Self Assessment Effective Communication

A. When I cross my leg, I cross my leg facing the speaker. B. When I cross my leg, I cross my leg away from the speaker. C. When I cross my leg, I bob my foot.

A. Crossing your leg toward the speaker shows you're interested, and builds rapport. Crossing your leg away from the speaker gives the message that you are defensive, disinterested, or feel in charge. In essence, you are putting up a subtle barrier. And if you bob or swing your foot, you're sending the message that you're anxious or nervous!

A. When I discuss a topic, I tend to talk about and focus on positive (good) aspects. B. When I discuss a topic, I tend to talk about and focus on the negative (bad) aspects. C. When I discuss a topic, I tend to complain.

A. Focusing on the positive (good) aspects draws people's attention in a favorable way, and people enjoy the conversation more. People are generally more attracted to a person who has a "positive outlook on life." And when it comes to work evaluations, positive minded people generally do better.

A. I frequently use courtesy words and phrases, "please", "thank you" B. I occasionally use these courtesy words. C. I never use courtesy words.

A. I frequently use courtesy words and phrases, "please", "thank you". *Regular use of courtesy words and phrases is important to show politeness and build rapport.

A. I make an effort to remember and use peoples' names. B. I don't pay attention to names as I forget them. C. I only learn the names of important people.

A. I make an effort to remember and use peoples' names. *It's good to call people by name whenever possible. It makes a good lasting impression.

A. I make eye contact while conversing. B. I sometimes make eye contact while conversing. C. I never make eye contact while conversing.

A. I make eye contact while conversing. *Making eye contact is important for building rapport. It lets the person you are talking to know that you are paying attention.

A. I usually start conversations with small talk B. I avoid small talk and start talking about important things. C. I avoid starting conversations.

A. I usually start conversations with small talk *It's good to initiate conversations with small talk. Topics to warm up conversations might include talking about the weather, news of interests or what you think about what's going on in the activity and the other person are in.

A. If a co-worker has put on weight, I say nothing about it. B. If a co-worker has put on weight, I tell the person he or she has changed in appearance. C. If a co-worker has put on weight, I honestly tell the person that he or she looks fat.

A. It's best to say nothing. Never say anything that might hurt or offend the person. It's called being tactful. It's always best to give compliments only, and only say things that will make the person feel good.

A. When I disagree with a person, I listen first, ask questions for clarification, then disagree non-judgmentally. B. When I disagree with a person, I quickly point out the person is wrong and why. C. When I disagree with a person, I say little or nothing.

A. It's fine to disagree, but it's important to disagree agreeably. This means you should 1) show respect for the other person's ideas, 2) listen attentively until the person is done, 3) ask questions if needed, 4) disagree non-judgmentally, and, if possible, 5) offer an alternative solution.

A. When I give a person negative feedback, I focus on the person's observable work or behavior and offer suggestions. B. When I give a person negative feedback, I focus on what I don't like about the person. C. When I give a person negative feedback, I simply tell the person what to do right.

A. When you give negative feedback, you should focus on and communicate your observations of the person's work or behavior, not focus on nor judge the person. Focus on performance, not personality (or personal traits). After sharing your observation about the persons work or behavior, offer a suggestion in a tactful way.

A. When I receive unfavorable feedback, I note where I need to improve. B. When I receive unfavorable feedback, I get angry and defensive. C. When I receive unfavorable feedback, I deny the problem, make excuses, or plead ignorance.

A. When you receive feedback, it's important to know what you do well, but it's equally important to know where improvements can be made to increase your chances for success. Few people do everything well, and you've undoubtedly heard the saying "No one is perfect." Simply make note of "weak" areas (we all have them!) and make changes needed. Receiving honest feedback is truly "a gift." It usually means someone cares and wishes to see you succeed.

A. When I'm in a group, I tend to frown a lot. B. When I'm in a group, I tend to smile and use humor at the appropriate times. C. When I'm in a group, I tend to be serious.

B. At appropriate times, it's always good to smile. And when used at appropriate times and in appropriate ways, humor is beneficial for group dynamics. Humor helps "break the ice" when people first meet. Humor helps relieve stress and tension. A humorous observation and comments help lower the heat when a heated discussion gets too "hot". And most importantly, humor helps build team cohesiveness.

A. I often stand while talking to a person who is sitting B. I often sit while talking to a person who is sitting. C. I often lean down while talking to a person who is sitting.

B. Communicating at eye level helps build rapport. So if the person is sitting and a chair is available, take a seat! There's one exception- If you walk into your supervisor's office or co-workers office, it's best to ask the supervisor or co-worker if you can sit down first. Even better wait for an invitation to sit. The person may not have time to talk at that moment.

A. While listening, I tend to be distracted by things going on around me. B. While listening, I listen for meaning and ask questions. C. While listening, I watch the person speak, but I don't "hear" a word.

B. If you're a good listener, you keep mentally busy searching for the meaning in the message, and you ask questions. This mental "search for meaning" helps keep you focused, attentive, and engaged. If you get easily distracted, try taking notes if the setting is appropriate. Note taking helps draw and focus your attention as you must mentally "search for meaning" and listen for information in order to take notes. This might be helpful in meetings, for example.

A. When I have a negative opinion or comment, I just say it. B. When I have a negative opinion or comment, I lead with a positive comment first. C. When I have a negative opinion or comment, I say nothing.

B. It's best to say something positive first, then express a negative opinion or comment in a tactful way.

A. When I first meet someone, I wait for them to introduce themselves first. B. When I first meet someone, I introduce myself with a smile and offer a handshake. C. When I first meet someone, I hug them.

B. When I first meet someone, I introduce myself with a smile and offer a handshake. *Its good to introduce yourself with a handshake and a smile. If you don't like to shake hands you can nod your head with a smile.

A. While talking, I hold my head still at all times. B. While talking, I nod my head at appropriate times. C. While talking, I nod my head constantly.

B. While talking, I nod my head at appropriate times. * Occasionally nodding your head to indicates you understand and helps build rapport. It shows you are paying attention.

A. While talking, I stand one foot away from the person. B. While talking, I stand two to three feet away from the person. C. While talking I stand five to six feet away from the person.

B. While talking, I stand two to three feet away from the person. *two to three feet away (an arms length) is an appropriate distance to stand away from people you are talking to.

A. I tend to be serious and don't smile often when I speak to others. B. I smile all the time when talking to others. C. I smile at appropriate times when talking to people.

C. I smile at appropriate times when talking to people. *Smiling when greeting people at appropriate times greatly helps build rapport.

A. When I give a person negative feedback, I do it around others so everyone can hear. B. When I give a person negative feedback, I do it in front of the supervisor. C. When I give a person negative feedback, I talk with the person alone in a private place.

C. It's always best to meet the person privately and away from other people so others can't hear.

A. To end a conversation, I often just leave. B. To end a conversation, I begin to look impatient hoping the person will get the hint. C. To end a conversation, I wrap up with a closing statement.

C. It's best to bring the conversation to an end by making a polite comment or gesture.

A. When I'm listening to a speaker, I often cross my arms over my chest. B. When I'm listening to a speaker, I often lean back and turn my body away from the speaker. C. When I'm listening to a speaker, I often lean slightly forward and face my body toward the speaker.

C. Leaning slightly forward and facing the speaker shows you're interested, and it helps build rapport. Sitting with your arms crossed over your chest gives the message you are defensive. Leaning back with your body or turning your body away from the speaker gives the message that you are bored, disinterested, or feel in charge. Such body language breaks rapport.

A. When someone talks about an unfortunate or sad experience, I don't comment about it. B. When someone talks about an unfortunate or sad experience, I try to change the subject. C. When someone talks about an unfortunate or sad experience, I try to relate to the person's feelings and show sensitivity to his or her misfortune.

C. Showing empathy (sensitivity) to another person's feelings helps build rapport.It's called "reaching out to people."

A. When talking with others, I talk the most B. When talking with others, I let the other person talk C. When talking with others, I try to make sure we are both talking the same amount.

C. When talking with others, I try to make sure we are both talking the same amount. *Conversations should be balanced between two people.