What are the advantages and disadvantages of both the structured and unstructured interview formats?
> Why is the indirect order often preferred in letter reports?
> Which is the most useful way to organize data in a report? Why?
> What is the “you viewpoint” and how is it related to a courteous tone in your writing?
> What is the direct order in report writing? When should it be used?
> What is the difference between deductive and inductive paragraph organization? Give an example of each.
> What are some advantages of conversational writing? Give an example of conversational writing that you have observed.
> How can the format of a report reflect a writer’s strategic consideration of the situation?
> What are some disadvantages of using hackneyed phrases and jargon?
> Why should apologies be avoided in most negative situations?
> Which strategy should be used when the writer is uncertain of the reader’s reaction?
> What size is appropriate for a visual aid?
> What are some of the advantages of short words over long words?
> What is an effective way to end a directly organized memo report?
> How should the subject line be worded in an indirectly organized memorandum report?
> What are some forms of collaborative writing you are likely to encounter in business?
> In planning to write a document, what questions must a manager ask before putting words on paper? Should they all receive equal emphasis?
> What is the indirect order in report writing? When is it appropriate?
> Breakdowns in the written process are less difficult to locate than are breakdowns in the oral process. Discuss this statement.
> Pick one of the following scenarios and develop a 10-minute informative presentation. • For an audience of graduating seniors in business, discuss the topics of appropriate dress for employment interviews. • For an audience of business executives, discu
> This scenario provides a realistic opportunity for students to practice the negotiation principles explained in this chapter. Divide the class into groups of two—one is the job candidate and the other is the hiring agent. The negotiators should determi
> F. Clarify the following message by using paragraphs and transitions and by generally following the guidelines presented in this chapter. Most managers would agree that there are advantages to both the telephone and letters. Letters are more effective i
> When writers use the indirect order to convey negative news, what are they trying to accomplish?
> E. Change the negative tone and use more courteous words in the following sentences. 1. We cannot deliver all 100 units by Friday, March 6. 2. We don’t provide second mortgages. 3. We are sorry that your total deposit on the trip cannot be refunded. 4.
> D. Rewrite the following sentences to eliminate trite expressions and improve clarity. 1. Enclosed please find a check in the amount of $40. 2. Please be advised that your order will be shipped within a short period of time. 3. I enclose herewith an ord
> C. Reduce the length of the following sentences. 1. Record sales were set by the top division, from $48.2 million to $51.4 million; the home appliance division decreased from $67.2 million to $58.4; the big shock was in the electronic division, which sa
> B. Rewrite the following sentences using concrete words. 1. We received a lot of responses to our survey. 2. The personnel department has expanded in the last several years. 3. Profits are up throughout the industry. 4. If we don’t receive the order pre
> Rewrite the following sentences to eliminate confusing, long words. 1. Bill received excessive remuneration for his promulgated work according to his professional colleagues. 2. What form of personal conveyance shall we solicit between the airport and t
> Cite several examples in which you have observed the effective use of nonverbal communication in a presentation.
> What are the two most important considerations in an introduction? Give an example of an effective introduction that you have heard.
> Which of the approaches discussed in Question 4 is more likely to rely on facts and which is more likely to use opinions? Data from question 4: Explain the three major organization patterns for persuasive speaking. Identify three different situations a
> Explain the three major organization patterns for persuasive speaking. Identify three different situations and the appropriate presentation plan.
> List and discuss at least five items in an audience analysis.
> Note several aspects of the context of managerial writing that make it unique.
> Give an example in which each member of an audience may be trying to obtain a different goal from the same presentation.
> Give several examples of disruptive behavior that you have observed in a meeting, and explain how they should have been controlled.
> Briefly explain three strategies for reaching decisions in a meeting. What factors should be considered when determining which approach should be used?
> What are the possible seating arrangements for a meeting? When should each be used?
> How should an agenda be used? What are the major components of an agenda?
> Speculate on the reasons why complex information is not necessarily better communicated in a face-to-face format.
> What are the disadvantages of categorizing messages in the discussion on matching technology with the message?
> Explain why a sensitive message should be sent on a medium with a wide bandwidth. Why would a contemporary manager be tempted to use a medium with a narrow bandwidth for a sensitive message?
> Describe several examples in which you believe that a communication medium was chosen for symbolic reasons.
> What is the best medium for sending a highly sensitive message to a subordinate in the same city as the manager? Explain your answer.
> What are the direct and indirect orders, and when is each appropriate?
> Why do you believe that some people suffer from greater technophobia than others? Do you have any technophobia in certain situations? Explain.
> Obviously no correct size exists for a group. What are the limitations of a group that is too small? Too large? Give an example of a group that may be too large.
> What are symptoms of groupthink, and how can you ensure groupthink will not become a problem in your meeting?
> Cite an example of how communication technology has changed your activity as a student.
> What are the major advantages and disadvantages of a group? Present a situation in which it would be a good idea to use a group and one in which a group would not be a good idea.
> Give an example where you have participated in an interview that had more than one objective.
> What are some cues you believe create a positive first impression? A negative first impression?
> How does the fact-inference fallacy affect the interview process?
> Give examples of nonverbal behaviors that may indicate a person is interested in the interview. Give examples that may show lack of interest.
> Describe the “you attitude” for letter writers.
> Give examples of several biases that you may have that could interfere with the communication process. Explain how they could interfere with the interview.
> Create a list of behavioral questions you would ask when interviewing applicants for a position teaching business communication.
> Explain how the time and timing are important in the employment interview.
> What should you consider when thinking about taking notes during an interview? What are your personal reactions to taking notes in an interview?
> When should each of the following types of questions be used: open ended, closed ended, secondary, and directed?
> Give examples of the three categories of questions that may be used in an interview.
> When would an interviewee and interviewer have different intentions? Give several examples.
> What are four purposes of a question? Give an example of each purpose.
> How is the language used in a negotiation similar to and different from other managerial communication situations?
> Assume you are in an adversary’s office during a negotiation. What could you do to offset this disadvantage?
> What is the basis of the “you attitude”?
> What is the best way to arrange the conference room or office in which negotiations are to take place? Consider not only arrangement but also the distance between items.
> What would be the possible advantages and disadvantages of negotiating during a luncheon engagement?
> What are the three guidelines regarding time limits? Explain why they are important.
> Explain the difference between Least Acceptable Outcome and Maximum Supportable Outcome. Give an example of each.
> When should a leading question be asked? Give an example where such a question would be appropriate. What is a rhetorical question and how may it be used?
> Briefly explain each of the strategies of conflict resolution as presented in Figure 10-3.
> What are two possible causes of felt conflict?
> Why can undetected latent conflict be potentially dangerous? Give a specific example.
> What are the four axioms of conflict according to Watkins? How is each related to communication?
> Add several other principles to the list of communication principles that are necessary for a win-win strategy.
> Give an example of a situation where two written messages on the same topic may have to be different to meet the needs of two different audiences.
> Give an example in which selective attention has resulted in a conflict.
> Give examples of major differences between two cultures that would seem to contradict the universality myth.
> React to this statement by an international businessperson: “I’m trying to bring some conveniences and comforts and some progress to these people. If they want these things, they are going to have to do business my way and on my terms.”
> Do you believe the global village concept has been realized? If you do, why? If you don’t, given the nature of developments in the world today, do you have an idea of when we might see the fruition of the global village concept?
> Compose two questions for each of the three types of questions discussed in this chapter.
> During the next few days, watch for signs of nonverbal leakage of deception on television.
> Over the next few days, observe and compare the differences, if any, between the sitting behaviors of men and women in public situations (for example, in offices, classrooms, or public transportation).
> Evaluate an artificially crowded situation (for example, a classroom, a waiting room, or public transportation). What have people done to mark their territory? How effective has that been?
> Give examples where you would use casual listening, factual listening, and empathic listening.
> According to the discussion presented in this chapter, what is the difference between interactive and active listening?
> Provide an example where you or someone else probably lacked the willingness to listen.
> Provide an example where you detoured or debated while listening.
> Provide at least one example (other than those in the text) for nonverbal signals showing complementing, accenting, and contradicting.
> If possible, observe the nonverbal signals of two individuals at opposite ends of the same organization as they interact with each other and with their closest peers. As you do so, what differences do you note in terms of gestures, smiling, movement, and
> What is the difference between hearing and listening?
> ServeNow is a grocery store chain that has seven stores in the southeastern United States. ServeNow’s strategy is to target smaller towns (under 50,000 population) so it can become the dominant store in the area. The chain is headquartered in the largest
> Stacy Rollins was pensive as she waited for her interview with an investment banking firm. She felt well prepared because she had summarized all of her critical information into her résumé, which had been reviewed by her business communication professor
> Jesse Matthews sat in his office with a puzzled look on his face. He had received a Word file from Ellen Linares, a report that was to be presented to upper management in the morning. Ellen’s e-mail message said, “The report is attached. Please let me kn
> You are a human resources training specialist working for a large automaker. Your company will soon complete construction of a plant in Sonora, Mexico. This plant will specialize in the production of your very popular subcompact, the Chaperone. Initially
> A $245 million stretch of blacktop intended to be the signature goodwill gesture from the American people to the Indonesian survivors of the 2004 tsunami instead became a parable of the problems of Aceh Provinces recovery. Construction of the 150-mile ro
> Develop a questionnaire containing at least 10 statements about typical ethical dilemmas faced by businesspeople. Use “agree__disagree__undecided__” as response options. Possibilities might include “It is acceptable for an American businessperson in a fo
> Cedar’s Furniture and Appliance is a chain of five stores, two located in Youngstown, two in Akron, and one in Cleveland. Cedar’s main office is in Akron. Jane Pyle is the office manager at the main office. She supervises four word processing operators.
> Cedar’s Furniture and Appliance is a chain of five stores, two located in Youngstown, two in Akron, and one in Cleveland. Cedar’s main office is in Akron. Jane Pyle is the office manager at the main office. She supervises four word processing operators.
> Jamal Wright arrived at the office a bit late on Monday morning, around 9:45. He had been invited to speak at the Miami Chamber of Commerce breakfast as the chief operating officer for InterWorld Traders, an international shipping service. His topic, iro
