Communications Quiz – 13 Questions

Workout Objective:  Take 2 minutes now to go through these 13 questions and note your answers on a piece of paper. Then at the end of the article, click on the answers to see how many you got right
Recommended Frequency: Just once

13 Questions Quiz

1.  When I first meet someone,

1. I wait for the other person to make the introduction first.
2. I introduce myself with a smile and offer a handshake.
3. I hug the person.

2.  When speaking with others

1. I try to equalize my participation in the conversation.
2. I usually do most of the talking.
3. I usually let the other person do most of the talking.

3. In conversations,

1. I frequently use courtesy words and phrases – “thank you, please, sorry.”
2. I occasionally use courtesy words and phrases.
3. I never use courtesy words and phrases.

4.  When starting a conversation, I usually

1. “warm-up” new conversations with small talk.
2. avoid small talk and jump into more important matters.
3. avoid starting conversations.

5.  When I discuss a topic

1. I tend to talk about and focus on positive (good) aspects.
2. I tend to talk about and focus on the negative (bad) aspects.
3. I tend to complain.

6.  While listening,

1. I tend to be distracted by things going on around me.
2. I listen for meaning and ask questions.
3. I listen intently and I don’t ask questions, as it would be impolite.

7.  While conversing

1. I tend to interrupt before the other person is done speaking to show my excitement for the subject.
2. I wait until the other person is done speaking before I speak.
3. I try to talk as little as possible.

8.  When I disagree with a person,

1. I listen first, ask questions for clarification, then disagree non-judgmentally.
2. I quickly point out the person is wrong and why.
3. I say little or nothing.

9.  While conversing,

1. I make eye contact.
2. I sometimes make eye contact.
3. I never make eye contact.

10.  When I am listening to the other person,

1. I often cross my arms over my chest.
2. I often lean back and turn my body away from the speaker.
3. I often lean slightly forward and face my body toward the speaker.

11.  When I’m in a group,

1. I tend to frown a lot.
2. I tend to smile and use humor at appropriate times.
3. I tend to be serious.

12.  When a co-worker discuss a non-work related topic at work (e.g. sport game, TV show),

1. I politely leave the conversation.
2. I listen or join in the conversation.
3. I tell his boss that this co-worker is not working hard enough.

13.  If a co-worker has put on weight,

1. I say nothing about it.
2. I tell the person that he or she has changed in appearance.
3. I honestly tell the person that he or she looks fat.

Check Your Answers

Go to this article where I explain what is the recommended answer for each of these 13 questions and why. 

Your comments: How many did you get right?  are you surprised by the questions or the answers? Add your comments below and let’s have a discussion.

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I am always in your corner.  Best wishes to your career success.

– Lei