[Solution] Communicating Face-to-Face on the Job
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Author: Sarah Bennett
Face-to-face communication skills are important for career success and organizational effectiveness. Therefore, it is important to understand interpersonal speaking techniques.
An appropriate speaking rate is approximately .
View Explanation
You can change your speaking voice to make it a powerful communication tool. Pay attention to your pronunciation, saying words clearly and correctly in accepted ways. Avoid uptalk, which causes your statements to sound like questions and makes you seem unsure of yourself. Additionally, speak at an appropriate rate of speed, which is about 125 words per minute.
Which of the following are etiquette guidelines that promote positive workplace conversations? Check all that apply.
- Avoid negative remarks.
- Always speak your mind.
- Listen to learn.
- Choose appropriate conversational topics.
- Act professionally in social situations.
View Explanation
To promote positive workplace conversations at the office and in work-related social settings, use correct names and titles, choose appropriate topics, avoid negative remarks, listen to learn, give sincere and specific praise, and act professionally in social situations.
Read the scenario, and answer the questions.
You work as a salesperson for Spectrum Color, a chemical manufacturer. Your customers are photographers who use Spectrum's products to create professional images for publication. They are usually a friendly clientele. Today, however, Jesse Adamson is upset. Your first call of the day is from Jesse. He tells you that he has a tight deadline for a National Geographic layout, but the color chemicals he ordered two weeks ago still haven't arrived. He complains that his professional reputation is at stake, not to mention his paycheck. He points out that he has never had these problems before, and he tells you that you should consider a new job.
What is the information your customer is trying to deliver?
- He is an important photographer
- He urgently needs his chemical order
- He is having financial problems
View Explanation
Jesse is upset about one thing: his missing chemical order. Because the order is late, he may miss his deadline, which could hurt his reputation and earnings. His primary message is "I need my chemical order right away."
What can you do to respond effectively to criticism from your boss?
- Criticize your own work
- Continue entering data while he speaks
- Ask for more information if necessary
View Explanation
Your goal during the conversation is to understand your boss's request. Focus on the main issue and clarify what is being said.
Read the scenario, and answer the question.
You are a project manager for a specialty sports equipment manufacturer. A critical member of your design team, Gwen, has been unprofessional and rude to her coworkers, and she has missed two deadlines. You need to address the problem before it gets out of hand and you fall behind schedule.
What is your first step in offering Gwen constructive criticism?
- Address your concerns at the weekly staff meeting
- Mentally outline your conversation
- Make a list of all the reasons you should fire her
View Explanation
When providing constructive criticism, you should prepare a mental outline of your conversation, use face-to-face communication, and focus on improvement, discussing the behavior rather than the person. Additionally, you might offer to help. Be sure to keep the conversation private and encourage two-way communication.
Communication technology .
View Explanation
Face-to-face conversations and meetings have the highest level of media richness and are most effective. As you move to more impersonal communication methods, such as video conferencing, IMs, and e-mail, media richness and effectiveness decline.
