Communication is effective when _____________.

everyone agrees with you and your position.

the message is understood and it stimulates action or encourages a receiver to think in new ways.

opinion is not included.

communication is rarely effective.

Which of the following is not a characteristic of effective business messages?

limited to just a couple of people

Clarifies and condenses information

provides practical information

gives facts

What is the best way to use communication to minimize the impact of a crisis?

Rarely talk to outsiders.Limit the information to what won't hurt you.Ignore the situation and hope it goes away.Communicate honestly, openly, and often.Which of the following is the final phase of the communication process?

The receiver sends feedback.The sender has an idea.The receiver gets the messageThe sender transmits the message.Which of the following are some of the deceptive actions that unethical communicators might take?

exaggerate benefitshide negative informationportray graphic data unfairlyAll of the above.Why is selective perception a barrier to effective communication?

Because you are likely to distort information to fit your own beliefs rather than change your beliefs.Actually, it isn't a barrier. Selective perception is normal.Because perception limits the amount of information that can be shared.Because people don't always reply to messages

On average, how many messages does an office worker send every day?

Less than 50About 100About 150More than 200Why is round-the-clock accessibility a distraction to effective communication?

It's not. Round-the-clock accessibility has only positive effects on communication.It means that professionals can now multi-task while communicating, such as checking email while talking on the phone. Such multi-tasking leads to split attention and inattentive listening which lead to miscommunication.Most of the devices we use round-the-clock are noisy, thus interrupting other activities.Because it always results in information overload.

Which of the following is not a guideline for overcoming communication barriers?

Foster open communication.Limit the number of people you communicative with regularly.Adopt an audience-centered approach.Commit to ethical communication.What steps can a communicator take to create more efficient messages?

Determine which information is necessary and which is unnecessary so that the receiver understands the message. Give information meaning, rather than just passing it on.Set priorities for dealing with the overall message flow.All of the above.Which is most important to employees: long vacations, personal feedback, or more money?

Long vacationsPersonal feedbackMore moneyNone is more important than the other.How can companies create an open climate?

Share all information with everyone, all of the time.Take out all interior walls in the office.Reduce the number of levels in an organization and facilitate feedback.Increase the number of links in the organization's communication chain.What are some of the characteristics of ethical communicators?

Trustworthy, fair, and impartial.Concerned first and foremost about what's best for the organization.Believe that the end justifies the means.Uses unacknowledged exaggeration to make a point.How did former Supreme Court Justice Potter Steward define ethics?

Including all relevant informationAsking specific questions regarding right and wrong.Always stating facts and opinions about any matter.Knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is the right thing to do.You find that you have to make a choice between two conflicting alternatives, both of which are ethical and valid. What kind of situation are you facing?

ethical lapseplagiarismethical dilemmaLack of informationCommunication is the process of sending and receiving messages.

True

False

Real-time collaboration tools are faster than e-mail.

True

False

The various groups you interact with are called communication partners.

True

False

Communication challenges occur today because of globalization and workforce diversity.

True

False

It is estimated that ethnic minorities will make up about 10 percent of the American workforce in the year 2010.

True

False

Over 5 million North Americans now work for multinational employers.

True

False

Employees at 3Com's factory in Chicago speak more than 20 different languages.

True

False

The command-and-control style of management is an efficient way to direct today's organizations.

True

False

Internal communication refers to voices we hear in our heads.

True

False

Some executives dislike informal communication networks because they are inaccurate.

True

False

External communication carries information into and out of an organization.

True

False

One of the reasons why the Internet is so popular with companies around the world is because top managers can get feedback directly from frontline employees.

True

False

Experts predict that more than 200 million employees will be using instant messaging for job-related communication within a few years.

True

False

Communication is primarily one way: from the sender to the receiver.

True

False

Noise is interference that blocks successful communication.

True

False

Which of the following statements is incorrect?

A team consists of two or more people.Team members need to share a mission and goal.The responsibility for team success resides with the team leader.Organizations can have both formal and informal teams.Which of the following statements is true of problem-solving teams?

Problem-solving teams are formal teams.Problem-solving teams disband once their goal has been accomplished.Members of a problem-solving team must come from the same department.Most organizations no longer use problem-solving teams.Which of the following factors help teams make better decisions than what individuals can usually make on their own?

Information and knowledge.Diversity of views.Performance levels.All of the above.What are the primary hazards of group think?

Poor decisions, ill-advised actions, and unethical actions.Fast decisions.Questionable motives on the part of team members.Diversity of opinion.Team member roles include task-facilitating roles, team-maintenance roles, and - roles.

Problem-solving Self-orientedDecision-makingStatus-makingThe five phases of the team decision-making process include orientation, conflict, , emergency, and reinforcement.

SocializingResearchBrainstormingAll of the above are team phases.Which of the following assumptions is true regarding the win-win strategy of resolving team conflict?

Cooperation is better for organizations than competition.The person with the highest status in the team is best able to resolve a conflict.It's always possible to find a solution that meets the needs of everyone on the team.None of the above is true.What is the first step in facing irrational resistance in resolving conflict in a team?

Explain your position clearly and completely.Incorrect. Point out this resistance so that the other person and face it and define it.Minimize areas of disagreement.Build trust by expressing understanding.The best way to reach a decision in a team is to:

Take a vote.Ask the most knowledgeable person for a decision and adopt it.Ignore conflict.Reach decisions by consensus.Improving decision-making meetings means improving the way you select participants, choose the location, follow an agenda, and .

Maintain rigid control the meeting.Limit input.Decide on your purpose.None of the above.What other responsibilities do you have besides speaking when you participate in a conversation?

To listen effectively.To interpret nonverbal signals.To understand business etiquette.All of the above.Which is the correct sequence for all of the activities involved in listening well?

Receiving, evaluating, remembering, interpreting, and responding.Receiving, responding.Incorrect. Receiving, interpreting, remembering, evaluating, responding.Receiving, responding, evaluating, interpreting, remembering.What steps can you take to prepare to listen at work?

Prepare your own viewpoint in advance, practice listening to difficult material, and match your listening style to the speaker's purpose.Remember that you're there to listen only, not provide feedback.Adapt a listening style that will work with all speakers.Plan ways to respond while the speaker is talking.Which form of listening is best when the speaker is sharing feelings rather than ideas?

Content listening.Critical listening.Empathic listening.None of the above.Which of the following is considered a type of nonverbal communication?

GesturesSpatial relationshipsCuesAll of the above.Organizations working in teams experience the highest improvement in performance.

True

False

Teams always produce better decisions.

True

False

The interactions and processes that take place in a team are called group think.

True

False

Norms are informal standards of conduct for team members.

True

False

Voting is the best way to solve team conflict.

True

False

When you critique someone else's writing, make your comments general to spare the other person's feelings.

True

False

A meeting is the best way to communicate with more than one person.

True

False

The best size of a problem-solving team is 5 to 7 people.

True

False

Afternoon meetings are more productive usually than morning meetings.

True

False

A meeting's success depends solely on its leader.

True

False

One way to improve the effectiveness of meetings is to provide minutes to all attendees as soon as possible after then conclusion of the meeting.

True

False

Given a choice, people would rather write to each other than call on the phone.

True

False

We listen at a 45 percent efficiency rate.

True

False

We tend to listen to an entire message, rather than to just the words.

True

False

One way to listen actively is to ask yourself the question "What's in it for me?"

True

False

Which of the following techniques is useful in making business messages more interesting to your audience?

Use creative writing techniques whenever possible.Give all possible detail for every idea.Make sure your messages are purposeful, audience-centered, and concise.Follow-up every oral message with written confirmation.Which of the following is (are) goal (s) of business writing.

Express ideas rather than impress your audience.Impress your audience with your level of knowledge.Give highlights of a message only; for details, your audience should contact you directly.Make sure the message focuses on the sender; that way, the audience will know where you're coming from. Which of the following best summarizes the writing process?

Write your message then follow-up with a phone call.Plan, write, and complete the message.Plan, write, and send the message.Write and send the message.What is meant by "completing your message," which is the third step in the writing process?

Making sure that the audience has received it.Review the content and organization of the message to make sure it accomplishes your purpose in writing.Select the best channel and medium for the message.Analyzing the audience.What are the elements of the first step in the writing process---planning the message?

Determine your purpose, schedule enough time to complete the entire writing process, analyze the audience, gather information, and adapt your message to your audience.Organize information and write the first draft.Finalize your draft.Select graphics.What question should you ask yourself to help you more clearly define the specific purpose of a business message?

What level of audience participation do I expect with this message?How much control do I have over this message?What do I hope to accomplish with this message and what do I want my audience to think or do as a result of this message?Who is my audience?If you suspect that your message will have little impact on your audience, what questions can you ask yourself to help decide whether to proceed with the message?

Is the purpose realistic?Is this the right time for the message?Is the right personal delivering the message?All of the above are correct.Which of the following is not part of developing an audience profile?

Determine audience size.Gauge the audience's level of understanding.Determine audience composition.All of the above are part of profiling.What is the journalistic approach to testing business messages?

Checking to see if the message answers who, what, when, where, why, and how.Asking a reporter to review your message.Interviewing as many audience members as possible before writing the message.Making sure that you've writing the message like a newspaper article.Under which of the following circumstances would a business message be considered unethical?

If any mistake is made.Information is omitted.If you're trying to persuade your audience to contribute to a charity.All business messages are unethical to some extent.What two questions do you need to answer when adapting your message to your audience?

What channel and medium should I use, and how will I establish a good relationship with my audience members?Is my message clear, and do I need to send it?How much does my audience know about my subject?How long should the message be?Which of the following does the best job of adopting the "you" attitude?

We are pleased to announce a new class this semester.You must correct all five copies by noon.The renovations now under way will help us serve you better.Please buy my textbook so I can afford to buy my books next semester.Under what circumstances can e-mail be used to communicate outside of an organization?

In response to an e-mail message that is received.If the message is informal.If the audience accepts e-mail as appropriateAll of the above are true.How does a memo differ from a letter?

Memos are shorter than letters.Memos have subject lines.Letters have salutations, memos do not.Letters discuss several subjects; memos discuss only one.What advantages does instant messaging have over phone calls and e-mail?

Instant messaging is more versatile than a phone call and quicker than e-mail.Instant messaging can reach more people.Instant messages create a permanent record while e-mails and phone calls do not.Many more people have access to instant messaging than e-mail.The first step in the writing process includes doing a draft.

True

False

About half of your time should be spent in composing a draft of a written message.

True

False

Revising and proofing a document should take about one quarter of your time.

True

False

You should always complete the three steps of the writing process in order.

True

False

When your general purpose in written communication is to inform, you need little interaction with your audience.

True

False

Writing useless memos in the workplace can destroy your credibility.

True

False

The primary benefit of written communication is the opportunity for immediate feedback.

True

False

The primary use of memos and e-mail messages is to customers and prospects.

True

False

Reports consist primarily of personal opinion.

True

False

Voice mail is appropriate to replace short memos and phones calls that need no response.

True

False

It's advantageous to send lengthy reports via e-mail.

True

False

People tend to overuse e-mail because it's cheap and easy.

True

False

E-mail is an excellent medium for private messages.

True

False

Employee productivity has suffered because of the Internet.

True

False

Credibility is based on how reliable someone is, and how much that person can be trusted.

True

False

Which of the following is not one of the most common organization mistakes made by communicators?

Taking too long to get to the point.Including irrelevant material.Getting ideas mixed up.All of the above are common mistakes.Which one of the following is an effective strategy in knowing how to organize a message?

Identify one central point that sums up your entire message.Provide all of the details that you can.Use the direct writing approach for all audiences; it saves time and energy.All of the above are effective in knowing how to organize a message.What's the best process to use to limit the scope of your message?

If you can develop your main idea without any additional resources or research, then its scope is fine.Evaluate the main idea to insure that it includes everything you want it to.Once you have a statement of your main idea, test it against the length limitations for your message. If you don't have time or space to fully develop the main idea, then you need to revise it.Cover only the high points with minimal detail or explanation.What's typically included in the highest-level box of a message organization chart?

Identification of your audience.The main idea.Your background and experience that you'll use to build credibility.Your organizing approach---direct or indirect.What should your major points cover when your goal is to persuade?

Each activity that you're asking your reader to perform.A time line of your expectations.A summary of your main idea.A line of reasoning or logical argument that proves your central message and motivates the audience to act.When do you need to supply a lot of facts and figures to demonstrate your main points?

If the audience is skeptical.If the subject is complex and unfamiliar.When the audience is really interested in the topic.Both "A" and "B" are correct.What's the best way to keep your audience interested in the evidence you present?

Give very little detail.Give as much detail as possible for everything.Vary the type of detail used.Don't worry about the detail; the audience will just skip anything that's not important to them.The deductive sequence presents your points in which order?

Introduction of the topic, followed by a evidence, a recommendation, and a request.Begin with the main idea then add evidence.Identify a problem, present your recommendation, then present evidence.Start with an interesting story then give your evidence, followed by your main idea.

What factor (s) should you consider when deciding whether to use the direct or indirect approaches?

Whether the readers are apt to react positively, neutrally, or negatively to the message.The length of the message.The message type.All of the above should be considered when chossing approach.Why do you want to start with a positive idea in a routine message?

A positive idea encourages your readers to be receptive to whatever else you way.A positive idea is easier to compose.Positive ideas are easier to understand than negative ones.All of the above are true.What is the biggest challenge in using the indirect approach?

Finding a good opening for an indirect message.Writing an apology that's sincere.Being honest while being kind with the bad news.Trying to be positive about the bad news.What technique (s) is (are) best for the opening of a persuasive message?

Cite an interesting statistic.Ask a question.Identify a reader benefit.All of the above are good techniques for persuasive openings.Under which of the following situations should your business conversational tone be most formal?

When communicating about technical materials.When making a presentation to your business school classmates.When you're trying to build your credibility.When writing a memo to your boss.When do you want to use passive voice?

To be diplomatic.To create objective tone.To avoid giving credit to one person.All of the above are reasons to use passive voice.Which words are the most concrete and therefore should be used the most in strong writing?

Adjectives, because they add a lot of meaning.Verbs, because they tell what's happening.Nouns, because they can be very specific.Both nouns and verbs because they are dynamic and specific.All effective business messages can be boiled down to one main idea.

True

False

The topic of your message is a statement about your main idea.

True

False

Regardless of how long a message will be, stick with three or four major points.

True

False

Constructing an outline of your message is a good way to visualize how all your points will fit together.

True

False

An outline for a longer message helps identify topics, but it's not necessary to list details.

True

False

The direct approach is best for most written messages; use the indirect approach for most presentations.

True

False

It's best to write a first draft that's as close to the final product as possible.

True

False

Style of writing is the way you use language to achieve a certain tone.

True

False

If you need to tell your audience something that's obvious, start off with it to get it out of the way.

True

False

Plain English, since it doesn't embrace all cultures and dialects, isn't very helpful for audiences who speak English as a secondary language.

True

False

A sentence using active voice places the verb before the subject of the sentences.

True

False

Passive voice sentences are more formal and de-emphasizes the subject of the sentence.

True

False

Denotative meaning of a word is its literal or dictionary meaning.

True

False

Abstract words are direct, clear, and exact.

True

False

Since abstract words are usually broads, it's best to avoid them in business communication.

True

False

Which of the following is generally not a goal when delivering bad news?

To convey the bad news.To maintain goodwill.To reduce future correspondence.To encourage ongoing communication.How can an audience-centered tone help your readers when delivering bad news?

It helps readers view your news as fair and reasonable.It helps preserve the reader's pride.It helps maintain goodwill. All of the above are correct.Why is it important to use the "you" attitude in delivering bad news?

Using the "you" attitude helps convey to your audience that you're interested in being fair, and that you are sincerely interested in them.Adopting the "you" attitude eases disappointment.Adopting the "you" attitude helps your audience save face.All of the above are true.When should you use the direct approach in organizing bad news messages?

When you have little time to compose the message.When the bad news will cause the audience very little pain or disappointment.When the message is going to a lot of people.When the audience is likely to react badly to the news.Why is the direct approach best in messages that reject employment applications?

Because the indirect approach will often cause ill will in people who see bad news frequently, such as people searching for employment.Because the news is routine.Because it shortens the message.When you're trying to be impersonal.What are the four elements of a bad news message that uses the indirect approach?

Bad news, apology, explanation, and close.Buffer, apology, bad news, and explanation.Buffer, explanation, bad news, and close.Bad news, alternative, apology, and close.Why is it not recommended that you begin bad news with a blunt "no?"

Because it's likely that the audience will not read or hear your explanation or reasons for the bad news.Because you never want to say "no."Because the audience is likely to miss the "no" if it's the first thing you say.Because being blunt is impolite.What is the major hazard in using a subject line in a bad news message?

Subject lines are wasted space.If you state the bad news in the subject line, you defeat the purpose of using the indirect approach.Subject lines don't contain enough detail to be useful.Subject lines are for formal documents only, so you will be perceived as incompetent if you use one for most bad news messages.What is the goal of a buffer statement in a bad news message?

To set the stage for the bad news by giving the writer a chance to explain it.To apologize for the bad news.To summarize the bad news.To hint at the bad newsWhy do some critics believe that using a buffer is unethical?

Because they say that a buffer is manipulative and dishonest.Because they say that a buffer is self-promotingBecause they say that a buffer just avoids the issue.Because buffers just make the writer feel better.Which of the following is the best approach to use when creating an effective buffer?

Tell a joke.Apologize to the writer.Indicate your understanding of the reader's needs.Try to make it sound like the bad news isn't so bad.Why shouldn't you apologize in the buffer of a bad news message?

Because an apology only weakens the explanation.Because an apology won't get the attention of your reader.Because an apology only highlights the bad news.You should apologize.What are your goals in presenting an explanation in the bad news message?

Bury the bad news.Convince the audience that the decision is justified, fair, and logical.To apologize for the decision.To show how intelligent you are.What can you do to de-emphasize bad news?

Minimize the space or time devoted to the bad news.Put the bad news in a subordinate clause.Embed the bad news in the middle of a paragraph.All of the above techniques help to de-emphasize bad news.Which of the following goals are appropriate for the close of a bad news message?

Be sincere.Be confident.Keep the close positive.All of the above are goals of the close.Start indirect bad news messages with a neutral, noncontroversial statement that is closely related to the point of the message.

True

False

When providing reasons for your decision in a bad news document, cover the negative points first, then move on to the more positive ones.

True

False

Apologies are appropriate only when someone in your company has made a severe mistake or has done something terribly wrong.TrueFalse

After stating your bad news, end a message on an upbeat note.

True

False

It's best to use the direct approach in delivering bad news, regardless of the culture of the receiver.

True

False

When you must refuse a request for information, you may use either the direct or indirect approach.

True

False

When you need to refuse a favor request, your choice of the direct or indirect approach depends on the relationship you have with the reader.

True

False

Use either the direct or indirect approach for a message that denies a claim request.

True

False

It's generally not possible to build goodwill even while denying a claim.

True

False

Slander is a legal term for any written message that tends to damage someone's character or reputation.

True

False

Use the indirect approach when writing to customers to tell them that you're raising your prices.

True

False

Many employers refuse to write recommendation letters because legal hazards exist.

True

False

There's no effective way to maintain a good relationship with someone when you reject a job application.

True

False

The best way to give an employee a negative performance review is to send a short memo listing the areas that need improvement.

True

False

A good way to end a performance evaluation meeting is to ask the employee to make a commitment to improve.

True

False

How do persuasive messages differ from routine positive messages?

Persuasive messages are usually longer than routine messages.Persuasive messages are usually more detailed than routine messages.Persuasive messages often depend heavily on strategic planning.All of the above are differences between routine and persuasive messages.Which of the following statements is not true about writing effective persuasive arguments?

Establish points of agreement upon which you will build your points.Highlight the importance of the message to you and your organization.Shape your argument to show that the proposal will satisfy your readers' needs.Search for common ground with your readers.Which of the following questions should you not consider before starting a persuasive message?

What do I want my audience to do?Who is the decision-maker?How might my audience members resist my persuasive efforts?All of the above questions should be considered before beginning a persuasive message.Specific information about the recipients of your persuasive message such as age, gender, occupation, and income are considered:

Demographics.Psychographics.Personality factors.Culture.

Why should you consider your audiences' culture attributes when creating a persuasive message?

You don't want to undermine your persuasive message with an inappropriate appeal.You don't want to confuse your readers with unfamiliar organizational approaches.You can do a better job of satisfying the audience's needs if you understand their culture.All of the above are correct.Which of the following is not an effective way to earn your audience's respect through credibility?

Support your message with facts.Establish common ground.Limit your enthusiasm by limiting emotional content of the message.Name your sources.How can you help insure that your persuasive messages are also ethical?

While you can try to be honest in any persuasive appeal, ultimately all persuasive messages are viewed as somewhat unethical.By providing accurate information.By explaining how the reader will benefit from your message.By explaining how the reader will benefit from your message and by providing accurate information.How can you persuade without manipulating?

Choose words that won't be misinterpreted.Don't distort the truth.Adopt a "you" attitude by being concerned about the audience's needs and interests.All of the above strategies will help persuade without manipulating.What factors should influence your choice between the direct and indirect writing approaches for a persuasive message?

Complexity of the message and preference of your audience.Your level in the organization.You should choose whichever will produce the shorter message.All of the above are effective in choosing approach.Which essential communication strategy presents a unique organizational plan that goes beyond the indirect approach used for negative messages?

Balancing emotional and logical appeals.AIDADealing with resistance.All of the above are essential to an effective organizational plan.Under what circumstances should you rely more on emotion than logic in a persuasive message?

When you're presenting a complex idea.When you're asking the reader to make an important decision.When you want someone to purchase a product.When you've tried logic and it didn't work.Which three types of reasoning are logical appeals?

Making a claim, supporting the claim with evidence, then restating the claim to benefit your reader.Quoting several celebrities in support of your claim.Introduce as many new ideas as you can.By using analogy, induction, or deduction.Which of the following guidelines will help you avoid faulty logic?

Avoid oversimplifying a complex issue.Avoid attaching your opponent.Avoid irrelevant evidence.All of the above are ways to avoid faulty logic.

What's the best way to deal with resistance to a persuasive message?

Insure that you've presented all of the evidence possible to support your point and minimize any evidence that doesn't support your point.Assume that your audience has no objections until they state them.Eliminate audience resistance by anticipating and addressing objections up front.Try not to talk about any monetary issues.In addition to focusing on the needs, interests, and emotional concerns of the readers of a persuasive sales message, what other elements should you include?

What might the audience members want to know about my product or service?How can my product or service help my readers?Are my readers driven by pricing or quality?All of the above questions are good to ask when analyzing the audience of a persuasive sales message.Persuasion is the attempt to manipulate someone into doing something for you.

True

False

Audience members are likely to welcome your persuasive attempts.

True

False

The best persuasive messages are closely connected to your audience's existing desires and interests.

True

False

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a person will seek to fill a status need before a security need.

True

False

To enhance your credibility in delivering a persuasive message, make sure that your motives, methods, and message are ethical.

True

False

Your choice between the direct and indirect approach in persuasion is influenced by the extent of your authority, expertise, or power within an organization.

True

False

Unlike negative messages, the audience's reaction is not a factor in choosing a strategy for persuasive messages.

True

False

When using the AIDA plan, focus on just your primary goal.

True

False

Most persuasive messages use logical rather than emotional appeals.

True

False

Emotional appeals in persuasive messages should be subtle.

True

False

To help uncover audience objections to a persuasive message, ask for their input before you put your argument together.

True

False

When making a persuasive request, ask for everything knowing that you'll only get some of what you want.

True

False

When asking for a routine or special favor, use the direct approach.

True

False

Your audience is most likely to help with a persuasive claim if you focus on the disadvantages of neglecting your complaint.

True

False

One way to insure that your sales messages are ethical is to focus on solving the reader's problems, rather than on your product.

True

False

In addition to analyzing your purpose and your audience, what else is involved in planning an oral presentation?

Gathering information.

Adapting the message to the audience and occasion.Delivering the presentation.Both "A" and "B" are correct.What is the major opportunity that awaits you when communicating while an oral presentation rather than in writing?

You have much more control over your audience with an affective presentation.You have a much better opportunity for interaction with your audience and to receive feedback and adjust your message to fit it.You can memorize your presentation to make a favorable impression.It's easier to persuade an audience member through an oral presentation rather than a written document such as a proposal.Why is it important to pay special attention to defining your purpose clearly and learning about your audience's needs when planning an oral presentation?

The risk of thought of as a poor communicator is higher with an oral presentation; therefore, it's important to plan it well.The plan will help you in preparing your talk.The presentation is a onetime event, so the audience will miss the message entirely if it isn't well planned.Many things can go wrong with presentations, so it's good to plan it well to protect yourself.Why is it so important to understand your audience and their needs when planning an oral presentation?

The presentation will be more effective if you keep your audience interested in the message. To do so, you need to understand them and their needs.The presentation might not accomplish its purpose.Since presentations are always persuasive, you can't effectively persuade someone when you don't know what their needs are.You can tell better jokes when you know your audience members.What is the first step in organizing a presentation?

Prepare an outline.Decide on the most effective style for the presentation.Define your main idea.None of the above.What is the best definition of "the main idea" of your presentation?

A list of all pertinent information that you'd like your audience to remember from your presentation.A one-sentence generalization that links your subject and purpose to your audience's frame of reference.A question that clearly defines your purpose.A list of benefits that your audience members will receive from listening to your presentation.How do you determine the best length for a presentation, assuming that you have no specified time slot?

Generally, a 10-15 minute presentation is best, regardless of the topic.Plan for a presentation length that allows you to covers all of your material in detail.The shorter the presentation the better, regardless of the topic.Decide on the length based on the subject, the audience's level of knowledge about the subject, and the audience's attitude toward you and the subject.If you have 10 minutes or less for a presentation, how should you organize it?

Pick the direct approach, since you have so little time.Use the direct approach for routine or good news; use the indirect for bad news or persuasion.Use the direct approach and pick a structure similar to that used in a written report on the same topic.Organize your material around recommendations or a logical argument.How many main points should you include in your presentation?

Try to limit the main points to three or four, even for long presentations.The number of main points should vary based on the length of the presentation.Limit the main points to just two---people have trouble remembering more than two.There is no limit to the number of main points---use as many as you need to make your case.What is the first stage of the six-stage presentation outline process?

Identify an opening.Organize the major points.State your purpose and main idea.None of the above.What is meant by "Show your connections" when outlining your presentation?

Showing your connections concerns revealing the sources you've used to build credibility in the presentation.In this context, "connections" means transitions that you are planning to use to move from one part of your presentation to the next."Connections" means identifying how your presentation relates to other presentations that your audience is hearing at the same time."Connections" refers to insuring that the main points don't overlap.What should a good opening of your presentation accomplish?

Arouse the audience's interest in your topic.Establish your credibility.Prepare the audience by previewing the presentation.All of the above.What is the best way to deal with an uninterested audience?

Appeal to human nature and encourage the audience to take the subject personally.Ask for feedback.Tell a relevant joke or story at the beginning of the presentation.Ask the audience members if they have any questions about your presentation.How can mentioning your accomplishments in the opening of a presentation help you?

Accomplishments helps establish your credibility and lets the audience know that you're worth listening to.Accomplishments are always a good way of getting the attention of your audience.Identifying all of your accomplishments makes you more confident in yourself and your presentation.Both "A" and "B" are correct.How can you hold your audience's attention throughout the presentation?

Relate the subject to the audience's needs.Anticipate the audience's questions.Use clear, vivid language.All of the above.The process of producing an effective oral presentation includes just two steps: writing the presentation and delivering the presentation.

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Planning an oral presentation is much like planning any other business message.

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Writing about a complex topic is usually more difficult than speaking intelligently about the same topic.

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Every facet of organizing an oral presentation is driven by how much you know about the topic.

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You should organize an oral presentation just as you would a written message.

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The average speaker can deliver about 250 words per minute.

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Oral presentations require simple organization because listeners will have a hard time catching up if they lose the thread of the message.

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If you're speaking to a small audience, you can often use a casual presentation style that encourages audience participation.

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The best approach to dealing with an uninterested audience is to appeal to human nature.

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Use the opening of your presentation to impress your audience with your level of knowledge about your topic.

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Since presentations are oral communication, you need to use differing organizational patterns than you would with a similar written message.

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Transitions become more important as the length of a presentation increases.

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The close of a presentation is almost as important as the beginning.

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Plan on using about 25 percent of your total presentation time for the closing.

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A good way to close a presentation is to introduce a new idea to peak your audience's interest levels and help them remember your presentation.

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