Part A: Answer each of the following questions as directed.
1. The following phrases present barriers to effective communication. Identify and define the barrier each phrase represents, and describe an alternate method of communicating in each case.
a. You need to get this done right now.
b. What a dumb thing to do!
c. If I were you, I would handle it this way
d. You think you've had a bad day? Let me tell you about mine.
e. You're the best secretary in the world.
f. Go ahead-do that one more time and see what happens.
2. Describe the message(s) you send as well as the types of feedback you might receive when you exhibit the following types of body language.
a. When speaking, you begin twisting your mouth or chewing your lip.
b. When speaking, you begin to fidget and jingle pocket change.
c. When listening, you begin to tap your feet.
d. When listening, you begin to lean away from the speaker.
3. Explain what posture is and how it can have a negative effect on your interpersonal skills. Also, describe ideal posture as well as the exercise you can perform to improve your posture. Answer this question in 10-15 sentences.
Part B: Answer each of the following questions in two to four sentences
1. Your colleague asks you to critique a presentation that she has to give to your supervising attorney. You notice that she rarely makes eye contact with you during the presentation. Describe the feedback that you would give her.
2. Melissa tells John that she hasn't been able to locate any negative information concerning the firm's new client. John tells her to keep searching for a few more hours to make sure. Explain who the sender is and who the receiver is in this situation. Also, identify the message and the feedback.
3. While explaining your report findings to a colleague, you notice that he keeps fidgeting and glancing at his watch. Discuss the types of signals your colleague is giving you. What's the likelihood that you'll have to explain your findings again?
4. Describe two techniques that you can use to remember what a person has said.
5. Albert speaks at a pace of 180 words per minute. When sending a verbal message, is it likely that he'll be understood? Explain your answer.
6. Describe two or three guidelines for behaving in a courteous, tactful, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace.
7. What is the difference between pronunciation and enunciation?
8. When Sara's supervising attorney asks her if she is busy, Sara replies that she isn't and can handle another task. When saying this, Sarah's speech is slow and she squints her eyes and twists her face. Her supervising attorney decides to assign the task to someone else. Explain the type of listening the supervising attorney is doing and why he doesn't give the task to Sarah.
9. Describe how sitting in a place with people talking all around you can help you to improve your listening skills.
10. Explain the effect stress can have on your interpersonal skills as well as how you can learn to control stress.