Communications Interactive Quiz

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Communication

Explanation:

Communication is fundamentally a process. It involves the sharing of information between people, and this sharing takes place through continuous and interconnected activities such as speaking, listening, and understanding.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► We have been ineffective in communication.

Explanation:

Communication breakdown occurs when the intended message is not accurately understood or when the communication process fails to achieve its purpose. Essentially, it means that the communication attempt has been ineffective.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Appearance

Explanation:

Verbal communication involves the use of words, either spoken or written. Letters, books, and reports are all forms of written verbal communication. Appearance, on the other hand, is a component of nonverbal communication, conveying messages through how someone looks.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► One's facial area

Explanation:

The facial area, encompassing elements like eyes, brows, forehead, mouth, and chin, is exceptionally expressive. It is more capable than other parts of the body in nonverbally communicating a wide range of emotions and nuances.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Equivocal terms

Explanation:

Words that can be interpreted in more than one way or have multiple meanings are known as equivocal terms. This ambiguity can sometimes lead to misunderstandings in communication.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Physical barriers

Explanation:

Physical barriers, which relate to environmental factors affecting communication (like noise or uncomfortable settings), are often the easiest to identify. Because they are usually neutral and fairly obvious, they are typically a very simple matter to overcome or reduce once they are acknowledged.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► The amount of background and motivational material to include.

Explanation:

When analyzing your audience, understanding their existing level of agreement and commitment towards your topic is crucial. This helps in determining how much background information is necessary and what kind of motivational material will be most effective in persuading them or maintaining their interest.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► It helps to build confusion for the listeners.

Explanation:

An outline serves several important purposes for a speech: it helps to organize information logically, acts as a model to review and refine the content, and functions as a guide during delivery. An outline is intended to enhance clarity and reduce confusion, not create it.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Chronological pattern

Explanation:

The chronological pattern of organization involves arranging the main points of a speech or message according to a time sequence, such as detailing historical events or the steps in a process.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Manuscript

Explanation:

Reading from a manuscript is the most formal delivery mode and is an effective choice when precise wording is crucial, especially on highly sensitive topics where even a slight error could have significant consequences. This method offers the greatest control over the wording of the speech.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Legible and unobtrusive

Explanation:

When using speaking notes, particularly for an extemporaneous speech, they should be easily readable (legible) to the speaker. They should also be unobtrusive, meaning they don't distract the audience or become a barrier to effective delivery and eye contact. Notes placed at waist height are suggested as useful.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Dictatorial or arrogant

Explanation:

Certain gestures can convey unintended negative messages. Placing hands on hips can be perceived as aggressive. Pointing or wagging the index finger is often seen as impolite, parental, or associated with scolding. Pounding fists would likely also be interpreted as aggressive or overly assertive, contributing to a dictatorial or arrogant impression.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Citation

Explanation:

A citation is a reference that identifies the actual source—such as an article, essay, or book—from which information was obtained. Periodical indexes often result in citations.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Pitch, strength and character

Explanation:

The quality of tone in a speaker's voice is a mix of pitch, strength (or volume), and character. Character, in this context, refers to the specific sense or meaning that a particular tone conveys, such as gentle, angry, or serious.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Physical noise

Explanation:

External sounds from the environment that interfere with the communication process, such as birds singing outside a classroom during a lecture, are classified as physical noise.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Paralanguage

Explanation:

Paralanguage refers to the vocal aspects of speech beyond the words themselves, such as tone of voice, pitch, rate, and volume. These vocal cues communicate how something is said and significantly influence the interpretation of the message content. The question's phrasing "Content is the way the message is delivered" points to these vocal delivery aspects.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Downward communication

Explanation:

Downward communication describes the flow of information and messages from individuals at higher levels of an organization's hierarchy to those at lower levels.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Articles

Explanation:

When you search a periodical index, the result is a citation. Citations identify actual articles found in journals, magazines, or newspapers.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Reappearance of the presenter.

Explanation:

Common reasons for disruptive behavior in an audience include resistance to new ideas or changes, resentment towards the presenter (perhaps if they are perceived as an outsider), and the repetition of disruptive actions if they have previously succeeded in gaining attention for the detractor. The mere "reappearance of the presenter" is NOT a reason for disruptive behavior from the audience.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► More communication is better.

Explanation:

Asad's behavior of repeatedly talking about the car purchase, despite Salman's refusal, stems from a common misconception that "More communication is better." He believes that by simply communicating more about the topic, he will eventually convince his brother, rather than addressing the underlying reasons for Salman's refusal or considering if his communication approach is effective.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Attentive Listening

Explanation:

Communication barriers are obstacles that hinder effective understanding. Prejudices, an "I" attitude (being self-centered), and resistance to change can all act as barriers. Attentive listening, however, is a skill that helps to overcome barriers and improve communication.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► The chance of analyzing the audience

Explanation:

An impromptu speech occurs with little or no time for preparation. This significantly reduces the chances for in-depth analysis of various factors, including thoroughly analyzing the audience, organizing the message meticulously, or encoding it for maximum impact.

Answer & Explanation

The way individuals use their time communicates nonverbally. For instance, arriving late for an appointment may diminish the importance that the visitor perceives is attached to the appointment. Cultures vary widely in how they interpret the meaning associated with the use of time. Some cultures believe in arriving on time for an appointment, while people of some other cultures are not affected by a visitor who arrives an hour late.

Answer & Explanation

Chronological order is a method of organizing the main points of a speech in a time sequence. This pattern is particularly suitable for information that involves a historical movement, a process, or a sequence of events where the timing or order of occurrence is important. For example, describing the history of a city or the steps involved in a project would effectively use chronological order.

Answer & Explanation

When faced with an objection, there are three appropriate responses:

• Agree: If the objection is valid or the point raised is correct, even if it expresses disagreement, the appropriate response is to acknowledge that the person is right. This avoids putting the entire presentation at risk by insisting on being right about every detail.
• Re-approach: If the objection arises from a misunderstanding of how a point was presented, rather than the point itself, the issue can be resolved by re-approaching it. This involves presenting the matter in different terms or from another angle, perhaps using a comparison, analogy, or scenario that the objector can better relate to.
• Arbitrate (using "feel-felt-found"): This method diffuses conflict by first acknowledging the objector's perspective ("I can understand why you would feel that way"), then introducing an objective third-party experience ("I worked with someone recently who felt the same way"), and finally presenting a positive outcome or benefit ("until they found that...").

Answer & Explanation

A thesis statement must be concrete in its wording, meaning it should be specific and clearly defined, rather than vague. Vague terms require further definition and do not provide a clear focus for the speech. For example, stating "Preventive dentistry is good" is not well-designed because "good" is a vague term. A more effective, concrete thesis would be: "Preventive dentistry is an effective means of controlling tooth decay," as this clearly indicates why it is important. Concrete wording ensures the thesis provides a precise focus for the message.

Answer & Explanation

To overcome stage fright, consider these guidelines:

• Know the room: Become familiar with the speaking environment beforehand.
• Know the audience: Greet some members as they arrive to make it feel like speaking to friends.
• Know your material: Thorough practice and revision are crucial; if you are uncomfortable with your material, nervousness will increase.
• Relax: Use relaxation exercises to ease tension.
• Visualize yourself succeeding: Imagine delivering the speech confidently and effectively.
• Realize that people want you to succeed: Audiences are generally supportive.
• Don't apologize for nervousness: This may draw attention to something the audience hadn't noticed.
• Turn nervousness into positive energy: Harness the nervous energy and transform it into vitality and enthusiasm.
• Gain experience: Confidence builds with practice and experience.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Mass communication

Explanation:

Mass communication is characterized by the transmission of messages to large, public, diverse, anonymous, and geographically spread-out audiences. This process utilizes an intermediate instrument of transfer, such as print media (newspapers, magazines) or electronic media (radio, television, film).

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► The extent to which you share common backgrounds and experiences

Explanation:

The meanings we associate with words are a function of our individual backgrounds and experiences. Therefore, the degree to which individuals share common meanings for words is dependent on the extent to which they share common backgrounds and experiences.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Because communication has the potential for creating or intensifying problems

Explanation:

Communication is not a universal solution for all problems. In fact, poorly executed communication, or communication used inappropriately, can sometimes create new problems or make existing ones worse. It has the potential for either resolving or intensifying issues.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Egocentrism

Explanation:

While not explicitly defining "egocentrism" as a barrier to listening, the handouts discuss the "I-attitude" as a barrier to communication. This involves an excessive focus on oneself, which can manifest as a belief that one's own ideas are superior. In the context of listening, such a self-centered perspective would prevent one from truly hearing or valuing others' viewpoints, aligning with the concept of egocentrism as a listening barrier.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► To recognize the most common barriers and then, understand their negative impact on communication

Explanation:

The initial and most crucial step in addressing and overcoming communication barriers is to first identify or recognize the common obstacles that can impede effective communication. Following this recognition, it's essential to understand the negative consequences these barriers have on the communication process.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Physical barriers

Explanation:

Physical barriers, which are environmental factors affecting communication (like noise or uncomfortable temperatures), are often the most obvious and usually the easiest to identify. Because they are generally neutral and not tied to anyone's ego, they can often be addressed and reduced or eliminated with relatively simple actions.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Articles in magazines usually include bibliographies.

Explanation:

Magazines are periodicals that publish articles for a general audience, and these articles are typically shorter and more general in nature compared to academic journal articles. However, unlike scholarly journals, articles in magazines rarely include bibliographies.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► It helps to build confusion for the listeners.

Explanation:

An outline serves several important purposes in speech preparation: it helps to organize information logically, acts as a model for reviewing and refining the content, and functions as a guide for delivering the speech. Creating confusion for the listeners is contrary to the purpose of an outline, which aims for clarity.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Manuscript

Explanation:

Speaking from a manuscript is a mode of delivery where the speaker reads their speech word-for-word from a prepared written text. This method is often used for formal speeches or when precise wording is critical.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Legible and unobtrusive

Explanation:

When using notes for an extemporaneous speech, they should be prepared in a way that supports the delivery without distracting the audience. This means the notes should be easily readable (legible) by the speaker and used in a manner that doesn't draw undue attention (unobtrusive). For instance, placing them on note cards and using them only when necessary are good practices.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► The greatest degree of comfort for the audience.

Explanation:

When selecting a setting for a presentation, a key consideration is creating an environment that is comfortable for the audience. A comfortable setting helps the audience feel at ease, which is important, especially since presentations often introduce new ideas or changes that might initially cause discomfort.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Pitch

Explanation:

Pitch is the perceptual quality of a sound that is described as high or low. It is primarily determined by the frequency of the sound waves.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► You should answer a question immediately, even if you plan to discuss the information later in your presentation.

Explanation:

When managing questions, it is generally advised that if a question pertains to information that will be covered later in the presentation, the speaker can acknowledge the question and mention that it will be addressed at the appropriate point. Answering immediately might disrupt the flow or preempt necessary context. Other good practices include anticipating questions, framing answers to support goals, and addressing answers to the whole audience.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Active listening

Explanation:

Active listening involves more than just hearing; it includes understanding and often involves providing feedback to confirm comprehension. When Beenish tells Ayesha what she understood from the speech, she is engaging in a form of active listening by processing the information and reflecting her understanding back. Paraphrasing or summarizing what was heard is a characteristic of active listening.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Boardroom

Explanation:

The boardroom seating arrangement, which typically involves seating around an oblong table, is ideal for group discussions, especially with 10-15 participants. This setup facilitates good interaction as everyone can see each other and easily share materials.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Verbal and nonverbal

Explanation:

Spoken language relies on verbal symbols (words). However, communication is a broader process that also heavily involves nonverbal symbols (gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, etc.) that accompany and often modify the meaning of the verbal symbols.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Attentive Listening

Explanation:

Communication barriers are factors that hinder effective communication. Prejudices, an "I-Attitude" (excessive self-focus), and resistance to change can all act as barriers. Attentive listening, however, is a skill that promotes and facilitates effective communication, rather than obstructing it.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Loss in Transmission

Explanation:

When a disturbance in the communication channel, such as a bad telephone line, causes part of the message to be lost or not clearly received, this is referred to as loss in transmission. This type of barrier is related to problems in the medium or channel itself.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Physical Barrier -> Listener Barrier -> Sender Barrier

Explanation:

The handout illustrates the relative strength and difficulty of overcoming different types of communication barriers. Physical barriers are often the easiest to identify and reduce. Listener barriers are more challenging. Sender-message barriers are generally the most difficult to identify and overcome, often requiring the sender to take significant responsibility. Thus, the difficulty increases in this order.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Customized

Explanation:

In the "A-U-D-I-E-N-C-E" acronym used for audience analysis in speech preparation, the 'C' stands for "Customized." This element prompts the speaker to consider how they can customize their message to fit the specific needs and expectations of the audience.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Mohsin is thinking about his future career

Explanation:

Intrapersonal communication is communication with oneself. When Mohsin is thinking about his future career, he is engaging in an internal dialogue, processing thoughts, and reflecting – all of which are characteristic of intrapersonal communication. The other options describe interpersonal or mass communication.

Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: ► Aisha is talking to her friend on phone

Explanation:

Mediated communication occurs when a mechanical or electrical device is used to transmit messages between individuals who are not face-to-face. Aisha talking to her friend on the phone is an example of mediated communication because the telephone serves as the intermediate device.