BUAD 2200 EXAM 1 (Chapters 1-4)
According to writing experts, approximately what percentage of time should you spend on the prewriting phase of a business message?
25%
Paragraphs with __________ or fewer lines look inviting and readable.
8
Branch managers of First Federated Savings and Loan received this e-mail message: Please inform all personal that management retains the right to check personal belongings of employees before employees leave the bank. What error did the writer make?
A proofreading error
____________ is the process of creating a message that suits your audience.
Adaptation
Which of the following is not an advantage of frontloading? a... Eliminates the need for researching b... Saves the reader's time c... Sets a proper frame of mind d... Reduces frustration
Answer: a... Eliminates the need for researching
Which of the following is a compound sentence? a... We know that you'll want to receive the early-bird pricing; therefore, please register for the conference by October 15. b... Register for the conference by October 15 so that you can receive a special discount. c... Although the deadline is October 15, there is still time to register; however, you must do so online. d... If you want to attend the conference, register by October 15.
Answer: a... We know that you'll want to receive the early-bird pricing; therefore, please register for the conference by October 15.
To build paragraph coherence, __________. a... incorporate transitional expressions that connect your ideas b... limit the repetition of key ideas c... avoid the use of pronouns d... keep your paragraphs short by eliminating supporting sentences
Answer: a... incorporate transitional expressions that connect your ideas
Tony is conducting a team meeting, and he notices that Brittany rolls her eyes every time he says something. Tony should __________. a... politely seek additional information by saying, "I'm not sure that you really agree with my ideas. Do you have a suggestion to improve them?" b... end the meeting c... take Brittany aside and tell her to keep her negative behavior to herself d... sarcastically thank Brittany for her support
Answer: a... politely seek additional information by saying, "I'm not sure that you really agree with my ideas. Do you have a suggestion to improve them?"
Which of the following business messages would not use the direct strategy? a...A letter to a customer denying his or her request for credit b...A letter to a coworker congratulating him or her on a recent promotion c...An e-mail message to a staff introducing a new employee d...An oral presentation detailing the specifics of a new company wellness initiative
Answer: a...A letter to a customer denying his or her request for credit
Courteous business messages a...All answer choices are correct. b...avoid using words that sound demanding or preachy. c...often turn demands into rhetorical questions. d...avoid hostility or anger.
Answer: a...All answer choices are correct.
Effective paragraphs a...All answer choices are correct. b...include supporting sentences that expand and explain the main idea. c...usually present the main idea in the first sentence. d...are coherent.
Answer: a...All answer choices are correct.
Which of the following is not an element of the communication process? a...Displaying empathy b...Selecting a communication channel c...Providing feedback d...Forming an idea
Answer: a...Displaying empathy
Which of the following countries would likely view a business contract as a binding document? a...Germany b...Mexico c...Japan d...Greece
Answer: a...Germany
Which sentence avoids redundant expressions? a...Let's not repeat our competitor's mistakes. b...It is absolutely essential that our accounting records are accurate. c...Please refer back to the June financial statements. d...I want to thank each and every stockholder.
Answer: a...Let's not repeat our competitor's mistakes.
Which of the following is the best advice to follow when you proofread a routine document? a...Proofread the document using a printed copy. b...Rely solely on a spell-checker to catch any errors. c...Proofread your document as you compose your ideas. d...If proofreading on screen, display the entire document at once.
Answer: a...Proofread the document using a printed copy.
Before composing a business document, you should gather information that will answer which of these questions? a...What is the receiver to do? b...What information will be the easiest to locate? c...Will I have enough time to complete thorough research? d...How will I use this information?
Answer: a...What is the receiver to do?
You are selecting a channel for sending your message. Which of the following is not a factor to consider when making this decision? a...Your competitors' channel use b...Cost of the channel c...Amount and speed of feedback and interactivity required d...Confidentiality and sensitivity of the message
Answer: a...Your competitors' channel use
All of the following are informal research methods except a...conducting a scientific experiment. b...brainstorming for ideas. c...looking in company files. d...interviewing the target audience.
Answer: a...conducting a scientific experiment.
When brainstorming to generate ideas, you should a...record ideas without judging them. b...critique each idea as it is suggested. c...always work alone for greater efficiency. d...allow no more than five ideas to be discussed.
Answer: a...record ideas without judging them.
To improve readability and comprehension through white space, a...use approximately 20 or fewer words per sentence. b...avoid the use of topic sentences on shorter paragraphs. c...develop long paragraphs. d...construct paragraphs consisting of 12-15 printed lines.
Answer: a...use approximately 20 or fewer words per sentence.
Which of the following sentences uses language that is biasfree? a... We need 15 man-hours to complete the project. b... Each nurse is responsible for charting the status of his or her patients. c... The Asian doctor graduated from UCLA. d... All business executives and their wives will be attending the banquet.
Answer: b... Each nurse is responsible for charting the status of his or her patients.
Which of the following identifies the three phases of the writing process? a.. Identifying the purpose, writing economically, and orienting the audience b... Prewriting, drafting, and revising c... Analyzing the audience, adapting to the audience, and selecting a communication channel d... Informing, persuading, and entertaining
Answer: b... Prewriting, drafting, and revising
Which of the following statements about listening is most accurate? a... Most individuals remember at least three quarters of what they hear. b... We spend more time listening on the job than reading, writing, or speaking. c... We misinterpret, misunderstand, or change very little of what we hear. d... Most people are good listeners.
Answer: b... We spend more time listening on the job than reading, writing, or speaking.
Which of the following statements represents the most courteous use of language? a... You should get the proposal done ASAP! b... Will you please submit the proposal by Monday. c... You have to submit the proposal by Monday. d... You must submit the proposal by Monday.
Answer: b... Will you please submit the proposal by Monday.
Which of the following sentences avoids buzzwords and slang? a..The company decided a new paradigm shift was needed to increase sales. b...All companies must follow the guidelines outlined in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. c...The architects blew the budget for the design of the new energy center. d...Our stock prices tanked last quarter.
Answer: b...All companies must follow the guidelines outlined in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Which of the following best avoids flabby expressions? a...In very few cases do job applicants perform adequate research about a company. b...Although many employees have requested training, we can't afford the extra expense. c...The CEO is of the opinion that stock prices will increase next quarter. d...We do not expect any pay raises at this point in time.
Answer: b...Although many employees have requested training, we can't afford the extra expense.
Which of the following expressions is most modern? a...Every effort will be made b...Separately c...In accordance with your wishes d...In receipt of
Answer: b...Separately
Which of the following sentences uses modifiers correctly? a...Placing the proposal on the desk, the office was left by John. b...To take advantage of the discounted pricing, place your order immediately. c...To meet customers' orders, production must be increased. d...Competent in computer graphics, our website was designed by Gloria.
Answer: b...To take advantage of the discounted pricing, place your order immediately.
Marketing Director Schultz must inform the board of directors that customers are not responding positively to the company's new advertising campaign. Which of the following sentences would be the most appropriate wording for the marketing director to use in her message to the board of directors? a...Our customers are badmouthing this awesome new marketing campaign; they are obviously just out of it. b...We have received reports from customers about our new ads. c...Our customers are ripping on our new ads, even though we know these ads rock! d...It has come to my attention that our customers have denigrated the strategic implementation of our new ad campaign.
Answer: b...We have received reports from customers about our new ads.
All of the following are tips you should follow when microblogging except a...personalize your message if possible. b...ignore spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. c...include only the main ideas. d...choose descriptive but short words.
Answer: b...ignore spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
Business writers prefer the active voice because in active-voice sentences the __________. a... bad news is de-emphasized b... subject is the doer of the action c... subject is the recipient of the action d... doer of an action is concealed
Answer: b...subject is the doer of the action
All of the following are effective tips for creating an outline except a...use details, illustrations, and evidence to support subpoints. b...use a single item under a major component. c...break the components into subpoints. d.divide the topic into three to five major components or classifications.
Answer: b...use a single item under a major component.
Which of the following sentences de-emphasizes the bad news? a... Although you can attend class during work hours, the company cannot reimburse you for tuition costs. b... Because we pay only for in-house classes and workshops, you will not receive company funds for tuition costs. c... Although the company cannot reimburse you for tuition costs, you may attend class during work hours. d... Because of our educational benefits policy, you may not receive funds for tuition costs.
Answer: c... Although the company cannot reimburse you for tuition costs, you may attend class during work hours.
An effective paragraph __________. a... develops multiple ideas to add length and substance b... eliminates any supporting sentences for concise writing c... focuses on a single main idea d... uses sentences written in only the active voice
Answer: c... focuses on a single main idea
To build paragraph coherence, a writer should a...use pronouns to refer to previous nouns. b...repeat a key idea by using the same expression or a similar one. c...All answer choices can build paragraph coherence. d...show connections with transitional expressions.
Answer: c...All answer choices can build paragraph coherence.
Which of the following kinds of business messages typically use the indirect strategy? a...Informational reports b...Nonsensitive memos c...Sensitive messages d...Routine requests
Answer: c...Sensitive messages
Which of the following is most acceptable for business writing? a...Please think about the new insurance option. b...Caltrek experienced a change in profits during the last fiscal year. c...Sheila will examine the job proposal carefully. d...Retailers can expect to pay higher amounts for their goods and services.
Answer: c...Sheila will examine the job proposal carefully.
Paragraphs should a...focus on at least three ideas. b...avoid the repetition of key or similar words. c...contain eight or fewer printed lines. d...contain long, solid chunks of print.
Answer: c...contain eight or fewer printed lines.
Active-voice sentences a...direct the action of the verb toward the subject. b...should always be avoided. c...place the subject of the sentence as the doer of the action. d...generally use a to be helping verb.
Answer: c...place the subject of the sentence as the doer of the action.
Business writing should be all of the following except a...purposeful. b...economical. c...sender oriented. d...audience oriented.
Answer: c...sender oriented.
Parallel writing a...places modifiers close to the words being described. b...uses mechanical techniques such as underlining and bolding to emphasize ideas. c...uses similar structures to express similar words. d...de-emphasizes ideas by placing the ideas in dependent clauses.
Answer: c...uses similar structures to express similar words.
Which statement regarding type sizes and fonts is most accurate? a.Writers should always use all caps to emphasize their ideas. b.Font styles are a stylistic means of adding emphasis to your words. c.Fonts include caps, boldfacing, italics, underlining, outlining, and shadowing. d.Readers are generally most comfortable with 8- to 10-point type for body text.
Answer: c.Fonts include caps, boldfacing, italics, underlining, outlining, and shadowing.
Which of the following best describes low-context cultures? a... Communicators in low-context cultures assume listeners do not need much background information. b... Communicators in low-context cultures prefer indirect verbal interaction. c... Group membership is valued by individuals in low-context cultures. d... Individuals in low-context cultures tend to be logical, analytical, and action oriented.
Answer: d... Individuals in low-context cultures tend to be logical, analytical, and action oriented.
Which is the most accurate statement about nonverbal behavior? a... The meanings of nonverbal behaviors are universal among all cultures. b... When verbal and nonverbal messages conflict, receivers put more faith in the verbal messages. c... Nonverbal communication includes only intended behaviors. d... The context of a communication setting can greatly affect the meaning of any nonverbal behavior.
Answer: d... The context of a communication setting can greatly affect the meaning of any nonverbal behavior.
Which of the following sentences does not contain a dangling or misplaced modifier? a... To meet the deadline, the budget figures must be sent before Monday. b... Skilled at graphic design, the contract was won by InfoWorks. c... The world's oldest hotel is just one of the historic buildings you can see strolling about beach. d... To apply for financial aid, send in your application by January 1.
Answer: d... To apply for financial aid, send in your application by January 1.
Which statement about writing in today's workplace is most accurate? a... Messages written in today's workplace are intended for only internal audiences. b... Digital business messages such as e-mails, tweets, and instant messages do not need to be as clear or professional as other forms of business correspondence. c... Writing skills are important for only managers and top executives. d... Today's workers will be expected to write a variety of messages using many electronic technologies.
Answer: d... Today's workers will be expected to write a variety of messages using many electronic technologies.
Which of the following sentences best demonstrates the "you" view? a... We take pleasure in announcing that our management trainee seminars are the best in the industry. b... Our management trainee seminars will cover essential supervision and leadership skills. c... Our management trainee seminars take place at convenient times on weekends and evenings. d... You can improve your chances for promotion by attending our management trainee seminars.
Answer: d... You can improve your chances for promotion by attending our management trainee seminars.
Which of the following represents positive business writing? a... The network upgrade will not be completed until next week. b... Employees may not work overtime until the beginning of next month. c... We have no openings at this time. d... Your order will be shipped as soon as we receive credit authorization.
Answer: d... Your order will be shipped as soon as we receive credit authorization.
Megan is creating a property description for a new real-estate brochure. To make her brochure effective, Megan should anticipate her audience by __________. a... including only pictures of the property b... concentrating on the price and value of the property c... identifying the property's outstanding traits and describing them clearly d... considering what the readers are like and how they will react to the message
Answer: d... considering what the readers are like and how they will react to the message
Which of the following is most acceptable for business writing? a...Every physician must carry his own malpractice insurance. b...Every physician must carry his or her own malpractice insurance. c...Every physician must carry their own malpractice insurance. d...All physicians must carry their own malpractice insurance.
Answer: d...All physicians must carry their own malpractice insurance.
Proofreading includes which of the following tasks? a...Determining whether the message should be written using the direct or indirect organizational pattern b...Fine tuning sentence and paragraph structure c...Improving content and tone d...Correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, names and numbers, and format
Answer: d...Correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, names and numbers, and format
Which statement regarding headings is most accurate? a...Headings provide visual distraction for readers; thus they should be avoided. b...Headings appear most often in business letters. c...Headings should be avoided in all business documents. d...Headings highlight information and improve readability.
Answer: d...Headings highlight information and improve readability.
Which of the following is a formal research method? a...Talking with your boss b...Brainstorming c...Looking in company files d...Investigating primary sources
Answer: d...Investigating primary sources
Which of the following countries represents a high-context culture? a...Germany b...United States c...Norway d...Japan
Answer: d...Japan
Which statement about margins and text alignment is true? a...Nearly all text in Western cultures is aligned at the right. b...Business letters and memos usually have side margins of 2 inches. c...Ragged right margins decrease white space and readability. d...Margins define the reading area and provide important visual relief.
Answer: d...Margins define the reading area and provide important visual relief.
Which of the following statements about nonverbal communication is most accurate? a...Nonverbal communication applies to only intended messages. b...Nonverbal communication comprises very little of a message that is sent or received. c...When verbal and nonverbal messages contradict, receivers believe that the verbal message is more accurate. d...Meanings of nonverbal behaviors are often influenced by the communication context and by one's culture.
Answer: d...Meanings of nonverbal behaviors are often influenced by the communication context and by one's culture.
Which of the following statements is most accurate? a...Today's use of digital media requires less written communication. b...The need for well-written messages has declined in today's workforce. c...Employers rank soft skills as less valuable than hard skills. d...Social media are playing an increasingly prominent role in business.
Answer: d...Social media are playing an increasingly prominent role in business.
Which of the following is not a dimension of culture? a...Time orientation b...Individualism c...Power distance d...Tolerance
Answer: d...Tolerance
Modifiers a...are always used in passive-voice sentences. b...should be avoided in business writing. c...are always used in active-voice sentences. d...must be placed close to the words they describe or limit.
Answer: d...must be placed close to the words they describe or limit.
What is the best advice for proofreading a complex document?
Be prepared to find errors.
What kind of sentence contains two independent clauses?
Compound sentence
A __________________ sentence contains two independent clauses and one dependent clause.
Compound-complex
Katelyn needs to participate in an important conference call. She shuts down her computer, turns off her smartphone, and tells her assistant to hold all incoming calls for the next hour. What technique is Katelyn using to improve her listening?
Controlling her surroundings
__________ can be defined as "the complex system of values, traits, morals, and customs shared by a society, region, or country."
Culture
____________, which occurs during the third phase of the writing process, means improving the content and sentence structure of your message. It may include adding, cutting, recasting, reformatting, and redesigning what you have written.
Editing
"Employers want employees who can write messages appropriately they also want employees who can speak effectively with others" is an example of a well-written sentence.
False
Because of today's communication technology, employees in today's workforce can expect to write fewer messages.
False
Ben Franklin stated this opinion about business messages: To be good, it ought to have a tendency to benefit the reader. His opinion reflects the importance of analyzing the purpose of the message.
False
Business writers who use official-sounding language such as "commensurate" and "remuneration" appear more impressive and are more effective than those who use words such as "equal" or "pay."
False
Businesses that want to capitalize on cultural diversity need to train workers to think and act alike to reduce conflicts.
False
Converting a verb into a noun creates stronger, more professional business writing (e.g., made a decision instead of decided).
False
Good writers should avoid repetition of words or key ideas because it shows lack of creativity.
False
In the active voice, the subject is acted upon. In the passive voice, the subject is the doer of the action.
False
In today's workplace, soft skills such as communicating clearly, getting along with coworkers, solving problems, and taking initiative are less important than technical or hard skills.
False
Jargon should never be used in business writing.
False
Looking in company files for information is a waste of time.
False
Most people are good listeners.
False
Most routine business messages require formal research.
False
Never specify the age of a person in business messages.
False
One careful proofreading of any document is sufficient.
False
Phase 2 of the 3-x-3 writing process involves analyzing your purpose, anticipating your audience, and adapting your message to the audience.
False
Proofreading is the last step in Phase 3 of the 3-x-3 writing process.
False
Ryan has an upcoming business meeting with a person from Germany. Because Ryan has never met this person, he is worried about traveling there to do business for his company. Ryan could reduce his worry by assuming that his German associate is similar to him.
False
Smart business communicators use clichés such as think outside the box to show that they are familiar with current business terminology.
False
Technology has made writing less important in today's workplace.
False
The United States is an example of a high-context culture.
False
The best way to manage a diverse workplace is to do everything possible to minimize or eliminate differences.
False
The best words you can use to create an audience-centered message are I and we.
False
The communication process begins when the receiver provides nonverbal or verbal feedback to the sender.
False
The direct organizational strategy works well with three kinds of messages: bad news, ideas that require persuasion, and sensitive news.
False
The following sentence demonstrates parallel structure: Maggie was organized, punctual, and she was always positive.
False
The following sentence represents an audience focus: Our product guarantee becomes effective after we receive full payment.
False
The most compelling and effective messages contain one repeated sentence pattern rather than a variety of sentences.
False
The sentence "Business messages should be accurate, concise, and written with clarity" demonstrates balanced, or parallel, writing.
False
The three phases of the writing process must be followed in proper sequence to create successful messages.
False
Use headings only when writing a report.
False
When you expect the reader to be pleased, mildly interested, or neutral, use the indirect pattern of organization.
False
Words have universal meaning among all cultures.
False
Your goal as a business writer is to impress your reader.
False
To emphasize a main idea through style, you should use underlining, italicizing, or bolding.
False (example of style is 'vivid wording')
The statement "Every salesman who meets this year's quota will receive two additional vacation days" represents effective business writing.
False (gender bias)
Long reports and complex business problems generally require some use of ______________ research method.
Formal
_______________________ is an organizational writing technique that involves placing the main idea first and following the main idea with details, an explanation, or evidence.
Frontloading (Direct Strategy)
Which formal research source is best to obtain firsthand information?
Interviews
______________ consists of short messages exchanged on social media networks such as Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr.
Microblogging
How many typefaces should you use in a business document?
No more than two
How many ideas should be developed in a paragraph?
One
According to anthropologist Edward T. Hall, which social interaction zone describes communication usually occurring at approximately 1.5 to 4 feet?
Personal zone
Raul is attending a workshop, but he is having difficulty hearing the speaker because the people behind him are talking. What type of barrier to effective listening is Raul experiencing?
Physical Barrier
According to experts, what is the greatest failing of business writers?
Poor organization
____________ an audience can help a writer determine appropriate language use and tone, along with the need for background information.
Profiling
According to Edward T. Hall, which spatial zone is the largest?
Public
Ahna is sending a persuasive memo to her staff asking them to participate in the new wellness program. Which of the following sources of information would be most appropriate to help Ahna shape an effective persuasive message for her staff?
Questionnaires and surveys of employees
Quality Building Materials Inc. has developed a new whole-house weather blanket and needs to determine the price point at which builders would switch to this new product. The best research method for this is a(n)
Scientific experiment that presents price choices with controlled variables.
What kind of sentence contains only one independent clause?
Simple sentence
Some key dimensions of culture include context, individualism, power distance, communication style, and __________.
Time Orientation
A face-to-face conversation is a richer medium than a written report or proposal.
True
A paragraph is unified when it develops a single main idea.
True
A weak Internet signal is an example of channel noise.
True
Adaptation is the process of creating a message that suits the audience.
True
Although mechanical means are occasionally appropriate to create emphasis, more often a writer achieves emphasis stylistically.
True
Business messages are most effective if they convey an informal, conversational tone.
True
Business writers should strive for paragraphs with eight or fewer printed lines.
True
Business writers should strive to keep sentences to 20 words or fewer.
True
For Americans words are very important, especially in contracts and negotiations.
True
Good writers should expect to spend most of their time revising their messages.
True
Greg will be the student speaker for graduation. To ensure that his nonverbal cues support his verbal message, he should ask friends and family to monitor his conscious and unconscious body movements and gestures.
True
Headings are an effective tool for highlighting information.
True
Human Resources Manager Isaac Bauer is researching case studies as he prepares an employee wellness workshop. An effective method of formal research is to search print and online journal articles.
True
In describing sexual harassment in the workplace, Julia explains that Supervisors are getting burned in harassment lawsuits. Julia is using slang in this statement.
True
It is impossible to not communicate.
True
Many of your business messages will be sent digitally.
True
Microblogging consists of short messages exchanged on social media sites.
True
Modifiers must be close to the words they describe or limit.
True
Most people can process information faster than speakers can talk.
True
Nearly all text in Western cultures is aligned at the left and reads from left to right.
True
North Americans consider time a precious commodity and correlate it with productivity, efficiency, and money.
True
One of the best ways to become an active listener is to stop talking.
True
One question you should ask yourself when you collect research is What does the receiver need to know about this topic?
True
Redundant words or phrases convey a meaning more than once.
True
Support sentences must relate to the topic sentence.
True
The belief in the superiority of one's own culture is known as ethnocentrism.
True
The first step in composing a message is to identify its purpose.
True
The following sentence contains a dangling or misplaced modifier: Working all night, the brief was filed with the court on time.
True
The following sentence effectively uses a stylistic device to de-emphasize the bad news: Although we don't have any available positions at this time, we were pleased to receive your application and will keep it on file for six months.
True
The indirect strategy works well with three kinds of messages: (a) bad news, (b) ideas that require persuasion, and (c) sensitive news.
True
The perception of time and the way time is used are culturally learned.
True
The process of converting an idea into words or gestures that will convey meaning is called encoding.
True
The topic sentence should relate the main idea of a paragraph.
True
Using a hierarchy such as an outline can help you to organize ideas and information.
True
Well-organized messages group similar items together.
True
While your physical appearance delivers an important nonverbal message to others, the physical appearance of your documents delivers an important nonverbal message as well.
True
Words such as although, if, because, and since often introduce dependent clauses.
True
You should strive to use a variety of sentence types in your writing.
True
Zach's company does business globally. By associating with people from diverse cultures, Zach can widen his knowledge of intercultural messages and can increase his tolerance of differences.
True
What is a comma splice?
Two independent clauses joined by a comma without a conjunction
Before Melissa organizes and composes her message, she should ask two questions: (1) Why am I sending this message? and (2)
What do I hope to achieve with this message?
When should passive voice be used in business writing?
When you want to conceal the doer of the action
You need to let your employees know that there will be a mandatory meeting next Monday to discuss your company's health insurance benefit. The most appropriate channel to communicate this message to your employees is __________.
an e-mail
Some trends in today's workplace include an emphasis on teamwork, an increase in telecommuting, and __________.
an increase in social media and changing communication technologies
Claire and Brandon are in the first phase of the writing process as they prepare a formal report for a client. In this phase, they should __________.
analyze the audience and determine the purpose of the message
Communication noise is
anything that interrupts the transmission of a message.
Business writing should be purposeful, economical, and __________.
audience oriented
Shoot from the hip is an example of a(n) _________________, which is an expression that has been exhausted by overuse.
cliche
"Gina will graduate from Tulane University in July, her brother will graduate from Arizona State University in December" is an example of a __________.
comma splice
Employers often rank __________ skills among the most requested competencies.
communication
When preparing a business message, you should make your writing audience oriented. Audience oriented means you should
concentrate on looking at the problem from the receiver's perspective.
Brittany is preparing a market analysis for her business plan and knows she will have to conduct formal research to gather the information she needs. To conduct formal research, she should __________.
conduct interviews and surveys or organize a focus group
Translating a message from its symbol form into meaning involves _________.
decoding
Putting yourself in the receiver's shoes to better adapt your message to that person's needs is called
empathy
Writers who put themselves in the receiver's shoes to focus a message on audience benefits are using the skill of __________.
empathy
In the final phase of the writing process, check the message for clarity and readability, proofread for errors, and
evaluate for effectiveness.
Business Manager HeatherGuite expects her employees to be displeased or even hostile when she announces a new work schedule that will become effective next month. An effective organizational strategy for Heather is to __________.
explain all background information first
When you expect a reader of your message to be uninterested, unwilling, displeased, or hostile, you should
explain all background information first
The verbal and nonverbal responses from a receiver are called
feedback
The communication process begins when the sender
has an idea.
Collecting information before composing a message is important primarily because doing so __________.
helps shape the message
Profiling the audience for a business message helps the writer
identify the appropriate tone, language, and channel.
Persuasive and bad-news messages should usually use the ___________ strategy.
indirect
Most routine writing tasks, such as composing e-mail messages or informational reports, require information that you can collect __________.
informally
Well-designed documents enhance readability and comprehension and
make readers think the writer is a well-organized and intelligent person.
Communication is defined as "the transmission of information and meaning from a sender to a receiver." The most important element of this definition is __________.
meaning
Travis must determine the appropriate channel for an important business message. In this context channel refers to the
medium through which the message is sent.
Anything that interrupts the transmission of a message in the communication process is called _________.
noise
A culturally diverse workforce in which employees are tolerant of differences can benefit both the organization and its employees. One way to improve tolerance is by __________.
practicing empathy
The primary purposes of business writing are typically to inform and persuade; a common secondary purpose is to __________.
promote goodwill
Expressions that repeat meaning or include unnecessary words are ______________.
redundant
"Many job applicants post their résumés on company websites some post on social networking sites such as LinkedIn" is an example of a __________.
run-on sentence
Celene told her coworker, "I'm glad Jin will be working with us on our project. Because he is Asian, he can create the budget because Asians are whizzes with math." Celene's statement is an example of _______________.
stereotyping
Every country has a unique culture or common heritage that a...is created by a structured educational system. b...results from a common gene pool. c...teaches its members how to behave and conditions their reactions. d...comes from an orderly system of government and laws.
teaches its members how to behave and conditions their reactions.
A communication channel is
the medium over which the message travels.
Business writers who use words such as interrogate, remuneration, and terminate are using language many readers would consider
unfamiliar
When selecting a communication channel, you should follow two tips: use richer media for persuasive or personal communications, and
use the richest media available.
You can establish a professional yet conversational tone in business messages by __________.
using familiar words and pronouns such as I or you
You can improve your oral communication effectiveness with people who do not speak English as their first language by__________.
using simple English