Business Communications FINAL
During presentations, speakers show their ________ by knowing their content well. -caring -character -competence -arrogance -authenticity
competence
During presentations, how can you be an audience member who shows support for the presenter? -Check your phone to time each part of the presentation so you can give advice on how to shorten it. -Ask questions that pertain to the speaker's topic. -Publicly advise the speaker on how to improve the presentation. -Lean back in your chair to show how relaxed you are. -Avoid eye contact to keep from distracting the speaker.
Ask questions that pertain to the speaker's topic.
What accurately matches the type of attire with the attribute it projects? -Formal business dress projects authority. -Casual dress projects competence. -High-level business casual projects friendliness. -Formal business dress projects creativity. -Low-level business casual projects trustworthiness.
Formal business dress projects authority.
Which group is the best to get advice from to improve your resume? -recruiters -your friends who are also looking for jobs -your current supervisor -professionals who match your career interests -your family
professionals who match your career interests
What is the ideal length of an effective cover letter? -three to five sentences -three to five short paragraphs -five to seven short paragraphs -two to three pages -one detailed paragraph
three to five short paragraphs
What does "T" stand for in the SOFTEN model of nonverbal communication in presentations? -theme -transitions -training -tone -talk
tone
If you choose to include the background of your company in your presentation, you must make sure that the story of your company -is compelling even if it is exaggerated. -has a humorous twist. -is already familiar to your audience. -connects to the needs of your audience.
connects to the needs of your audience.
Which tip will help you manage your nervousness before giving a presentation? -resisting the urge to envision yourself presenting -watching what foods and beverages you consume -avoiding talking to the audience before starting your presentation -focusing on people in the audience with skeptical expressions -arriving for your presentation at the last minute
watching what foods and beverages you consume
Which guideline should be kept in mind while designing presentation slides? -Include as much information as possible on every slide. -Fill up all the white spaces with pictorial representations. -Recall that the slides exist to complement your presentation. -Use compelling images on nearly every slide. -Use low-contrast backgrounds and colors.
Recall that the slides exist to complement your presentation.
What is true of visual learners? -They dislike presentations given in loud, clear voices. -They learn well from illustrations and simple diagrams. -They need breaks at least every 20 minutes. -They need group activities or hands-on activities. -They make up the smallest portion of the population.
They learn well from illustrations and simple diagrams.
How can a team ensure that it gives a cohesive presentation? -Allow members to work independently as much as possible. -Divide up the presentation roles according to strengths. -Whoever is speaking should stand away from the team to command audience attention. -Avoid repeating each other's points to keep from boring the audience. -Be clear with one another about the team's objectives and key messages.
Be clear with one another about the team's objectives and key messages.
Which statement about nervousness when delivering presentations is true? -Feeling some nerves before a presentation is usually a bad sign. -Rehearsing too much for presentations will increase your nervousness. -Focusing on people during presentations will increase your nervousness. -Experiencing some nervousness can heighten your ability to deliver forcefully. -Using notes during a presentation will eliminate your nerves.
Experiencing some nervousness can heighten your ability to deliver forcefully.
Which feature of Mason's résumé is most likely to cause problems with hiring managers? -He didn't include an objective statement. -His list of jobs contains conflicting dates. -He listed only three references and their contact information. -He listed general subjects rather than specific classes like ECON 302. -He didn't use industry jargon in his descriptions.
His list of jobs contains conflicting dates.
In order for your presentation to be successful, you will need to do what when developing your message? -Use the I-voice extensively to convey authority. -Use many headings and bullets to keep it organized. -Save the primary message until the end. -Use an indirect message structure. -Include well-developed takeaway messages.
Include well-developed takeaway messages.
Latisha is giving a presentation on how summer hours programs—which allow employees to work an extra hour a day so they get a half-day off on Friday—affect morale. She begins her presentation with a funny story about how she lost her room key on her last vacation, and everyone in the audience laughs. How appropriate is this as an attention-getter? -It was inappropriate because it did not affect the audience emotionally. -It was appropriate because it broke the ice and relaxed the audience. -It was inappropriate because humor tends to give the audience a bad feeling about the presenter. -It was appropriate because she made allies of the audience by laughing at herself. -It was inappropriate because it did not engage the audience in thinking about her ideas.
It was inappropriate because it did not engage the audience in thinking about her ideas.
Which presenter is using the room to his or her advantage? -Jared positions himself slightly down the center aisle because the front rows are empty. -Nancy stands behind the podium, griping the edges so no one sees her hands trembling. -Kenji turns the lights off so everyone can focus on the presentation slides. -Juliette paces back and forth across the width of the room while speaking. -Adam frequently turns to read the text on his slides while presenting.
Jared positions himself slightly down the center aisle because the front rows are empty.
Which statement effectively quantifies accomplishments in a previous job? -Organized a workshop for 100 sales representatives. -Led team that raised funds for the poor. -Greeted clients and scheduled appointments by phone. -Conducted team meetings. -Supervised workers in the production department.
Organized a workshop for 100 sales representatives.
Which strategy will help make the question-and-answer portion of presentations as smooth and effective as possible? -Never pause before answering a question as it indicates a lack of knowledge. -Give a detailed and elaborate explanation for every question. -Never admit that you do not know the answer to a question. -Reframe the questions to match your agenda. -Avoid fielding questions as much as possible.
Reframe the questions to match your agenda.
Which statement from a résumé best describes experience in a way that emphasizes action and results? -Answered phone calls. -Entered data in an online system. -Waited tables. -Resolved customer complaints consistently. -Responsible for team-building activities.
Resolved customer complaints consistently.
What is a disadvantage of using handouts during presentations? -They can distract your audience members. -They send the message that you are low-tech. -They cannot adequately present numerical information. -They alter the direction of the presentation. -They fail to provide important details and information.
They can distract your audience members.
What is an advantage of using charts and diagrams in presentations? -They help simplify complex data relationships. -They help reduce the overall presentation time. -They help convey messages through emotional appeal. -They help increase the amount of information on the slides. -They help the audience to connect emotionally with the presentation.
They help simplify complex data relationships.
Which statement best describes how HR professionals might use your LinkedIn profile? -They may offer you a job on the basis of your LinkedIn profile alone. -They are unlikely to look at your LinkedIn profile at all. -They may use your profile to supplement your résumé. -They will search your LinkedIn profile to find negative information about you. -They may message some of your contacts for references without your knowing.
They may use your profile to supplement your résumé.
What is true of kinesthetic learners? -They make up the majority of the population. -They need gestures and metaphors to understand. -They learn best from illustrations and simple diagrams. -They need group activities or hands-on activities. -They respond well to PowerPoint slides rich in figures.
They need group activities or hands-on activities.
Which tip is a helpful guideline for nonverbal communication during presentations? -Use facial expressions to connect with your audience and show enthusiasm for your topic. -Avoid gesturing with your hands, arms, body, and head as that can appear too dramatic. -Do not make too much eye contact because audiences interpret that as being aggressive. -Avoid smiling and nodding because it can make you seem fake and insincere. -Demonstrate warmth by standing with your hands on your hips or folding your arms.
Use facial expressions to connect with your audience and show enthusiasm for your topic.
Your coworker Kenny has to give a presentation to a group of managers, and he is feeling nervous. Which tip would be the best advice you could give him? -Visualize yourself speaking with confidence and ease. -Think of what can go wrong so you can prepare for it. -Arrive a little late to the venue so everyone will be in their seats. -Rehearse up until the last minute. -Focus on your notes rather than the audience so you don't lose your place.
Visualize yourself speaking with confidence and ease.
Where should your contributions be positioned in a résumé? -Your most important contributions should be scattered throughout. -Quantifiable accomplishments should be positioned at the bottom. -Your most important contributions should be positioned first. -Your least important contributions should be positioned first. -Information about your personal strengths should be positioned at the bottom.
Your most important contributions should be positioned first.
Most audience members expect your presentation to include -an elaborate explanation on every slide. -an executive summary and an appendix. -numerous charts and diagrams. -a preview, view, and review. -a cover page and a reference list.
a preview, view, and review.
In the story line approach to business presentations, what is a resolution? -a clear beginning to a story -the context of a business situation -a business situation that involves challenges or tensions -the moral or lesson of a story -a solution to the challenges or tensions
a solution to the challenges or tensions
The story line approach is useful for various types of presentations because it -increases the duration of the presentation. -allows the listeners to engage on a deeper level intellectually. -allows the speaker to use more charts and images than the norm. -does not arouse negative emotions, which may disrupt the narrative. -increases the number of images the presenter can use.
allows the listeners to engage on a deeper level intellectually.
One of the best ways to understand the needs of a potential employer is to -go to job fairs on campus. -analyze the job position announcement. -network with friends and relatives. -take time to analyze your interests and qualifications. -represent your employment and education accurately.
analyze the job position announcement.
Which action will help you maintain a flexible approach during your presentation? -pacing around the room -telling your audience about things that have not gone as expected -arriving early to deal with surprises regarding equipment, room layout, or attendance -focusing on your agenda and not your audience -sticking to the original plan even when you encounter problems
arriving early to deal with surprises regarding equipment, room layout, or attendance
The positioning statement in a presentation should be -explained with complex visuals. -as concise as possible. -positioned at the end. -followed by an attention-getter. -extremely humorous.
as concise as possible.
Hoda is skilled at reading the emotional signals of her audience and making quick, subtle adaptations to her presentation to connect with them. Hoda is good at showing her -caring. -character. -competence. -presence. -authenticity.
caring.
Which action by an interviewee is most likely to sabotage the interview process? -arriving more than ten minutes early -asking the interviewer about his or her experiences -failing to send a thank-you note afterward -inquiring about the chances for advancement -dressing provocatively
dressing provocatively
During a presentation, promptly complying with requests raised by audience members -establishes your reputation as being responsive. -reduces your actual presentation time. -helps you focus more attention on your slides. -disrupts the flow of your presentation. -makes you seem self-serving.
establishes your reputation as being responsive.
If you want to draw the audience's attention to you during your presentation, you should -avoid previewing your slides before showing them to the audience. -open your presentation with your slides. -explain and elaborate on the content in your slides. -keep your slides up even when not referencing them. -stand in front of the slide projection.
explain and elaborate on the content in your slides.
In addition to being a place to build a network, LinkedIn is also a place to -find job opportunities and pursue professional learning. -find job opportunities but little else. -post pictures of your family and friends to show your personal life. -find romantic partners who work in your field. -list all the personal activities omitted from your résumé.
find job opportunities and pursue professional learning.
Many job applicants feel hesitant to ________ because they assume that doing so may annoy hiring managers. -share their career goals during interviews -discuss their work experience during interviews -follow up after job interviews -discuss personal success stories during interviews -submit cover letters with their résumés
follow up after job interviews
When you decide to accept a new position and leave your current organization, you should -brag to your coworkers about your new job. -always write a formal letter of resignation. -give your supervisor advance notice. -leave quickly so you do not hurt anyone's feelings. -ignore colleagues who have not supported you.
give your supervisor advance notice.
In the AIM content planning process, you develop your information and ideas by -making sure that you are addressing the audience's needs. -speaking to the audience in the way that is most appealing. -identifying key facts and conclusions related to your topic. -speaking to the audience in a way that is easy to listen to. -focusing on key takeaway concepts and providing supporting points.
identifying key facts and conclusions related to your topic.
In his résumé, Noah lists the attributes "360-degree thinking" and "able to push the envelope." The use of such clichés will most likely -make Noah seem like an overly qualified candidate. -indicate that Noah has vague and inflated beliefs about his abilities. -communicate only specific accomplishments and not overall traits. -secure Noah an interview right away. -communicate that Noah lacks self-confidence.
indicate that Noah has vague and inflated beliefs about his abilities.
Clark is ending his presentation with a review. In order for it to be effective, how should he begin the review? -recapping his message in a few sentences -presenting his conclusion -adding one final piece of evidence to support his ideas -thanking the audience for attending -revisiting the sentence he used to open his presentation
recapping his message in a few sentences
During job interviews, telling stories about your ________ can create a positive connection between you and your potential employers. -difficult experiences with a previous employer -successes in the past -setbacks in your professional life -personal likes and dislikes -high school education
successes in the past
What should an applicant include in a cover letter when applying for a job? -the position being applied for -clichés describing previous job performance -areas that could use improvement -hobbies and recreational activities -personal details such as age and marital status
the position being applied for
Which component of a presentation is analogous to the conclusion in a written document? -the preview -the introduction -the view -the body -the review
the review
What is the main function of a review in a presentation? -to gain buy-in on specific actions -to justify your views -to provide an overview statement -to capture the interest of the audience -to appeal to the learning-style of the audience
to gain buy-in on specific actions
When you seek employment with a company that does not have an open position, you will submit a(n) ________ cover letter. -informal -unformatted -unsolicited -unconventional -combination
unsolicited
Chronological résumés present the information in terms of -educational degrees. -key skills. -work and education over time. -life experience. -personal references.
work and education over time.
Which guideline should be kept in mind while designing an electronic slide presentation? -Use complex charts and diagrams. -Create a storyboard with your slide titles. -Make your slides the focal point of your presentation. -Use low-contrast backgrounds and colors. -Use a variety of fonts to create interest.
Create a storyboard with your slide titles.
In which scenario is the speaker acting advantageously? -Louis sits casually on a table while presenting. -Harvey stands just in front of the podium to seem more accessible. -Diamond stares at her notes to deal with her nervousness. -Brianna grips the podium while she speaks to the audience. -Alyssa paces around the room while presenting.
Harvey stands just in front of the podium to seem more accessible.
Darius has to make a presentation at a fund-raising event. Which nonverbal behavior should Darius display during his presentation to build the audience's trust in him? -He should lean forward but keep an upright posture. -He should remain behind the podium. -He should use dramatic gestures. -He should speak more quickly than usual. -He should maintain eye contact with his audience.
He should maintain eye contact with his audience.
Zion often uses jokes to start his presentations or to keep the audience engaged. People love his presentations while still retaining the information. What is most likely true of the jokes Zion includes in his presentations? -He includes them at the same time as presenting complex charts to inject a serious note. -He ties his jokes to the presentation's key messages. -He avoids eye contact with the audience while telling jokes. -He uses funny visuals to make the jokes more memorable. -He often makes up a humorous story about the company.
He ties his jokes to the presentation's key messages.
Which statement about the SOFTEN model of nonverbal communication in presentations is true? -Going through your presentation quickly is recommended as it shortens your presentation time. -Leaning back and lowering your shoulders while presenting projects confidence. -Keeping your arms to your sides or gesturing with palms up is more inviting to the audience. -Speaking in a monotone ensures that your voice does not distract the audience. -Gesturing with your hands, arms, body, and head is melodramatic and should be avoided.
Keeping your arms to your sides or gesturing with palms up is more inviting to the audience.
What should you do while developing your list of references? -Include one person from every job you've held. -Include well-known professors in the field, even if you didn't take any classes with them. -Prepare a consistently formatted reference list consisting of three to five individuals. -Include your current supervisor's name regardless of his or her personal feelings for you. -Avoid contacting your references ahead of time since they most likely won't be called.
Prepare a consistently formatted reference list consisting of three to five individuals.
In the middle of his presentation, Leroy loses his train of thought. What should he do? -Tell the audience that he has lost his place. -Review his notes while explaining what he is doing. -Find a way to end the presentation quickly. -Read the rest of the presentation without looking up. -Repeat his last statement to regain his thought process.
Repeat his last statement to regain his thought process.
Your colleague Anuj has to give a presentation to the whole company. What tip should you give him about managing his nerves? -Take several deep breaths to alleviate your anxiety. -Stay distant from the audience before starting your presentation. -Drink large amounts of coffee before your presentation for energy. -Do not think too much about your presentation ahead of time. -Avoid referring to colleagues by their names during your presentation.
Take several deep breaths to alleviate your anxiety.
Yony is designing a presentation and wants to focus on making the slides more readable. What should he do? -Use 12-point font size to reduce the length of the presentation. -Use paragraphs instead of bulleted lists. -Use multiple colors to make his points stand out. -Use various fonts on each slide. -Use high-contrast backgrounds and colors.
Use high-contrast backgrounds and colors.
In the context of workplace attire, which item of clothing distinguishes men's formal business dress from business casual dress? -a necktie -tailored shirts -a suit coat or blazer -tailored slacks -conservative shoes
a necktie
Kelly has to deliver a presentation to executives at a formal business meeting. Which outfit will help her project authority and competence? -a dress shirt with khakis -a dress shirt, tailored pants, and conservative footwear -a high-level business casual dress -a tailored business suit with a skirt and leather shoes -a dress shirt with dress pants and high heels
a tailored business suit with a skirt and leather shoes
Once you have written down your career goals, you should then identify your ________, which are your skills and knowledge that can be applied to work. -abilities -interests -competence -attributes -credibility
abilities
Delilah comes to the conclusion while reviewing her presentation that she has left out key information in order to shed a better light on her assessment. Which of the four steps for evaluation does this omission relate to? -facts -audience -impacts -access -respect
access
When you speak with a successful and accomplished professional to seek out career advice, it is referred to as -a job fair. -networking. -an informational interview. -LinkedIn. -a situational interview.
an informational interview.
One way to convey competence while giving a presentation is to -preview your slides before showing them to the audience. -include images and charts in your slides. -clearly know what you are talking about. -offer your views honestly and transparently. -show that you are interested in the needs of your audience.
clearly know what you are talking about.
If you want your presentation to appeal to professionals with a red motivational value system—those who are most often guided by concerns about organizing people, time, money, and other resources to accomplish results, you should -discuss immediate goals. -use relationship-centered terms. -use descriptive, vague language. -use opinion-oriented language. -focus on future goals and tangential topics.
discuss immediate goals.
What does "E" stand for in the SOFTEN model of nonverbal communication in presentations? -examples -ethical behavior -eye contact -ethos -elaboration
eye contact
Which type of attire should generally be avoided in business-related settings? -a tailored business suit -a blazer and slacks -jeans and a collarless shirt -a dress shirt and necktie -khakis and a button-down shirt
jeans and a collarless shirt
Functional résumés present their information in terms of -educational degrees. -key skills. -work and education over time. -life experience. -personal references.
key skills.
When designing presentation slides to make them easier to process, you should -use low-contrast backgrounds and colors. -avoid leaving white space on the slides. -use a variety of fonts and colors to create visual interest. -limit text to no more than six lines of ten words each. -use compelling images as much as possible.
limit text to no more than six lines of ten words each.
Allison just completed a graduate program and does not have any job experience. She is looking for a job now, so which format would be most ideal for her résumé? -listing her key skills from school, community, and volunteer activities -listing her course work in chronological order with the grades she earned -describing the ideal job she would like to have and how she would be a good fit for that position -adding statements from personal references describing her key skills -listing her keys skills as demonstrated in her course work
listing her key skills from school, community, and volunteer activities
Which item should be included in a résumé in order to improve your chances of gaining a new position? -strengths and weaknesses -hobby details -personal references -high school education -objective statement
personal references
What will help make presentation slides appear uncluttered? -plenty of white space -low-contrast backgrounds and colors -complex charts and diagrams -smaller font sizes -frequent use of compelling images
plenty of white space
What is the last step of the PREP method for justifying your views in a presentation? -stating your position -providing your perspective -preparing an example -providing evidence -restating your position
restating your position
What is an effective way of responding to questions during an interview? -providing long, detailed answers for each question -saying "I" instead of "we" when talking about accomplishments at work -taking credit for what your team accomplished at work -ignoring questions pertaining to weaknesses -downplaying your abilities and your success stories
saying "I" instead of "we" when talking about accomplishments at work
One way to prepare for interviews is to plan out some success stories using the STAR method. What does the S stand for in the acronym STAR? -success -story -summary -situation -sales
situation
Lucinda is giving a presentation to her manager, Glenn, who has a hub motivational value system. In order to appeal to his pragmatic and flexible nature in her presentation, she should -avoid discussing practical goals. -avoid being overly logical. -emphasize subjective decisions based on opinions. -use extremely confident language. -stress the benefits to different stakeholders.
stress the benefits to different stakeholders.
