Interpersonal Communication Quiz – 25 Questions

Workout Objective:  Find out how closely your interpersonal communication style match what is expected
Prerequisite: None
Recommended Frequency: Just once
Workout steps:

• Answer the 25 questions below honestly (without peeking at the answers).
• Score yourself out of 25 – Compare your answers to the recommended answers at the bottom of the quiz.
• Add your reaction and questions about why your answers may have differed from what is recommended in the comments section.
• Go to the next workout – Interpersonal Communication Style Quiz – Detailed Answers.

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Your communication style matters when it comes to the reputation you build at work, and how effective you can be in your career.  While it may be true that everyone is entitled to their own communication style, it is important to realize that certain styles are more acceptable and beneficial to you than others in the western business world.

Basic Interpersonal Etiquette

1. When I first meet someone,
   a. I wait for the other person to introduce themselves.
   b. I introduce myself with a smile and offer a handshake.
   c. I hug the person.
2. When I first meet someone,
   a.  I make an effort to remember and use their name.
   b.  I don’t pay attention to names, as I tend to forget them.
   c.  I only learn the names of important people.
3. When speaking with others,
   a.  I try to equalize my participation in the conversation.
   b.  I usually do most of the talking.
   c.  I usually let the other person do most of the talking.
4. In conversations,
   a.  I frequently use courtesy words and phrases – “thank you, please, sorry.”
   b.  I occasionally use courtesy words and phrases.
   c.  I never use courtesy words and phrases.

Core Communication Style

1. When starting a conversation, I usually
   a. “warm-up” new conversations with small talk.
   b.  avoid small talk and jump into more important matters.
   c.  avoid starting conversations.
2. When I discuss a topic,
   a.  I tend to talk about and focus on positive (good) aspects.
   b.  I tend to talk about and focus on the negative (bad) aspects.
   c.  I tend to complain.
3. While listening,
   a.  I tend to be distracted by things going on around me.
   b.  I listen for meaning and ask questions.
   c.  I listen intently and I don’t ask questions, as it would be impolite.
4. While conversing
   a.  I tend to interrupt before the other person is done speaking to show my excitement for the subject.
   b.  I wait until the other person is done speaking before I speak.
   c.  I try to talk as little as possible.
5. When I disagree with a person,
   a.  I listen first, ask questions for clarification, then disagree non-judgmentally.
   b.  I quickly point out that they’re wrong, and why.
   c.  I say little or nothing.
6. When I have a negative opinion or comment,
   a.  I just say it.
   b.  I lead in with a positive comment first.
   c.  I say nothing.
7. To end a conversation,
   a.  I often just leave.
   b.  I begin to look impatient, hoping that the person will get the hint.
   c.  I wrap up with a closing statement.

Non-verbal Communication Etiquette

1. In conversations,
   a.  I tend to be serious and don’t smile often.
   b.  I smile all the time.
   c.  I smile at appropriate times.
2. While conversing,
   a.  I make eye contact.
   b.  I sometimes make eye contact.
   c.  I never make eye contact.
3. While conversing,
   a.  I hold my head still at all times.
   b.  I nod my head at appropriate times.
   c.  I nod my head constantly.
4. While conversing,
   a.  I stand one-foot away from the person.
   b.  I stand two- to three-feet away from the person.
   c.  I stand five- to six-feet away from the person.
5. When I am listening to the other person,
   a. I often cross my arms over my chest.
   b. I often lean back and turn my body away from the speaker.
   c. I often lean slightly forward and face my body toward the speaker.
6. When I’m in a group,
   a. I tend to frown a lot.
   b. I tend to smile and use humor at appropriate times.
   c. I tend to be serious.

Feedback Communication

1. When I receive unfavorable feedback,
   a.  I ask for specific examples and note where I need to improve.
   b.  I get angry and defensive.
   c.  I deny the problem, make excuses, or plead ignorance.
2. When I disagree with the feedback I received,
   a.  I tell my boss directly and use examples to show him why he is wrong.
   b.  I talk to HR to document my disagreement.
   c.  I ask questions to understand why my boss has a difference perspective.
3. When I give a person feedback,
   a. I offer feedback both on their strengths and development areas.
   b. I only give positive feedback.
   c. I only give negative feedback so they can improve.
4. When I give a person negative feedback,
   a.  I focus on the person’s observable work or behavior and offer suggestions.
   b.  I focus on what I don’t like about the person.
   c.  I simply tell the person what to do right.
5. When I give a person feedback,
   a.  I do it around others so everyone can hear.
   b.  I do it in front of the supervisor.
   c.  I talk with the person alone in a private place.

Social Communication at Work

1. When a co-worker discuss a non-work related topic at work (e.g. sports game, TV show),
   a. I politely leave the conversation.
   b. I listen or join in the conversation.
   c. I tell his boss that this co-worker is not working hard enough.
2. When someone talks about an unfortunate or sad experience,
   a.  I don’t comment on it.
   b.  I try to change the subject.
   c.  I try to relate to the person’s feelings and show sensitivity to his or her misfortune.
3. If a co-worker has put on weight,
   a. I say nothing about it.
   b. I tell the person that he or she has changed in appearance.
   c. I honestly tell the person that he or she looks fat.

Quiz Answers:

Basics: 1. b  2. a  3. a  4. b
Core Style: 1. a  2. a  3. b  4. b  5. a  6. b  7. c
Non-verbal: 1. c  2. b  3. b  4. b  5. c  6. b
Feedback: 1. a  2. c  3. a  4. a  5. c
Social: 1. b  2. c  3. a .

For details on why these are the best answers, go to the detailed explanation here – Interpersonal Communication Style Extended Quiz – Detailed Answers

Your comments: Are you surprised by any of the recommended answers?  why?  Add your comments and let’s have a discussion.

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I am always in your corner.

– Lei