bus comm
Which of the following questions should you consider when preparing to communicate with customers or colleagues?
Is trustworthiness or credibility key to the way I work?
What are some of the benefits of using the active voice? (Choose every correct answer.)
It emphasizes action, which is a key element in business. The reader can understand it more quickly. Usually the sentence will be shorter.
The framing of the primary business message is important for which of the following reasons? (Choose every correct answer.)
It highlights support for the message's key ideas. It gives focus to an important argument. It emphasizes the message's premises.
Which of the following are accurate descriptions of the meta message of a business communication? (Choose every correct answer.)
It is conveyed as a combination of content and tone. It is the overall message conveyed by the communication.
Which of the following statements about the framework of a deductive business message are accurate?
It should be possible to scan the message to readily understand its main ideas. There are supporting paragraphs for each key point. The concluding paragraph has a call to action.
What is the key to ensuring that a message will include the right amount of information?
Keep asking yourself what information will be necessary to achieve the purpose of the message.
Which of the following sentences should be rephrased to use parallel language? (Choose every correct answer.)
Many entrepreneurs are adventurous and create jobs for others. A real estate agent will help you search for property, understand the procedures, and paperwork. Our success will depend on anticipating market demand, tailoring our product to customer needs, and a cost-effective advertising strategy.
Which of the following statements about the cheating culture is true?
Many students believe Internet plagiarism is not a serious offense.
Which sentence is written in active voice?
Mary hired three new employees the week after she approved the new budget.
Which of the following sentences contain empty phrases? (Choose every correct answer.)
Needless to say, we made no profit last year. With that said, let me summarize our recent accomplishments. With all due respect, your sales projections are incorrect.
In which of the following cases could a sentence that a writer takes directly from someone else's writing be considered plagiarism?
None of the words are placed within quotation marks, and a few of the words are altered. None of the words are placed within quotation marks, and no words are altered. Only half of the sentence is placed within quotation marks, and no words are altered.
Emails are:
Not rich channels of communication. Best suited for routine, task-oriented, fact-based, and nonsensitive messages.
Which of the following recommendations is the most specific and actionable?
Our company should expand delivery capability by purchasing a new tanker truck and hiring three additional drivers.
When you design a business report, you should bear in mind which of the following?
People will read the document in various ways. The document should be easy to navigate. Some readers will not have enough time to ponder everything in the document.
Which of the following statements about workplace priorities is not true?
Priorities are more constant than values.
What are the last steps in preparing a report?
Proofread the document. Check for fairness. Seek final feedback from colleagues.
Which of the following are recommended steps in proofreading? (Choose every correct answer.)
Read each sentence more than once. Read sentences from the viewpoint of the audience. Correct problems with the writing style, spelling, and grammar.
Involves two considerations: the level of immediacy and the number of cues available
Richness
Simon worked in management at a large technology company that became embroiled in a scandal in which many managers were implicated. Simon was cleared of any wrongdoing, but the company was shut down and all employees were laid off. Simon was hired at a rival company, but his new colleagues did not give him a warm welcome. Which of the following must Simon do to create a good working environment?
Simon must establish credibility.
Which of the following are true about discussing the short-term effects of bad news? (Choose every correct answer.)
Skipping a discussion of the negative impact on the recipients will make them see you as detached from their needs. It is important to discuss what the bad news means to recipients, instead of minimizing it.
What are two reasons that "The dog bit the mailman" is easier to understand than "The mailman was bitten by the dog"?
The first sentence is shorter. People usually think in the active-voice (doer-action-object) pattern.
Which of the following are good principles for determining the amount of information to include in a business communication?
The reader might not know how to respond to a message that has too little information. Too much information is distracting and makes the message harder to comprehend.
Which of the following are conditions for choosing to use a direct quotation?
The text highlights the credibility of the person being quoted. The text is worded in an especially compelling way. The text flows well with the document you are writing.
The many major business scandals in the early twenty-first century have impacted the American public in which of the following ways?
There has been a significant decrease in trust in businesses.
Which of the following is a characteristic of takers in business?
They do not return favors done by colleagues.
Why might researchers make vague or superficial recommendations in a business report?
They do not want to state a clear opinion on the subject. They are tired and in a hurry to finish.
Why might business professionals fail to speak up after observing unethical behavior in their company? (Choose every correct answer.)
They feel they should remain loyal to the company. They believe the behavior is standard practice.
Which of the following are characteristics held by outstanding business thinkers?
They have the ability to state important questions. They can solve complex problems.
Why should business writers avoid using buzzwords? (Choose every correct answer.)
They make your writing less engaging. They have become trite through overuse. They can distract or annoy readers.
Which of the following statements are true about bad-news messages?
They should show goodwill toward the recipients. They should be delivered promptly. They can be delivered through different appropriate channels.
Which of the following are characteristics of effective and compelling business message frames?
They use rational and emotional appeal. They are memorable.
True or false: Business messages can be strengthened to counteract issues concerning low credibility.
True
True or false: Citations should be used throughout your business report.
True
True or false: For most bad-news messages, the rationale for the bad news is given first.
True
True or false: Researchers should clearly show how their recommendations are connected to the facts in their report.
True
Which of the following are ways in which you can make the situation better for recipients of bad news?
Understand how the news affects recipients. Deliver the news in a timely manner. Use the right mix of communication channels.
Which of the following are effective guidelines for achieving a natural writing style that is easy to read?
Use short, simple words. Use action verbs. Use a doer-action-object (noun-verb-direct object) sentence pattern.
Which of the following are forms of plagiarism?
Using your own language to express someone else's ideas without giving credit to that person. Using someone else's exact words without using quotation marks but giving credit to that person. Using someone else's text without giving credit to that person but using quotation marks to show that the text is not your own language
Which of the following sentences should be rephrased to eliminate buzzwords?
We expect our team to think outside the box and find a win-win solution. If all team members get on the same page, we believe we can do more with less. We hire change agents who are agile and believe in synergistic solutions.
What question should the writer ask when deciding whether to reword a sentence that begins with "it is"?
What does "it" refer to?
For which of these situations would the use of the passive voice be preferable?
When presenting a problem situation to your manager and avoiding placing the blame on anyone.
trustworthy.
Whether your motives are accessible How well you have shown respect How well you have provided facts
Which of the following considerations in timing the delivery of bad news are true?
You can lose credibility if others think you have wrongfully waited to deliver bad news. If you deliver bad news without knowing the details, you can create unnecessary worry.
Why is it important to gather facts from a variety of sources so you can make fair, objective decisions before delivering bad news?
Your initial interpretation of the situation might not be the only valid way to look at it. Although the situation might be upsetting, usually the solution should not be based on emotion. Since the consequences of the bad news might be severe, you should be sure of the facts and possible solutions.
To soften the blow of bad news in written communications. you could use
a buffer statement. a neutral subject line for the message.
Which of the following are appropriate for an effective delivery in person of bad news to a client?
a buffer to let the person get ready emotionally to hear the news a rationale followed by the bad news an explanation of how the news will immediately affect the person's situation
The conclusions and recommendations in a business report should be focused on
a clear business problem.
Which of the following are typically included in the front matter of a formal report?
a cover page a title page a table of contents
Which of the following would be a good example of a buffer in a bad-news message?
a neutral statement in the subject line of an email
Which of the following are typically included in the back matter of a formal report?
a reference list or bibliography appendixes attachments
A feeling of ______ indicates an obligation to meet the needs and desires of others.
accountability
A sentence written in active voice specifies the doer of the action. This is important because
accountability and coordination are vital in business.
Reinterpretation
adjusting your initial perceptions by making more objective, more fact-based, and less personal judgments and evaluations.
Demonstrating accountability in business implies which of the following? (Choose every correct answer.)
an obligation to meet the needs of others an enlarged vision of those affected by a business
Which of the following are common types of buffers for bad-news messages?
appreciation giving a compliment a neutral statement
Excellence in thinking leads to reports that
are accurate. document all facts.
Flames
are emails or other digital communications with hostile intentions characterized by words of profanity, obscenity, and insults that inflict harm to a person or an organization.
It makes sense to provide bad news in writing to someone when you
are replying to a written request.
Writers should avoid buzzwords because they
are trite. can cause negative feelings.
Which of the following are aspects of setting up the logic of a business message? (Choose all that apply.)
arranging message logic defining a call to action identifying supporting points
Which of the following are part of planning the basic message structure? (Choose every correct answer.)
arranging the logic of the primary message finding and framing the primary message
Where does an executive summary appear in most reports?
at the beginning of the document
Which of the following are generally considered to be overused workplace terms?
at the end of the day do more with less think outside the box
Reference lists should be placed
at the end of the report.
The AIM process includes which of the following steps? (Choose every correct answer.)
audience analysis information gathering message development
To build trust within an organization, decision making must be which of the following? (Choose every correct answer.)
based on a collective conscience open documented
A report without a problem statement is likely to
be considered unimportant. wander aimlessly.
When a writer chooses big words that are not common, the reader will most likely
be distracted from the message.
If the structure of a report is familiar to decision makers, then it will
be easier to navigate.
When delivering bad news, it is important to
be honest and open.
In general, business communications should
be specific in order to answer the reader's questions.
Which of the following factors impact a business executive's credibility? (Choose every correct answer.)
being caring character competence
Which of the following actions tend to increase the credibility of a business report?
being precise when citing facts citing research sources including details that support the report's conclusions
The statement designed specifically to soften the blow at the beginning of a bad-news message is known as a
buffer.
When acting with transparency, a company executive provides stakeholders with which of the following? (Choose every correct answer.)
business process information basic facts about the business financial figures from the business
Workplace terms that are used too often are called
buzzwords.
Which of the following are positive ways a transparent workplace can be created by a leader in business? (Choose every correct answer.)
by being reachable by listening to the concerns of others
Business messages usually conclude with a
call to action.
Generosity towards others is an example of ______ in the business world.
caring
The best thing to do with wordy prepositional phrases is usually to
change them into single-word verbs.
According to anonymous surveys, a majority of graduate students in education, medicine, law, and business did which of the following to gain admittance to their programs?
cheat
When you proofread a document, you
check for accuracy. evaluate whether the document is likely to influence readers.
Which of the following should be provided throughout your business report to indicate any information taken from other sources?
citations
Which of the following are typically used to document sources for a business report?
citations a reference list
When making decisions concerning bad news, you should
collect information from different sources. evaluate your own emotions. remove defensiveness and favoritism from your judgment.
Conducting business with ______ helps forge character and maximize competencies.
complete honesty
When framing the primary message, authors of a business message should complete which of the following? (Choose all that apply.)
compose a brief, vivid message statement define the primary message
The most important consideration for written business communication is
conveying a message that is easy to read.
When given a set of hypothetical ethical dilemmas, MBA students scored as high on unethical behavior as
convicts in prison.
Which of the following actions are plagiarism?
copying a text word-for-word and passing it off as your own stealing and passing off the ideas of someone else as your own any literary theft
Meg Whitman, former CEO of HP, stated that early in her career she gained credibility and displayed competence through her focus on
creating a successful track record.
In business, it is important to establish your _____ from your first day on the job.
credibility
Which of the following are gained by business leaders by when they recognize and show concern for others' needs? (Choose every correct answer.)
credibility trust
An audience's assessment of a business communication message is largely based on the author's
credibility.
You can improve your professional skills by becoming a(n) ______ communicator.
credible and trusted
A cover page should include which of the following?
date title names of people who wrote the report
Coordination
deals with the effort and timing needed to allow all relevant people to participate in a communication.
Most business messages are crafted using a(n) ______ approach.
deductive
Headings and subheadings within a document should
describe the contents of each section.
It is conveyed as a combination of content and tone. It is the overall message conveyed by the communication.
determining the business issues and objectives making sense out of often complex and confusing pieces of information gathering relevant information and facts
Which of the following are identified to help create solid business ideas? (Choose every correct answer.)
determining the business issues and objectives, gathering relevant information and facts, making sense out of often complex and confusing pieces of information
Text taken word-for-word from a source is called a(n)
direct quotation.
In a business situation, after delivering bad news and explaining why things turned out this way, you should
discuss what this development means for the recipients.
In business, dishonesty on financial performance is likely to lead to
dismissal.
A perception that someone does not care about others will lead people to ______ them.
distrust
When designing a document
do not format it in a way that will distract from the main message.
When sentences begin with "it is" or "there are," they usually
do not specify the subject of the sentence. are longer than necessary.
Which of the following are essential features of a thorough, detailed approach to research?
documentation of sources methodical analysis
Asynchronous communication
does not occur in real time. (Can respond to communications at a time of their choosing)
What should you do after compiling data for a report? (Choose every correct answer.)
draw conclusions based on the facts in the report recommend actions based on the facts and conclusions in the report
Writing effective messages in business should seek to do which of the following? (Choose every correct answer.)
drive collaboration boost productivity
When delivering most bad-news messages, you should
ease into the bad news to give the recipient time to adjust to the shock.
Having good credibility implies which of the following qualities? (Choose every correct answer.)
ensuring promises are fulfilled having strong ethical values being honorable and reliable
Which of the following are examples of good business ethics? (Choose every correct answer.)
ensuring proprietary information remains safe following the law
The commonly accepted beliefs and principles for acceptable behavior in the business community are known as business
ethics.
Delivering bad news with the feelings of the recipient in mind involves
explaining why the decision was made. keeping any buffer statement short. stating the bad news quickly.
Email is inefficient for
facilitating discussions
In response to a business communication that is vague, what do people tend to do? (Choose every correct answer.)
feel that their questions have not been answered start skimming to find the information they want become impatient
Professional Signature block Example
finish email with closing Ex: "Best, Hanz" then under that (enter) ----------- (enter) Haniz Zogby (enter) Marketing Specialist (enter) Better Horizons Credit Union (enter) Office phone (enter) Mobile phone (enter) Email)
One important aspect of delivering bad-news messages is to
give the news without waiting too long.
Which two of the following people might be enlisted to design the cover page of a formal report?
graphic designer public relations professional
Colleagues and clients ______ persons they know care about them.
have greater trust in
Bullets and numbering
help readers notice each item on a list. makes items easier to remember.
Recent research has found that when workplaces develop a climate of betrayal, it is most often through which of the following kinds of actions?
hiding the truth sharing gossip about others going back on decisions
Spoken messages in the workplace are generally
high in richness but low in control Meaning they get immediate verbal and nonverbal feedback and respond accordingly. This leads to rapid understanding and bonding. However, they cannot prepare a set message (low planning) or keep a permanent record that can be reviewed and distributed to others (low permanence)
Having good character implies that one has ______ values.
high moral and ethical
Writers sometimes finalize their work without reviewing it because
human nature prompts people to finish a project and move on to the next one.
A sentence written in active voice does which of the following? (Choose every correct answer.)
identifies the doer (the subject noun) includes a strong verb often includes a direct object
When a document is complex or full of information, headings help readers do which of the following? (Choose every correct answer.)
identify key concepts find their way through the document and locate areas of interest
Setting up the logic of the message consists of which of the following? (Choose every correct answer.)
identifying the call to action identifying supporting points in the message
By thinking about how your communication will affect recipients, you are using the ______ component of the FAIR test.
impacts
During the review process the writer should apply the FAIR test to ensure that the message it conforms to standards for which of the following? (Choose every correct answer.)
impacts access respect facts
Planning
implies that the communication can be tightly drafted, edited and revised, rehearsed, and otherwise strategically developed before delivery.
The most effective way to deliver bad news with medium to high severity to a long-time business partner or client would be to communicate
in person.
Resources
include the financial, space, time, and other investments necessary to employ particular channels of communication.
Which of the following are benefits of having many givers in a business? (Choose every correct answer.)
increased productivity less employee turnover greater profitability
Relaxation
involves releasing and overcoming anger and frustration so that you can make a more rational and less emotional response.
Cyber incivility
is the violation of respect and consideration in an online environment based on workplace norms
Research indicates that when banks told customers why they reached bad-news decisions,
it increased the trust that customers felt toward the banks.
The purpose of an executive summary is to highlight
key findings and recommendations.
A two-page report needs to include a cover page if it is to be submitted to
loan officers. stockholders. venture capitalists.
Your goal in framing a business message is to
make it compelling while using rational and emotional appeal.
Empty phrases in business communication
make sentences unnecessarily long. fill space without adding meaning.
Business writing should be concise in order to
make the message easier to comprehend.
Negativity effect
means that recipients are more likely to perceive messages that are intended as neutral as negative
Which additional components are sometimes added to formal reports?
memo of transmittal title page table of contents
The frame of a primary business message should be which of the following? (Choose every correct answer.)
memorable short
The underlying, overall message that people get from a business communication is called the message of the communication.
meta
Which of the following are common sources of inaccurate information in business communication?
miscalculations errors in typing misinformation
Documenting sources and including data to support your conclusions will tend to make a business report which of the following?
more credible
Keep your message brief yet complete
most important information first
Effective communicators gain trust by seeking to understand others'
needs.
Entry-level business professionals have low credibility primarily because they are
newcomers.
Cyber silence
nonresponse to emails and other communications
Which two of the following can often be changed into action verbs in an effort to make your writing more dynamic?
nouns forms of the verb to be
All business trend reports should have which of the following characteristics or features?
objectivity easy navigation documentation
Synchronous communication
occurs in real time
What are readers who provide feedback expected to do? (Choose every correct answer.)
offer suggestions for improving the text imagine how the intended reader will respond to the text
Richness level for communication channel, Asynchronous communication channels, and Synchronous or Real-time communication channels are
on page 5
In general, how long should an executive summary be?
one page for every 10 to 20 pages in the report
A good business communications textbook is designed to give readers which of the following things? (Choose every correct answer.)
opportunities to consciously elevate their communication skill set tools to develop communication abilities over the course of a career
When you weave together information gathered from a variety of sources and think up your own ideas, reach your own conclusions, and make your own recommendations, you are demonstrating
originality of thought.
Which of the following requires a source citation?
paraphrase ideas borrowed from a secondary source direct quotation
When important decisions must be made, but there is not yet much information available,
people tend to spread rumors about what is happening. people frequently assume the worst. leaders lose credibility if people think they are withholding information.
require more of an effort to serve others than other message types.
people tend to spread rumors about what is happening. people frequently assume the worst. leaders lose credibility if people think they are withholding information.
When reviewing a business communication, it is best to seek feedback from
people who have demonstrated good judgment. respected colleagues.
AIM is a process for ______ the writing of useful business messages.
planning
Which of the following are parts of the process of crafting effective business messages? (Choose every correct answer.)
planning writing reviewing
If employees do not honestly communicate about business issues, it can lead to
poor financial performance.
Many managers cit the lack of emotion in emails as
positive Email allows the exchange of messages in minimal form - objective, task based, and straightforward.
What are several of the key features that should be included in all business reports?
precision value to decision makers documentation
Which component of a business report frames the overall message in order to help decision makers follow the text?
preview statement
Most people will judge a person's competence based on the person's
previous accomplishments.
People can develop competence by finding which of the following related to their discipline? (Choose every correct answer.)
real-world experience jobs internships
Constraints
refer to the practical limitations of coordination and resources.
Permanence
refers to extent to which the message can be stored, retrieved, and distributed to others.
Control
refers to the degree to which communications can be planned and recorded, thus allowing strategic message development. May be your primary concern for many important communicaitons
Redundant words and phrases
repeat the meaning of previously used words and phrases.
Bad-news messages
require more of an effort to serve others than other message types.
As a general guideline, a report that is fewer than 5 pages
requires at least first-level headings.
Headings are used in reports to
reveal the basic logic of the document. indicate the contents of each section. help readers navigate rapidly through the document.
Face-to-Face
richest form of communication. Each person can get immediate verbal and nonverbal feedback. Richer communication typically leads to more trust-building, rapport, and commitment. Generally most efficient way to accomplish communication objectives quickly and is less likely to lead to misunderstandings.
In business communication it is best to use words that are
short and familiar. conversational.
To express sympathy for people who are receiving bad news, you should
show genuine concern and appreciation.
When readers receive a business message that consists of long paragraphs, they typically will
skim the text instead of reading each word.
Some forward-thinking companies are increasingly adopting
social networking platforms (SNPs) for employee communication. However, even in companies that adopt SNPs, employees will continue to use private electronic messages within these platforms, which function nearly identically to emails.
Which of the following happens in a team when team members use the phrase "our needs" is used instead of "my needs"?
solutions are developed that help everyone
What is included in the reference list of a business report?
sources for all of the facts that were cited
A person who demonstrates accountability is someone who will take a(n) ______ perspective of the groups affected by his or her business.
stakeholder
Which two of the following would likely benefit from being presented as a list with bulleting or numbering in a business report?
summaries of five surveys, with statistical information and source citations the top 10 innovations that made our company the industry leader this year and how much profit each generated
The purpose of the FAIR test is to ensure which of the following? (Choose every correct answer.)
that business communication be conducted ethically
Which two of the following have reliable guidelines for documenting sources in a business report?
the APA style website the Purdue Online Writing Lab
In direct bad-news messages,
the bad news is delivered, then a rationale is provided.
For many business messages, the most important step in the planning stage of business communication writing is identifying
the benefits to be gained by the reader.
Which of the following are items in a business report that tend to increase the effectiveness of the author's recommendations?
the cost and other implications clear steps that would help achieve an objective a rationale
When discussing bad news,
the delivery of the message can be more important than the content.
Which of the following are examples of what needs to be documented to avoid plagiarism?
the exact wording of text that you quote text that you paraphrase other people's ideas that you borrow or reference
In a deductive business argument, the essence of the message can be gleaned from which three of the following? (Choose every correct answer.)
the last paragraph the first sentences of supporting paragraphs the first paragraph
One major difference between direct and indirect bad-news messages is that
the order of delivering the news and providing a rationale are switched.
A business report problem statement should establish
the purpose of the report. the value of the report.
Neutrality effect
the recipients are more likely to perceive messages with an intended positive emotion as neutral.
At most basic level, communication channels can be divided between
the spoken and the written
Which two of the following kinds of lists would benefit most from being formatted with bullets or numbering?
the various forms required to apply for a business loan the seven steps a person can take to overcome shyness at work
Global cheating culture refers to
the widespread cheating that takes place in schools.
Reviewing a business communication before sending it is important because the review helps
the writer improve the message. prevent costly mistakes. eliminate embarrassing errors.
Parallel language is important when
the writing contains a series or list.
When your writing style is similar to the way your readers think and talk,
they will process the information more easily.
What is the primary purpose of charts and tables in a business report?
to fit into the story line of the report
In a business report, bulleting is used for which of the following? (Choose every correct answer.)
to group information visually for easier comprehension to break up dense blocks of text
What is the main purpose of navigational design?
to make the message easy to navigate
When deciding how much white space to leave on a page, it is important to consider that
too much white space makes the text look sparse. too little white space makes the text look cluttered.
In business situations where law and ethical principles do not provide a clear answer, ______ is crucial.
transparency
When civil servants share relevant information and decision rationale with stakeholders, they engage in
transparency.
When using the "access" stage of the FAIR test, you must ask how ______ your motives, reasoning, and information are.
transparent
Documenting sources for a business report helps decision makers
trust the researcher's findings. assess the quality of the data. have confidence that the data was collected in a methodical way.
When people are credible, they have a reputation for being
trustworthy.
When business thinkers are mentally flexible, they possess the ability to
understand contrasting views.
To support the story line of a report, you should
use charts to simplify complicated numerical information. include charts only for statistics that are directly related to the central theme.
If a report is based on secondary research, it is appropriate to
use information from numerous sources to reach new and perhaps unique conclusions.
Business reports are flawed when their recommendations are
vague. unrealistic.
In the context of business messages, workplace ______ are the core beliefs about suitable ways of handling issues and problems.
values
What are methods by which people can develop competence? (Choose all that apply.)
watching interning study
In which of the following situations are cover pages typically used?
when the report will be submitted to decision makers outside the organization when the report is more than 10 pages long when the report is formal
Framing the primary message involves presenting the message
within an overall theme.
To make business writing easier to read and comprehend, you should
write the way the reader thinks and talks.
In business communication, long paragraphs are generally associated with
writing that will be confusing to read. a writer who expects to claim too much of the reader's time. a writer who is disorganized.
Email communication is the primary form of
written business communication
Which of the following elements are part of the basic documentation of a book used as a source according to APA style and MLA style?
year of publication author name book title
You can create a sense of trust in others by adopting which of the following orientations? (Choose every correct answer.)
you we
When your report is almost finished, you should review it to make sure that
you have been fair to yourself and your readers. the report is as effective as possible.
You have observed what you think may be unethical behavior in the workplace. Which of the following are ways to speak up constructively? (Choose every correct answer.)
"If this is expected, will we feel comfortable being public about it?" "If this is accepted, why is there a company policy against it?"
Email communication has few constraints and high control
(low cost, little coordination) (the writer can think them out carefully, and they provide a permanent record.
Navigational design can be improved using
-simplicity. -headings. -white space.
Guidelines for emails and texts
1) Check digital messages just two to four times each day at designated times. You should never check your messages more than every 45 minutes.2) Turn off message alerts3) Use rich channels such as face-to-face and phone conversations to accomplish a task completely4) Reply immediately only to urgent messages5) Avoid unnecessarily lengthening an email chain (say no reply necessary). Gage if appropriate to send a short reply to say you received the message6) Use automatic messages to help people know when you are unavailable.
Order the following steps as they typically occur in developing sound business ideas, with the first step at the top and the last step at the bottom.
1. identification of questions and problems 2. research to gather information 3. making conclusions or finding solutions
For an effective frame, the primary business message should be approximately ______ words in length.
10 to 15
For routine business communications, what is the highest average number of words per sentence that writers should aim for?
15 words
In general, for complex or analytical business communications, the average written sentence length should be ______ or fewer words.
20
According to most surveys, what are ways in which employees tend to feel about their companies? (Choose every correct answer.)
About half of employees do not trust senior management. Most employees had seen illegal or unethical conduct.
What should you do when designing a business report for a busy executive?
Assume that the executive will not read all of the text. Make it easy for the executive to navigate quickly through the document.
Which sentence demonstrates the most effective use of action verbs?
At our learning center, teachers nurture each child and monitor individual progress.
Which of the following were findings from research on the delivery of bad news in the financial industry?
Clear, specific language promotes trust. Complete explanations drastically increased customers' trust in the bank. Customers suspect banks that use vague language.
the medium through which a message is transmitted. -Emails -Phone conversations -Face-to-face dialogue
Communication channel
Which of the following statements are true about the use of white space in a business document for the workplace? (Choose every correct answer.)
Documents with a large amount of white space may appear to be insufficient, lacking substance. The amount of white space helps readers form their first impression of a document.
Which of the following sentences contain redundant words or phrases? (Choose every correct answer.)
Each year we sponsor an annual family retreat that includes friends and family members. We base our evaluations on a company's past history. We will be happy to aid and assist you with your project.
Clearly Identify Expected Actions
Effective emails contain specific and clear requests so that recipients know exactly how to respond. In many cases, you can place these directions in the subject line for greatest clarity.
emails, phone conversations, and face-to-face dialogue. Print communication declined (nearly 50%)Interoffice memos are being replaced with other forms of electronic communication Electronic communication increased (nearly 80%)Face-to-face communication increased (around 55%)
Examples of communication channels
The test is an excellent way for you to evaluate whether your communications meets ethical standards.
FAIR
True or false: In business reports, positivity is more important than objectivity.
False
True or false: Over 70% of business employees trust their senior management and believe that their company leaders act with honesty and integrity.
False
True or false: When you are known for failing to live up to your promises to stakeholders, you have a reputation for good character.
False
Subject lines
Frame your entire message
Which of the following is a recommended guideline for delivering bad news?
Get to the bad news fairly quickly.
Sydney just started working in the marketing department for a major tobacco company. In her spare time she participates on anti-smoking campaigns. Which of the following statements about her personal values is true?
Her personal values do not align with the corporate values of her work.
They feel they should remain loyal to the company. They believe the behavior is standard practice.
Her personal values do not align with the corporate values of her work.
What does the FAIR test in communications help you examine? (Choose every correct answer.)
How well you have shown respect Whether your motives are accessible How well you have provided facts
Assuming that a corporation has good values, which of the following statements about the alignment of personal values and corporate values are true? (Choose every correct answer.)
If personal values are not in alignment with corporate values, a lack of integrity is possible. Matching personal values with corporate values is a key element of character.
Which of the following sentences should be rewritten to be more appropriately fact-based and precise?
If the company invests in this venture, profits are sure to increase. Hardly anyone has a negative opinion of the company's products.
When is it is usually acceptable to provide written notice of bad news to external partners? (Choose every correct answer.)
If you are replying to a written request When the bad news is not severe When your audience prefers corresponding in written form
Which sentences contain wordy prepositional phrases?
In the future, we will address these issues with due diligence in hopes of arriving at a solution. In order to increase the number of successful sales, take out advertisements in a newspaper. On occasion we have lunch at our place of business.
Why is accuracy an essential element of business communication? (Choose every correct answer.)
Inaccuracy causes readers to lose trust in the writer. People will make important decisions based on the communication.
How well you have shown respect Whether your motives are accessible How well you have provided facts
Is trustworthiness or credibility key to the way I work?
