The Wall Street Journal that discusses the research findings of a Centers for Disease Control study on workplace hazards. This newspaper article is an example of primary data. True False
False
You should avoid sharing personal stories during a presentation because they may distract the audience. True False
False
Simin knows that her résumé will be read by an applicant tracking system (ATS). What should she do to maximize "hits" as her résumé is scanned? Focus on nouns related to the job title, technical skills, and certification or experience. Avoid incorporating specific keywords and phrases from the advertisement or job description to make her résumé more unique. Use only the job title specified in the posting. Avoid headings for easier scanning.
Focus on nouns related to the job title, technical skills, and certification or experience.
Michelle must write a bad-news message to her staff telling them that their hours next month will be reduced. She has just completed Phase 1 of the prewriting process and is beginning Phase 2. What should she do first? Write the rough draft of her message. Select an appropriate color of stationery that will be calming to the reader. Analyze the bad news to determine how it will affect the reader. Gather information and brainstorm ways to present the reasons for the bad news.
Gather information and brainstorm ways to present the reasons for the bad news.
Chuck sent a letter to a teacher who had requested a tour of his company. In the letter he included the sentence Although we would love to have your class visit our company, much of the work area is too dangerous for group tours. What has Chuck done that might lead to legal difficulties? He has denied a professional request. He has used careless language. He has used abusive language. He has done nothing wrong.
He has used careless language.
Select the statement that best describes the main heading portion of a résumé. The first line of your résumé should always be the word Résumé. To protect your privacy, avoid providing a phone number. If you have a website where an e-portfolio or samples of your work can be viewed, include the address in the main heading your résumé. Include your work e-mail address so that you can be contacted more easily.
If you have a website where an e-portfolio or samples of your work can be viewed, include the address in the main heading your résumé.
Which of the following is an example of a situational interview question? If you were aware that a coworker was submitting false data, what would you do? What is your ideal work environment? What do you predict for the future of our industry? Tell me about a time that you dealt with confidential information.
If you were aware that a coworker was submitting false data, what would you do?
Informational reports should be organized using which of the following patterns? Introduction/problem, facts/findings, conclusions/recommendations, discussion/analysis Introduction/problem, conclusions/recommendations, facts/findings, discussion/analysis Introduction/background, facts/findings, summary/conclusion Summary/conclusion, introduction/background, facts/findings
Introduction/background, facts/findings, summary/conclusion
Dale has decided to prepare a video résumé. What is the best advice you can give him? Submit a video résumé to show his technical savvy, regardless of the industry he is targeting. Dress more casually than he would for an in-person interview to seem more relaxed and natural. Keep his video to three minutes or less. Discuss only personal interests and hobbies in a video résumé.
Keep his video to three minutes or less.
When filling out a job application, what should you do? Look over all questions before starting. Leave any unrelated questions blank. Fill out the application in pencil so that you can erase any mistakes you might make. To keep your options open, write Anything or Open when asked what position you desire.
Look over all questions before starting.
Select the most accurate statement describing voice mail. Many businesspeople use voice mail to intercept and to screen incoming telephone calls. The best voice mail greetings are generic and impersonal. Never use voice mail because it is rude and frustrating to callers. Begin to prepare your voice message once you realize the caller is not answering.
Many businesspeople use voice mail to intercept and to screen incoming telephone calls.
Which of the following statements about memorizing presentations is most accurate? Inexperienced speakers can effectively memorize an entire presentation. Memorizing significant parts of an oral presentation can be dramatic and impressive. Expert speakers know not to memorize any part of an oral presentation. Memorizing an oral presentation eliminates the need for note cards.
Memorizing significant parts of an oral presentation can be dramatic and impressive.
During the job interview, you are asked What is your greatest weakness? What is the best way for you to respond? Tell the interviewer that you are a perfectionist. Reveal several employment weaknesses that you have to prove your integrity. Mention a previous weakness and demonstrate how you have corrected it or learned from it. Say that you can't think of a weakness at the moment.
Mention a previous weakness and demonstrate how you have corrected it or learned from it.
In the introduction section of a proposal, which of the following would be the best way to persuade the receiver to read the rest of the proposal? Mention a remarkable resource available exclusively to you. Present a detailed budget that shows a low overall cost. Give the background and credentials of everyone who will be working on the project. Provide a timetable for all activities.
Mention a remarkable resource available exclusively to you.
If an interviewer asks if you have any questions at the end of an interview, which of the following would not be an appropriate response? What do you like best about working for this organization? When do you expect to make a decision? No, I have no questions at this time. May I have a tour of the facilities?
No, I have no questions at this time.
Which type of organization is often dependent on proposals for funding programming and salaries? Large corporate organizations Smaller, privately-owned businesses Nonprofit organizations Limited liability corporations (LLCs)
Nonprofit organizations
Which of the following is phrased as a conclusion? Offering a wide range of benefits is the best way to recruit high-quality applicants. Offer a wide range of benefits to recruit high-quality applicants. Change your computer passwords once every six weeks. Let me know your hiring decision by Friday.
Offering a wide range of benefits is the best way to recruit high-quality applicants.
Which of the following statements about the education section of a résumé is most accurate? The education section should always come before the work experience section on a résumé. Include a list of all college courses taken since most employers want this information. Once you have attended college, you can omit high school information. It is unethical to include the GPA in only your major courses on your résumé.
Once you have attended college, you can omit high school information.
What is the most common type of hiring/placement interview? Online interviews Panel interviews One-on-one interviews Stress interviews
One-on-one interviews
Which of the following would be the best way to begin a persuasive claim or complaint letter? Open with an objective statement of the problem. Open with a detailed chronology of what happened. Open with a statement that clearly shows your frustration with the situation. Open with a passive voice construction such as The wrong item was received.
Open with an objective statement of the problem.
Michelle has collected large amounts of data for a business report she is writing, and she wants to ensure that the data are meaningful to her readers. What should she do? Write the problem statement. Ask for help on a social media site. Organize the data into tables. Omit the data from her report to avoid confusing her readers.
Organize the data into tables.
Which of the following statements about paraphrasing is most accurate? Paraphrasing involves restating an original passage in your own words and in your own style. Paraphrasing involves presenting ideas from another source using the exact wording of the original source. Paraphrasing involves presenting ideas from another source without documentation. Paraphrasing requires the report writer to use the same grammatical structure as the original author when presenting another's ideas
Paraphrasing involves restating an original passage in your own words and in your own style.
Which of the following sentences conveys the best tone for a persuasive request within an organization? You should start following the new procedure immediately. You must approve my travel expenses by Friday. Please see your supervisor to have all supply purchases preapproved. Management demands that all new employees attend an orientation session.
Please see your supervisor to have all supply purchases preapproved.
Tamara must send the same formal report to several readers. What should she do? Send the same letter of transmittal to all readers. Omit the letter of transmittal. Prepare a special letter of transmittal for each, anticipating how each reader will use the report. Include a letter of transmittal for only the primary reader.
Prepare a special letter of transmittal for each, anticipating how each reader will use the report.
A chronological résumé style would be best for which of the following candidates? Emma, who has worked for years in the retail industry and who is now pursuing a career in health care Griffin, who has held five different positions with four different companies over the past three years Roxanne, who has advanced from an entry-level position to department manager for her current employer Huseyin, who is afraid he will appear overqualified for the target position
Roxanne, who has advanced from an entry-level position to department manager for her current employer
Which of the following acronyms can help you in answering behavioral interview questions? SMART STAR HIRE SKILL
STAR
Adam is writing a proposal to the board of directors about an idea he has for a new product line. Which of the following would be most effective in persuading the board members to adopt his idea? Avoid using facts and figures as it may bore or confuse his readers. Show how his proposal will increase company revenues. Avoid mentioning any risks involved because doing so might scare the audience. Include a list of every reason a reader may have for resistance to show he has analyzed his audience.
Show how his proposal will increase company revenues.
Heather wants to convince her supervisor to invest in new smartphones for the sales staff. What is the best thing Heather can do in her proposal? Tell her supervisor that the cost of the new smartphones is a good deal. Tell her supervisor how happy she and the others on the sales staff would be with new smartphones. Show how the smartphones will improve the ability of sales staff to stay in touch with clients, resulting in greater productivity and higher sales. Outline some of the features of the new smartphones.
Show how the smartphones will improve the ability of sales staff to stay in touch with clients, resulting in greater productivity and higher sales.
Patricia has just been offered a full-time position over the phone and has decided that the position isn't right for her. What should she do? Say that she will be back in touch and then do nothing because the employer will figure out soon enough that she isn't going to accept the position. Accept the position anyway to ensure that she'll have a back-up plan in case no other offers come in. Say no on the phone immediately to save the employer time. Thank the employer verbally for the offer and then write a letter reiterating her thanks and briefly explaining that she is turning it down.
Thank the employer verbally for the offer and then write a letter reiterating her thanks and briefly explaining that she is turning it down
Melinda is evaluating the information she found on a website before she includes it in a proposal she is writing. She asks, Who publishes or sponsors this website? What is Melinda evaluating? The currency of the website The authority of the website The content of the website The accuracy of the website
The authority of the website
Which of the following sentences best motivates action in a persuasive message? We know that you'll want your employees to complete our ethics training program, so we'll drop by tomorrow to finalize the contract. If you think that our ethics training program might benefit your employees, we hope you'll consider hiring us. The ethics training we provide will help your employees effectively resolve workplace-related ethical dilemmas. Please call me by August 1 so that your training sessions can begin by August 15. Our new ethics training program has been very well received by your competitors.
The ethics training we provide will help your employees effectively resolve workplace-related ethical dilemmas. Please call me by August 1 so that your training sessions can begin by August 15.
Which is the best statement to include in the body of a cover message? I have completed courses in cost accounting, auditing, and financial statement analysis. I have excellent communication, organizational, and teamwork skills. The listening, conflict resolution, and communication skills taught in my certificate program will make me immediately effective as one of your customer service reps. I am the perfect person to hire for this position.
The listening, conflict resolution, and communication skills taught in my certificate program will make me immediately effective as one of your customer service reps.
Which of the following is an advantage of 3D zoom presentations? They help the audience better understand and remember content, details, and relationships. They are considered less dynamic than other types of presentation software, allowing the audience to focus only on printed text. They use individual slides arranged in a linear fashion. They prevent the use of bullet points, requiring presenters to be more creative in sharing content.
They help the audience better understand and remember content, details, and relationships.
You are asked on a job application why you left your previous position. What is the best response to this question? Confidential To accept a position with more responsibility For personal reasons Conflicts with coworkers
To accept a position with more responsibility
Which of the following is an effective statement of purpose for an informational report? To inform the reader of the many different features offered on the Apple iPad To analyze ways to offer our customers the best service possible To solve the problem of employee turnover at the company's Chamblee location To determine which of three smartphones to purchase for our Sales Department staff
To inform the reader of the many different features offered on the Apple iPad
Which of the following is a purpose of a customized cover message? To introduce your résumé To learn more about the employer To avoid having to interview To take the place of a formal résumé
To introduce your résumé
The median of the numbers 46, 20, 20, 50, and 24 is 24. True False
True
A progress report should describe current problems, as well as anticipate future problems and possible solutions. True False
True
An expanded statement of purpose includes three additional factors: the scope, significance, and limitations of the report. True False
True
Arriving on time, being courteous, and dressing appropriately are examples of positive nonverbal messages you should aim to send during an interview. True False
True
As a courtesy to her intercultural audience, Sabrina should speak slowly, use simple English and short sentences, and avoid jargon and clichés. True False
True
Brad started his report with a description of the problem. He followed this with his facts and findings. Finally, he ended his report with his conclusions and recommendations. Brad has used the indirect pattern to write his report. True False
True
Developed teamwork skills while collaborating within six-member task force in producing 20-page mission statement is an effective statement to establish your soft skills on a résumé. True False
True
Evan's boss has asked him to research and to recommend a new insurance provider for employees' health insurance. Everett should write an analytical report. True False
True
Even if you discuss your resignation in person with your supervisor, it is a good idea to document your resignation with a formal letter. True False
True
Group interviews are intended to help employers evaluate leadership skills and communication styles. True False
True
In a practical sense, effective persuasion shows how you can help solve a problem or make life easier for your audience. True False
True
In addition to your résumé, reference letters, and work samples, your career e-portfolio may also contain such items as photographs, multimedia files, and blog entries. True False
True
Many investors look carefully at the experience of the management team because they consider this the most important factor in assessing business potential. True False
True
Most proposals begin by briefly explaining the reasons for the proposal and by highlighting the writer's qualifications. True False
True
One benefit of researching a company before an interview is that you may uncover information that convinces you that you would not want to work for the company. True False
True
Our new CEO acts like the coach of a football team is an example of a simile. True False
True
Yasmin knows that nonverbal messages can create powerful impressions on people during a job interview. What should she do to ensure that her nonverbal behavior impresses her interviewer? Chew gum because doing so will make her look casual and relaxed. Avoid direct eye contact to show respect to the interviewer. Turn off her smartphone before the interview. Smile the entire time to demonstrate her friendliness and enthusiasm.
Turn off her smartphone before the interview.
What is the least accurate statement about oral presentations? Until you are promoted to a managerial role, you will probably not have to give presentations. College provides many opportunities to improve your presentation skills. A recent study shows that a key predictor of success and upward mobility is how much you enjoy public speaking and how effective you are at it. Most people have some apprehension when speaking in public.
Until you are promoted to a managerial role, you will probably not have to give presentations.
Which of the following is an appropriate statement when saying no to job applicants? Other candidates were much more experienced with the social media tools that are used in our organization. We appreciate your interest in our company and wish you every success in your job search. I am sorry to inform you that you were not selected for the position of social media marketing coordinator. Even though you were a top candidate for the position, we're sorry to say that someone else was selected.
We appreciate your interest in our company and wish you every success in your job search.
Which of the following is the best example of an effective buffer in a bad-news letter telling a job applicant that she didn't get the position for which she interviewed? Thank you for your application of March 13, wherein you applied for the medical clerk position. We are very sorry to have to tell you that the medical clerk position has been filled. We enjoyed meeting you last week to discuss your qualifications for the medical clerk position. We are absolutely thrilled to have an applicant with your exceptional qualifications.
We enjoyed meeting you last week to discuss your qualifications for the medical clerk position.
Max has just accepted a full-time position over the phone. What is the best thing for him to do now? Do nothing until he shows up the first day of work. Write a job acceptance letter to confirm the details and formalize the acceptance. Thank his employer on social media. Visit the office several days before his official start date to show his eagerness.
Write a job acceptance letter to confirm the details and formalize the acceptance.
Peter must deny an employee's request to work from home two days a week. What is the best way to begin this bad-news message? I have in my hand your letter of May 31 in which you ask to work from home two days a week. You are an extremely valued member of our team, and we all benefit from being able to work with you face-to-face on a daily basis. Thank you for your request. No, I cannot allow you to work from home two days a week.
You are an extremely valued member of our team, and we all benefit from being able to work with you face-to-face on a daily basis.
Which is the most effective statement in a letter to a customer denying a claim? If you had followed the instructions, you wouldn't have overheated the battery pack. You can purchase a replacement battery pack at a 30 percent discount. Per company policy, we are unable to replace battery packs that have been damaged due to customer misuse. We apologize, but, unfortunately, we cannot replace your battery pack at this time.
You can purchase a replacement battery pack at a 30 percent discount.
Michelle attended a professional conference and must submit a report to her supervisor. She should write an analytical report. True False
false
Phone screening interviews are always scheduled by employers in advance to allow candidates to prepare. True False
false
Which section of a proposal typically identifies the problem and discusses the goals or purposes of the project? Background Staffing Budget Authorization Request
background
To emphasize your enthusiasm and genuine interest during an interview, ________. be positive in all interactions and about all topics ask early on whether vacation and benefits are generally offered for the position focus on how much you need the job arrive at least 30 minutes early
be positive in all interactions and about all topics
A neutral audience is likely to be ________. enthused about you and your topic calm and rational forced to be there and have short attention spans defensive and emotional
calm and rational
Reading an oral presentation directly from notes or slides ________. is an effective technique for beginning speakers is a good idea to ensure that everything is covered allows the speaker to use on-the-spot nonverbal feedback from the audience causes the audience to lose confidence in the speaker's expertise
causes the audience to lose confidence in the speaker's expertise
An informational report presenting quarterly sales data for a clothing boutique's four branches would most likely be organized by ________. time importance component criteria
component
Because it is the most remembered part of a presentation, you should spend sufficient time making the ________ as effective as possible. introduction body conclusion slide design
conclusion
The ________ section of an informal proposal may include a request for approval or authorization, a reminder of key benefits, and a deadline beyond which the offer is invalid. background staffing budget conclusion
conclusion
The most widely read portions of a report are generally the ________. table of contents and introduction conclusions and recommendations executive summary and letter of transmittal appendices and bibliography
conclusions and recommendations
Eric must submit a weekly sales data report that contains headings established by his supervisor. This recurring report is organized by ________. criteria time component convention
convention
Unsolicited proposals should ________. present a flexible budget in case costs increase. convince the reader that a problem exists. use the language of the RFP. begin with the overall cost of your services and/or products.
convince the reader that a problem exists.
AIDA, the indirect strategy for persuasive messages, seeks to gain the attention, interest, ________, and action of the audience. direction desire deduction discernment
desire
Keisha has been asked to give a presentation about a new method for processing customer returns. The first thing she should do is ________. develop an outline of the points she wants to cover in her presentation prepare the visual aids she will use in delivering the presentation determine the purpose of her presentation write the text of her presentation
determine the purpose of her presentation
Angelina is writing a report to her supervisor about implementing a new employee orientation process. Her supervisor is highly supportive of the idea and wants to learn the details quickly. What organizational style should Angelina use for her report? Direct pattern Spiral pattern Indirect pattern Journalistic pattern
direct pattern
An example of a recommendation is Both managers and classified staff members report that employee absenteeism has increased since the company's relocation. True False
false
Job seekers should ask themselves questions such as What am I passionate about and how can I turn that passion into a career? and Do I enjoy working with people, data, or things? to ________. help them identify their interests and goals assess their qualifications help them decide how much they are worth in the job market research the hidden job market
help them identify their interests and goals
The major differences between the direct and indirect strategies are whether you start with a buffer and _______. whether you apologize whether you address the reader by name whether you accept blame for the bad news how early you explain the reasons for the negative news
how early you explain the reasons for the negative news
The company description in a business plan should ________. identify the form of your business and its business type discuss market characteristics, trends, projected growth, and barriers to entry explain how the product or service you are providing will benefit customers explain specifically how you will run your business
identify the form of your business and its business type
When incorporating a graphic in the body of your report, you should ________. use large amounts of color to engage the reader enhance the visual to make data look more dramatic include a reference to the graphic in the text assume that the reader will draw the same conclusions you did from the data
include a reference to the graphic in the text
The two most powerful keys to audience comprehension and retention during a presentation are good organization and ________. professionally designed slides intentional repetition a structured question-and-answer period at the end of the presentation a dynamic and entertaining presentation style
intentional repetition
________ data result from reading what others have experienced or observed and written down. Primary Secondary Tertiary Survey
secondary
For a job candidate, the interview is an opportunity to ________. avoid having to send a cover message formally apply for a position learn more about the company culture to determine whether there is a fit negotiate salary
learn more about the company culture to determine whether there is a fit
Goals in communicating negative news should include helping the receiver understand the news, showing your desire to continue pleasant relations with the receiver, and ________. buffering the negative news in all situations ceasing communication with the receiver hiding the real reason for the negative news maintaining a professional and positive image of you and your corporation
maintaining a professional and positive image of you and your corporation
The key ingredient of a press release is ________. advertising research news company benefits
news
Myers-Briggs and Big Five are examples of _______. hiring and recruiting agencies listings of companies within a particular industry online personality assessments online job boards
online personality assessments
The most important information in a press release should be ________. saved for the last paragraph for dramatic effect focused totally on selling the writer's company and its products presented early highlighted briefly in the middle paragraphs
presented early
Deciding whether to use the direct or indirect strategy and thinking through the reasons for the bad news are examples of ________. prewriting composing revising softening
prewriting
To help you understand the problem or assignment clearly when writing a complex report, prepare a written ________ to clarify the task. statement of purpose executive summary problem statement audience analysis
problem statement
Would you like to reduce your daily commute time? is an effective approach for the opening paragraph of a sales message. True False
true
Much of the information that allows decision makers to run their organizations effectively in the digital age comes to them in the form of ________. Web searches reports outside consulting employee feedback
reports
A "limited-time offer" is an example of which psychological trigger that influences people to act or believe? Commitment Social proof Scarcity Authority
scarcity
The issues or elements to be investigated in a research project are defined in the ________. significance of the study scope statement recommendations to be offered limitations of the study
scope statement
In her presentation Sohni says, I will now discuss three possible solutions to our employee turnover problem. This is an effective way to ________. summarize what she's already said conclude her presentation establish credibility with the audience show the organization of her presentation
show the organization of her presentation
When price is an obstacle, the most effective sales messages reduce resistance by ________. mentioning the price right away to show that you have nothing to hide showing the price in smaller units not mentioning the price at all sending your readers to your competitors' websites to compare prices
showing the price in smaller units
In identifying a "best-selling" item, advertisers are hoping to appeal to which psychological trigger? Reciprocation Social proof Authority Commitment
social proof
A summary of qualifications on your résumé should include _______. general descriptions of your skills so they will be applicable to any position a complete list of relevant courses you've taken the name of every organization you have worked for some quantifiable examples of your experiences and achievements
some quantifiable examples of your experiences and achievements
The _______ section of an informal proposal may describe the credentials of the project leaders and identify project resources such as computer facilities. background budget authorization staffing
staffing
Let me review the four steps in processing a customer return is an example of which type of verbal signpost? Previewing Summarizing Switching directions Transitioning
summarizing
Numerical data from questionnaires or interviews are usually summarized using systematic columns and rows in a ________. pie chart flowchart bar chart table
table
Haitao has an espresso maker that stopped working properly within the warranty period. He plans to write a claim letter to the company. Because he feels his request to have his espresso maker repaired at no cost is justified and will be granted, he should use ________. the indirect strategy the direct strategy a passionate appeal both direct and indirect appeals
the direct strategy
A manager who persuades employees to accept pay cuts because of low profits but fails to reveal executive bonuses is demonstrating unethical behavior. True False
true
It is acceptable to omit a list of figures in a proposal as long as the proposal contains only a few tables or figures. True False
true
An executive summary included with a formal proposal is typically ________. one page long three to four pages long five to six pages long up to 10 percent of the original text
up to 10 percent of the original text
One-way _________ interviewing enables a candidate to respond to a list of prescripted questions prepared by the hiring organization. sequential video panel group
video
