Chapter 1 What is Communication

Question 1

What can cause miscommunication in communication?

Answer 1

Perceptual filters

Question 2

What is technical communication?

Answer 2

Non-fiction writing, including business operations and specialized information

Question 3

What do performance evaluations depend on?

Answer 3

Communication skills

Question 4

What is a key aspect of technical communication?

Answer 4

Purposeful transaction

Question 5

What types of documents do technical communicators produce?

Answer 5

Proposals, reports, guides

Question 6

What kind of literature provides public information about regulations and safety?

Answer 6

Consumer literature

Question 7

What does active listening involve?

Answer 7

Engaging with the speaker

Question 8

What should you focus on during active listening?

Answer 8

Full attention on the speaker

Question 9

How can you take notes effectively?

Answer 9

Paraphrase ideas

Question 10

What type of listening is encouraged?

Answer 10

Listen without judgment

Question 11

Why is taking notes important?

Answer 11

Restate key ideas

Question 12

What should you focus on when taking notes?

Answer 12

Paraphrasing, not verbatim

Question 13

How does putting ideas into your own words help?

Answer 13

Deepens understanding

Question 14

What does technical communication encompass?

Answer 14

Any communication on a specialized topic

Question 15

What is the nature of communicative tasks in technical professions?

Answer 15

Transactional

Question 16

How is communication defined?

Answer 16

Stimulating meaning in another’s mind

Question 17

What is required to get your point across in communication?

Answer 17

Context and relational qualities

Question 18

What is technical communication often associated with?

Answer 18

Reports, manuals, instructions

Question 19

What is the primary purpose of communication in daily life?

Answer 19

To exchange information, express ideas, or connect with others, addressing practical, emotional, or relational needs.

Question 20

What is a common reason for misunderstandings in communication?

Answer 20

Communication deficiencies, such as unclear messages or misinterpretation.

Question 21

What does technical communication encompass?

Answer 21

Scientific reports, manuals, business correspondence, proposals, internal communications, media releases, oral and visual presentations, and more.

Question 22

What is the transactional nature of technical communication?

Answer 22

It involves a purposeful exchange of information designed to inform, instruct, or persuade a specific audience.

Question 23

Name three types of technical communication products.

Answer 23

Proposals, user guides, and technical reports.

Question 24

What are some key attributes of effective technical communication?

Answer 24

Awareness of conventions, understanding of the rhetorical situation (audience, purpose, context), and achieving desired results.

Question 25

What are perceptual filters, and how do they affect communication?

Answer 25

Personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and emotions that influence how we interpret messages; they can help or hinder understanding.

Question 26

List three effective listening strategies for the classroom.

Answer 26

Focus full attention on the speaker. Paraphrase ideas in notes. Listen without judgment.

Question 27

Why is paraphrasing important in active listening?

Answer 27

It helps deepen understanding and improve recall of information.

Question 28

What is the importance of preparing before class?

Answer 28

Completing assigned readings and using effective reading strategies make listening more useful and engaging.

Question 29

Why are communication skills vital in technical professions?

Answer 29

They often play a larger role in job performance and career advancement than technical skills.