Communication Competency Flashcards
(182 cards)
1
Q
True or False:
The communicator-message link includes the possibility that a message is sent to the wrong person or is perceived as rude.
A
TRUE
2
Q
True or False:
Noise in the communication process can only happen during the transmission of the message, not in the feedback stage.
A
FALSE
3
Q
True or False:
Using overly technical language that the receiver does not understand is an example of message-medium noise.
A
FALSE
4
Q
True or False:
One way to reduce noise in communication is to ask questions to verify the message was received and understood.
A
TRUE
5
Q
True or False:
An effective communicator always assumes the audience will ask for clarification if they are confused.
A
FALSE
6
Q
What is an example of a communicator-message link failure?
A. Attendees at a virtual meeting can’t follow the presentation
B. The message is too early and gets forgotten
C. The communicator is perceived as rude despite good intent
D. The receiver is distracted by noise during the meeting
A
C. The communicator is perceived as rude despite good intent
7
Q
What type of noise occurs when a recipient doesn’t see a critical email because of inbox overload?
A. Communicator-message
B. Message-medium
C. Medium-receiver
D. Receiver-communicator
A
B. Message-medium
8
Q
Which of the following would be an example of a failed receiver-communicator link?
A. The communicator doesn’t respond to questions
B. The message has grammatical errors
C. The receiver lacks cultural knowledge
D. The message is sent too early
A
A. The communicator doesn’t respond to questions
9
Q
How can HR professionals reduce the impact of communication noise?
A. Use technical jargon to appear credible
B. Limit opportunities for feedback
C. Ask the audience questions to confirm understanding
D. Deliver all communications by email
A
C. Ask the audience questions to confirm understanding
10
Q
What best describes the concept of noise in the communication model?
A. Unwanted sounds in the room during a meeting
B. Disruptions caused only by technology
C. Any interference that can affect communication at any point
D. A mismatch in communication styles
A
C. Any interference that can affect communication at any point
11
Q
True or False:
Active listening involves preparing your response while the other person is still speaking.
A
FALSE
12
Q
True or False:
Nonverbal cues like facial expressions and posture can help listeners understand the speaker’s message.
A
TRUE
13
Q
True or False:
Maintaining a hard stare is a recommended technique for active listening.
A
FALSE
14
Q
True or False:
Mirroring the other person’s body language can help build a stronger connection during communication.
A
TRUE
15
Q
True or False:
Active listening includes showing physical signals like nodding or making eye contact to show interest.
A
TRUE
16
Q
Which of the following is an example of active listening?
A. Interrupting to clarify your viewpoint
B. Avoiding eye contact to avoid confrontation
C. Asking open-ended questions to encourage dialogue
D. Preparing your reply while the speaker is talking
A
C. Asking open-ended questions to encourage dialogue
17
Q
What is one way to demonstrate that you’re engaged in active listening?
A. Looking at your phone while they talk
B. Keeping a blank expression to avoid showing bias
C. Nodding and maintaining soft, attentive eye contact
D. Staring intensely to show focus
A
C. Nodding and maintaining soft, attentive eye contact
18
Q
Which of the following would NOT be part of effective listening techniques?
A. Mirroring the speaker’s nonverbal cues
B. Interrupting frequently to speed up the conversation
C. Processing emotional cues like facial expressions
D. Listening without planning your next statement
A
B. Interrupting frequently to speed up the conversation
19
Q
How can a listener process unspoken messages during a conversation?
A. By looking away to avoid discomfort
B. By thinking about how they’ll respond
C. By focusing solely on the speaker’s words
D. By observing body language, tone, and facial expressions
A
D. By observing body language, tone, and facial expressions
20
Q
What is the goal of inviting the other person into the conversation?
A. To establish authority early
B. To maintain control of the discussion
C. To encourage dialogue and make space for their input
D. To speed up the conversation
A
C. To encourage dialogue and make space for their input
21
Q
True or False:
Understanding what your audience fears hearing can help you tailor your communication effectively.
A
TRUE
22
Q
True or False:
Audience analysis should only be done after delivering the message to assess feedback.
A
FALSE
23
Q
True or False:
If an audience is likely to resist a message, it’s best to avoid addressing their objections to avoid conflict.
A
FALSE
24
Q
True or False:
An audience with little interest should be engaged by highlighting how the topic affects them directly.
A
TRUE
25
True or False:
All audiences should be approached with the same rhetorical techniques for consistency.
FSLSE
26
Why is audience analysis important before communicating?
A. It helps create one universal message for all situations.
B. It allows the speaker to ignore audience fears.
C. It helps tailor the message to audience expectations and concerns.
D. It eliminates the need for rhetorical strategies.
C. It helps tailor the message to audience expectations and concerns.
27
What should a communicator do if the audience may resist the message?
A. Avoid giving too much information
B. Focus only on emotional appeals
C. Be vague to avoid triggering objections
D. Anticipate objections and prepare supporting responses
D. Anticipate objections and prepare supporting responses
28
How can a communicator engage an audience that shows little interest?
A. Use technical jargon to demonstrate authority
B. Emphasize how the topic directly impacts them
C. Avoid details to keep the message short
D. Use passive tone and generalizations
B. Emphasize how the topic directly impacts them
29
Which question should be asked during audience analysis?
A. What is the fastest way to complete this presentation?
B. What are the audience’s favorite colors?
C. How will the audience likely react to this message?
D. How can the speaker dominate the conversation?
C. How will the audience likely react to this message?
30
What is one possible persuasive (rhetorical) technique mentioned?
A. Using acronyms
B. Avoiding emotion
C. Sharing personal stories
D. Memorizing the entire script
C. Sharing personal stories
31
True or False:
Framing is the process of helping the audience see communicated facts in a particular way to inspire action.
TRUE
32
True or False:
Reframing involves changing the facts of a message to suit the audience.
FALSE
33
True or False:
Identifying the benefit to the audience is an essential part of effective message framing.
TRUE
34
True or False:
A message should never be adjusted, even if the audience is bored or disinterested.
FALSE
35
True or False:
Effective communicators sequence key points logically and support them with evidence.
TRUE
36
What does the term "framing" in communication refer to?
A. Presenting facts in a way that encourages a specific response
B. Ignoring the audience’s perspective to stay objective
C. Sending messages only through written channels
D. Structuring presentations with visual slides
A) Presenting facts in a way that encourages a specific response
37
What is an example of reframing in communication?
A. Explaining rules without feedback
B. Ignoring employee concerns to maintain control
C. Emphasizing opportunities created by a workplace change
D. Refusing to adapt a message to a different audience
C. Emphasizing opportunities created by a workplace change
38
Which of the following is not a step in framing an effective message?
A. Articulating the communication’s objective
B. Providing no explanation to save time
C. Sequencing key points logically
D. Identifying the audience benefit
B. Providing no explanation to save time
39
What should a communicator do if the audience is bored or rushed?
A. Add more detailed background information
B. Continue the original message regardless
C. Shorten the message to focus on key points
D. End the communication immediately
C. Shorten the message to focus on key points
40
Which of the following ensures consistency in message framing?
A. Making the message humorous
B. Avoiding organizational goals
C. Aligning the message with the organization’s brand
D. Using technical jargon throughout
C. Aligning the message with the organization’s brand
41
True or False:
Face-to-face communication allows for easier assessment of audience reactions than written communication.
TRUE
42
True or False:
Messages about sensitive issues are best delivered through email to maintain records.
FALSE
43
True or False:
Effective planning considers not only the timing and location but also who delivers the message and what support is needed.
TRUE
44
True or False:
Staging a message involves releasing it all at once to avoid confusion.
FALSE
45
True or False:
It’s important to consider competing communications and organizational timing when planning a message.
TRUE
46
Which of the following is a good reason to avoid email when discussing sensitive issues?
A. Email reaches too many people
B. Email lacks visual formatting
C. Email does not allow for immediate feedback or personal engagement
D. Email takes too long to send
C. Email does not allow for immediate feedback or personal engagement
47
When might a communicator choose to stage a message?
A. When dealing with multiple audiences who should not hear the message
B. When different parts of the message need to be delivered in a specific sequence
C. When trying to avoid formal written reports
D. When the communicator has limited speaking skills
B. When different parts of the message need to be delivered in a specific sequence
48
Which of the following is not a key consideration in planning a communication?
A. Who will deliver the message
B. What type of food will be served
C. What medium will be used
D. Where the message will be delivered
B. What type of food will be served
49
What type of support may be needed for planning and delivering effective communication?
A. Technical assistance and security clearance
B. Graphic design, administrative help, and coaching
C. Legal representation and insurance
D. Guest speakers from outside the organization
B. Graphic design, administrative help, and coaching
50
What should be considered when selecting the communication medium?
A. The communicator’s preferences only
B. The availability of expensive technology
C. The audience’s comfort with and access to the medium
D. The size of the physical location
C. The audience’s comfort with and access to the medium
51
Face-to-face communication is especially useful for complex or sensitive topics such as conflict resolution or problem solving.
TRUE
52
True or False:
Email always guarantees immediate feedback from the recipient.
FALSE
53
True or False:
Video-conferencing can reduce travel time and expenses but may lead to burnout if overused.
TRUE
54
True or False:
Voice mail is ideal for direct interaction and dynamic conversation.
FALSE
55
True or False:
Short messaging is limited in content and may be perceived as intrusive.
TRUE
56
What is one key advantage of video conferencing?
A. It eliminates the need for technical equipment
B. It encourages in-person interaction
C. . It ensures stronger engagement than face-to-face
D It saves time and allows remote participation
D) It saves time and allows remote participation
57
Which is a challenge of using email as a communication tool?
A. It cannot include multiple recipients
B. It requires expensive hardware
C. It may not provide desired feedback or may be overlooked
D. It is less detailed than phone calls
C. It may not provide desired feedback or may be overlooked
58
What is a benefit of using town hall meetings?
A. They are always quick and easy to organize
B. They provide anonymous communication
C. They promote leadership visibility and reinforce culture
D. They avoid public participation
C. They promote leadership visibility and reinforce culture
59
Which medium provides immediate verbal and nonverbal feedback but requires careful attention to avoid sending the wrong message?
A. Face-to-face communication
B. Email
C. Social media
D. Written report
A) Face-to-face communication
60
What is a disadvantage of oral presentations?
A. They are not suitable for visuals
B. They cannot be adjusted based on feedback
C. They require skill, practice, and support materials
D. They do not allow for audience interaction
C. They require skill, practice, and support materials
61
True or False:
Even in mass communications like emails or video messages, communicators should include a channel for audience feedback.
TRUE
62
True or False:
All organizational communication policies are formally documented and written.
FALSE
63
True or False:
The tone of a message should always be formal, regardless of the communication’s purpose.
FALSE
64
True or False:
Communicating a dismissal should be done using formal communication methods such as a meeting or a phone call.
TRUE
65
True or False:
Using the appropriate tone can improve how the message is received, while the wrong tone can distort its importance.
TRUE
66
What is one recommended method to manage feedback when communicating to large groups?
A. Avoid including any feedback mechanism
B. Include a feedback channel such as a follow-up email or comment section
C. Require the audience to submit written evaluations
D. Schedule one-on-one meetings with each audience member
B. Include a feedback channel such as a follow-up email or comment section
67
Which of the following is an example of an organizational rule that may shape communication?
A. All emails must include emojis
B. All communication must be sent by the HR department only
C. Some types of communication must use specific templates or be pre-approved
D. Every communication must include a quiz
C. Some types of communication must use specific templates or be pre-approved
68
Which message is best delivered using a formal communication tone?
A. Birthday party invitation
B. Notice of employment dismissal
C. Group lunch plans
D. Water cooler maintenance update
B. Notice of employment dismissal
69
Why is selecting the appropriate tone for communication important?
A. It avoids the need for proofreading
B. It allows the communicator to use emojis
C. It enhances the clarity and perceived importance of the message
D. It makes the message longer
C. It enhances the clarity and perceived importance of the message
70
In many organizations, what type of message may require formal written communication?
A. Casual updates between coworkers
B. Personal thank-you notes
C. Official information such as promotions or terminations
D. Friendly lunch invitations
C. Official information such as promotions or terminations
71
True or False:
A communicator’s credibility can help eliminate initial noise in the communication process.
TRUE
72
True or False:
Only people in high-status positions can be impactful communicators.
FALSE
73
True or False:
Using consistent, piercing eye contact with a single audience member enhances communication.
FALSE
74
True or False:
A relaxed but erect posture can help a communicator appear more credible and engaging.
TRUE
75
True or False:
Varying vocal speed and volume can help prevent audience boredom.
TRUE
76
Which of the following is NOT a core element of building credibility as a communicator?
A. Reliability
B. Expertise
C. Eye color
D. Integrity
C. Eye color
77
What vocal quality is recommended for impactful communication?
A. Whispering softly to draw attention
B. Speaking clearly, at a reasonable speed, and varying tone and volume
C. Speaking as quickly as possible to cover all points
D. Speaking with a monotone voice to maintain consistency
B. Speaking clearly, at a reasonable speed, and varying tone and volume
78
Which body language practice helps create a positive physical presence?
A. Nervously darting your eyes around the room
B. Mirroring audience posture and maintaining relaxed but upright posture
C. Crossing your arms and avoiding movement
D. Standing still and avoiding hand gestures
D) Mirroring audience posture and maintaining relaxed but upright posture
79
Why is it important for a communicator to maintain eye contact with the audience?
A. To memorize the audience’s appearance
B. To show disinterest and reduce engagement
C. To create a connection and increase engagement
D. To distract the audience from the message
C. To create a connection and increase engagement
80
What role does posture play in impactful communication?
A. It helps the communicator hide nerves
B. It is irrelevant if the message is strong
C. It supports the message by projecting confidence and engagement
D. It ensures the communicator remains rigid
C. It supports the message by projecting confidence and engagement
81
True or False:
Falseness in communication includes dishonesty and adopting a personality that is not your own.
TRUE
82
True or False:
Mild nervousness is universally unacceptable and always harms a communicator’s credibility.
FALSE
83
True or False:
A flexible approach to communication helps accommodate neurodiversity and cultural differences.
TRUE
84
True or False:
Self-deprecating comments like “I may be wrong here, but…” are effective for building confidence during presentations.
FALSE
85
Adopting communication practices inclusive of neurodiverse individuals can help nurture talent in an organization.
TRUE
86
Which of the following is NOT a recommended way to manage nervousness during communication?
A. Build pauses into your delivery
B. Practice conscious breathing
C. Use self-deprecating phrases to appear humble
D. Fold your hands to control nervous gestures
C. Use self-deprecating phrases to appear humble
87
What is one result of prolonged nervousness in communication?
A. The audience becomes more engaged
B. The communicator is perceived as highly confident
C. The audience may become uncomfortable or skeptical
D. The communicator becomes more flexible in tone
C. The audience may become uncomfortable or skeptical
88
89
90
Which of the following is an inclusive strategy for organizations regarding communication?
A. Use only written memos to avoid misinterpretation
B. Apply one communication style for all staff
C. Offer opportunities to learn and use common social skills
D. Enforce strict norms for eye contact and posture
C. Offer opportunities to learn and use common social skills
91
True or False:
The purpose of communication is simply to fulfill a requirement or attract attention.
FALSE
92
True or False:
The purpose of communication is simply to fulfill a requirement or attract attention.
TRUE
93
True or False:
Evaluating communication includes analyzing whether the audience reacted as expected and where they were most engaged or confused.
TRUE
94
True or False:
High retention and positive social media feedback are signs of effective communication in an organization.
TRUE
95
True or False:
Audience analysis is unnecessary when planning HR communication events.
FALSE
96
Which of the following is NOT a sign of effective communication within an organization?
A. High levels of collaboration
B. High employee turnover
C. Positive social media feedback
D. Effective team performance
B. High employee turnover
97
What is the main objective of communication in the workplace?
A. To complete a required task
B. To attract attention to the communicator
C. To initiate or support action that advances objectives
D. To entertain the audience
C. To initiate or support action that advances objectives
98
Which of the following should be evaluated after a significant communication event?
A. Audience interest, engagement, and confusion points
B. What colors were used in slides
C. Whether the message was long enough
D. The type of snacks provided
A) Audience interest, engagement, and confusion points
99
Which question helps assess the audience's engagement with the communication?
A. What was the room temperature?
B. Did the audience bring printed copies?
C. What points did the audience seem most or least interested in?
D. Was the event held before noon?
C. What points did the audience seem most or least interested in?
100
What is one way to improve future communications based on past evaluations?
A. Always use the same format and tone
B. Increase the length of all communications
C. Improve feedback mechanisms
D. Avoid using visuals
C. Improve feedback mechanisms
101
TRUE OR FALSE: Feedback helps address communication noise by confirming the receiver’s understanding of the message.
TRUE
102
TRUE OR FALSE: Waiting too long to give feedback can make it harder to be specific and can lead to missed opportunities for change.
TRUE
103
TRUE OR FALSE: Effective feedback should always include broad generalizations like “You always interrupt people.”
FALSE
104
TRUE OR FALSE: Feedback should only be given to subordinates, not to peers or superiors.
FALSE
105
Front:
TRUE OR FALSE: Specific, timely feedback with examples is more effective than vague or delayed feedback.
TRUE
106
What is one of the key purposes of feedback in communication?
A. To delay responses until emotions cool
B. To ignore misunderstandings
C. To confirm understanding and align perceptions
D. To avoid confrontation
C. To confirm understanding and align perceptions
107
What is an example of ineffective feedback?
A. “I noticed you talked over others in today’s meeting.”
B. “Your report was missing some data we discussed.”
C. “You always do things wrong.”
D. “I saw that your summary was submitted late again.”
C. “You always do things wrong.”
108
Why is it important to give feedback in a timely manner?
A. People prefer surprises
B. Delay makes feedback easier to accept
C. It avoids confrontation
D. It ensures memory and relevance are intact
D) It ensures memory and relevance are intact
109
What should effective feedback always include?
A. Personal judgment
B. Generalizations about character
C. Specific observed examples
D. Repetition of others' opinions
C. Specific observed examples
110
Which of the following is the best approach when giving feedback?
A. Focus on vague patterns over time
B. Emphasize your own perceptions and use recent, specific examples
C. Criticize the person’s personality
D. Assume the other person knows what you mean
B. Emphasize your own perceptions and use recent, specific examples
111
TRUE OR FALSE: Employees are more likely to accept negative feedback if they feel valued by their
TRUE
112
TRUE OR FALSE: Placing negative feedback between two positive comments always improves its acceptance.
FALSE
113
TRUE OR FALSE: Telling personal stories when giving corrective feedback can help build trust with the recipient.
TRUE
114
TRUE OR FALSE: Framing feedback around the employee’s goals can help make corrective feedback more constructive.
TRUE
115
TRUE OR FALSE: Corrective feedback should be given only when an employee requests it.
FALSE
116
What makes employees more likely to accept negative feedback?
A. Fear of losing their job
B. High compensation
C. Feeling valued by the organization
D. Having a casual relationship with their manager
C. Feeling valued by the organization
117
Which of the following strategies can help make corrective feedback more effective?
A. Using only negative language to stress the issue
B. Bookending the negative with unrelated praise
C. Criticizing without offering a solution
D. Framing the feedback around the employee’s goals
D) Framing the feedback around the employee’s goals
118
What is a useful way to help employees see the value of corrective feedback?
A. Only deliver it in writing
B. Compare them to peers
C. Use storytelling and examples to provide context
D. Focus only on the organization's needs
C. Use storytelling and examples to provide context
119
What is a common mistake when delivering corrective feedback?
A. Waiting until the employee asks for it
B. Using feedback to reinforce value and trust
C. Providing an opportunity for the employee to share their goals
D. Aligning feedback with shared outcomes
A. Waiting until the employee asks for it
120
Why is “bookending” negative feedback between positive remarks ineffective?
A. It makes the negative point more noticeable
B. It leads to misunderstandings about what needs improvement
C. It lowers employee morale
D. It is too confrontational
B. It leads to misunderstandings about what needs improvement
121
122
TRUE OR FALSE: Seeking feedback can help uncover blind spots in how we perceive ourselves.
TRUE
123
TRUE OR FALSE: The best person to provide feedback is always the most senior member of the team.
FALSE
124
TRUE OR FALSE: Feedback should be requested immediately following the relevant activity whenever possible.
TRUE
125
TRUE OR FALSE: It is acceptable to correct misunderstandings in feedback while still expressing appreciation
TRUE
126
TRUE OR FALSE: You should avoid following up with the feedback giver, especially if you disagreed with their comments.
FALSE
127
What is a benefit of seeking feedback regularly?
A. It eliminates the need for formal reviews
B. It helps identify gaps and blind spots
C. It guarantees promotion
D. It allows avoidance of criticism
B. It helps identify gaps and blind spots
128
Which is the best practice when receiving feedback?
A. Defend your actions to clarify your position
B. Ignore feedback if it's uncomfortable
C. Listen actively and ask clarifying questions
D. Take notes silently without follow-up
C. Listen actively and ask clarifying questions
129
What should you do if you believe feedback is based on a misunderstanding?
A. Acknowledge it and politely correct the misunderstanding
B. Defend yourself aggressively
C. Disregard it entirely
D. Avoid responding
A) Acknowledge it and politely correct the misunderstanding
130
Which of the following is recommended when selecting someone to give you feedback?
A. Always choose your manager
B. Choose anyone available at the moment
C. Choose someone equipped to give specific, relevant feedback
D. Pick the highest-ranking person
C. Choose someone equipped to give specific, relevant feedback
131
After receiving feedback, what is a recommended next step?
A. Forget about it if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear
B. Wait for your next review to act on it
C. Follow up with the person and share your progress
D. Assume no action is required unless stated
C. Follow up with the person and share your progress
132
TRUE OR FALSE: The main goal of communication in group discussions is to share personal opinions.
False
Explanation: The goal is to elicit information from the group.
133
TRUE OR FALSE: Effective facilitators listen actively and ask follow-up questions to deepen the discussion.
TRUE
134
TRUE OR FALSE: A good facilitator ignores nonverbal cues in order to stay neutral.
False
Explanation: Good facilitators are skilled observers of nonverbal messages and group dynamics.
135
TRUE OR FALSE: Facilitators should encourage participation from quiet group members in a non-threatening way.
TRUE
136
TRUE OR FALSE: A facilitator should allow dominant participants to lead the conversation to avoid conflict.
FALSE
137
What is the primary purpose of communication in a group discussion?
A. To display the facilitator’s expertise
B. To reach a final decision quickly
C. To elicit information from the group
D. To delegate tasks
C. To elicit information from the group
138
Which of the following best describes a skill of an effective facilitator?
A. Interrupting frequently to keep the group on schedule
B. Giving opinions on every topic discussed
C. Listening carefully and asking follow-up questions
D. Speaking more than participants
C. Listening carefully and asking follow-up questions
139
How can a facilitator encourage a quiet participant to speak?
A. Call them out directly and demand input
B. Use a non-threatening question to invite their input
C. Ignore them to avoid discomfort
D. Assign them a leadership role on the spot
B. Use a non-threatening question to invite their input
140
What is a recommended way for a facilitator to handle a domineering participant?
A. Ask them to leave the discussion
B. Publicly criticize their behavior
C. Steer the conversation to others or new topics
D. Allow them to continue to avoid conflict
C. Steer the conversation to others or new topics
141
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an effective group discussion facilitator?
A. Observes nonverbal behavior
B. Controls participation to encourage equal input
C. Dominates the discussion with their own insights
D. Uses follow-up questions to clarify discussion points
C. Dominates the discussion with their own insights
142
TRUE OR FALSE: Effective staff meetings should always be informal and unstructured to encourage spontaneity.
False
Explanation: Meetings should have a clear agenda and structure to be effective.
143
TRUE OR FALSE: One way to improve regular meetings is by incorporating variety, like guest speakers or changing locations.
TRUE
144
TRUE OR FALSE: Conflict should always be addressed immediately, regardless of the meeting’s agenda.
False
Explanation: Difficult conflicts should be postponed and addressed after the meeting.
145
TRUE OR FALSE: Reviewing decisions and next steps at the end of a meeting helps ensure accountability.
TRUE
146
TRUE OR FALSE: It’s helpful to occasionally evaluate the effectiveness of recurring meetings.
TRUE
147
What is one recommended strategy to make recurring staff meetings more engaging?
A. Start late to allow for extra socializing
B. Avoid changing the routine to keep things simple
C. Eliminate agendas to keep discussion open
D. Rotate meeting activities or include guest speakers
D) Rotate meeting activities or include guest speakers
148
Which of the following should occur at the end of an effective staff meeting?
A. Conflict resolution for all team issues
B. Detailed discussion of unrelated topics
C. Assignment of next steps and decision review
D. Social hour for team bonding
C. Assignment of next steps and decision review
149
Why is it important to send an email summary after complex meetings?
A. To replace the need for note-taking
B. To provide written documentation and reinforce clarity
C. To allow employees to ignore meeting content
D. To avoid repeating meetings
B. To provide written documentation and reinforce clarity
150
Which of the following is NOT a recommended best practice for staff meetings?
A. Circulate a clear agenda in advance
B. Begin promptly at the scheduled time
C. Always allow discussions to go off-topic
D. Limit time to what’s necessary to cover agenda items
C. Always allow discussions to go off-topic
151
What is the purpose of a “meeting on meetings”?
A. To provide bonus time for the team
B. To evaluate whether current meeting practices are effective
C. To discuss unrelated team issues
D. To plan the next office party
B. To evaluate whether current meeting practices are effective
152
TRUE OR FALSE: A communication plan helps ensure that employees understand expected communication methods within an organization.
TRUE
153
TRUE OR FALSE: A single communication plan is always sufficient for every audience and project.
False
Explanation: Different stakeholders may require different plans based on their needs.
154
TRUE OR FALSE: Communication methods should be selected only after determining the audience and goals.
TRUE
155
TRUE OR FALSE: Communication plans should only focus on formal communication channels.
False
Explanation: Effective communication plans may include both formal and informal methods.
156
TRUE OR FALSE: Identifying the purpose of communication is the first step in developing a communication plan.
TRUE
157
What is the first step in creating a communication plan?
A. Selecting communication software
B. Identifying communication stakeholders
C. Identifying the purpose of the communication
D. Sending out a draft email
C. Identifying the purpose of the communication
158
Why is it important to identify stakeholders in a communication plan?
A. To assign technical responsibilities
B. To determine vacation schedules
C. To understand each group’s communication needs
D. To create performance reviews
C. To understand each group’s communication needs
159
Which of the following should be considered when identifying communication channels?
A. Stakeholder preferences
B. Available tools and resources
C. Message complexity
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
160
Which element is NOT essential in a communication plan?
A. Stakeholder communication requirements
B. Purpose of the communication
C. Competitor pricing data
D. Communication methods and channels
C. Competitor pricing data
161
What should HR do if the necessary communication resources are not available?
A. Postpone the plan
B. Cancel the communication
C. Plan to acquire resources or use alternatives
D. Only communicate with leadership
C. Plan to acquire resources or use alternatives
162
TRUE OR FALSE: Translating technical jargon helps make communication more inclusive for all employees.
TRUE
163
TRUE OR FALSE: It’s acceptable to assume all employees understand industry-specific terminology.
False
Explanation: Not all employees are familiar with technical terms, so clarity is important.
164
TRUE OR FALSE: Translating technical jargon can improve employee participation in meetings and discussions.
TRUE
165
TRUE OR FALSE: Technical terms should never be explained during a meeting, only beforehand.
False
Explanation: Technical terms can and should be explained as they arise if needed.
166
TRUE OR FALSE: Using simplified language means talking down to your audience.
False
Explanation: Simplified language ensures clarity and understanding, not condescension.
167
Why should HR professionals ensure technical jargon is translated?
A. To impress executives
B. To reduce meeting times
C. To make content accessible to all audience members
D. To replace all technical terms permanently
C. To make content accessible to all audience members
168
What is a benefit of translating technical jargon in communication?
A. Facilitates better feedback and discussion
B. Makes communication longer
C. Encourages legal compliance
D. Allows HR to avoid meeting
A) Facilitates better feedback and discussion
169
When is it appropriate to explain a technical term?
A. Only after the meeting
B. Only if someone asks
C. Before the meeting or when the term arises
D. Never, it should be left unexplained
C. Before the meeting or when the term arises
170
Which of the following is an incorrect approach to managing jargon in communications?
A. Offering definitions as needed
B. Avoiding technical language completely
C. Assuming everyone understands all terminology
D. Using jargon only with audiences who understand it
C. Assuming everyone understands all terminology
171
What can result from not translating technical jargon effectively?
A. Increased engagement
B. Faster meetings
C. Higher salaries
D. Confusion and reduced participation
D) Confusion and reduced participation
172
TRUE OR FALSE: Anonymous communication tools can help surface honest feedback that employees may not otherwise feel comfortable sharing.
TRUE
173
TRUE OR FALSE: All anonymous communications are negative and should be disregarded.
False
Explanation: Many anonymous messages provide helpful insights, ideas, or concerns.
174
TRUE OR FALSE: An anonymous tip can help expose unethical or criminal behavior in the workplace.
TRUE
175
TRUE OR FALSE: Organizations should avoid providing anonymous feedback tools because they always erode trust.
False
Explanation: When managed well, anonymous tools can build trust and improve culture.
176
TRUE OR FALSE: A heavy reliance on anonymous feedback may signal a lack of trust or psychological safety in the workplace.
TRUE
177
What is a potential benefit of providing employees with anonymous communication tools?
A. Encourages employees to ignore team norms
B. Increases retention and engagement
C. Prevents the need for formal feedback systems
D. Reduces the need for leadership training
B. Increases retention and engagement
178
What is a possible reason employees may choose to give anonymous feedback?
A. They don't know how to communicate
B. They want to gossip freely
C. They fear retaliation or being ignored
D. They want to avoid performance reviews
C. They fear retaliation or being ignored
179
Which of the following is a valid use of anonymous communication in the workplace?
A. Reporting criminal behavior
B. Submitting a vacation request
C. Scheduling meetings
D. Tracking attendance
A. Reporting criminal behavior
180
Why might an organization want to analyze the reasons behind frequent anonymous feedback?
A. To penalize anonymous employees
B. To boost profits
C. To understand deeper cultural or trust issues
D. To avoid answering anonymous comments
C. To understand deeper cultural or trust issues
181
What should an organization do if anonymous feedback suggests a lack of psychological safety?
A. Dismiss the feedback
B. Encourage more anonymous complaints
C. Investigate the root causes and address cultural issues
D. Block all anonymous communication channels
C. Investigate the root causes and address cultural issues
182
