Strategic Business Communication
Mock Exam
Course Introduction
Strategic Business Communication explores the essential principles and practices of effective communication within a business context, emphasizing the role of strategic thinking in crafting messages that support organizational objectives. The course covers a range of topics, including audience analysis, communication planning, persuasive techniques, and the use of digital and traditional media to enhance business outcomes. Students will develop practical skills in writing reports, delivering presentations, managing corporate messaging, and navigating communication crises, all while considering cultural and ethical implications in diverse business environments. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to design and implement communication strategies that drive organizational success and foster positive stakeholder relationships.
Recommended Textbook
Business Communication Today 12th Edition by Courtland L. Bovee
Available Study Resources on Quizplus
22 Chapters
1960 Verified Questions
1960 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/study-set/639
Page 2
Chapter 1: Achieving Success Through Effective Business
Communication
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12102
Sample Questions
Q1) All of the following except ________ will make your business messages more effective.
A)providing practical information
B)clarifying expectations and responsibilities
C)presenting information concisely and efficiently
D)discussing personal issues and complaining about problems
Answer: D
Q2) The basic communication process consists of two steps: sending and receiving messages.
A)True
B)False
Answer: False
Q3) To actually receive a message, a person needs to do all of the following except A)comprehend the message.
B)sense the presence of the message.
C)select it from other competing messages.
D)perceive it as an actual message.
Answer: A
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 3
Chapter 2: Mastering Team Skills and Interpersonal Communication
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12103
Sample Questions
Q1) Group loyalty can lead members into ________, a willingness to set aside personal opinions and go along with everyone else, even if everyone else is wrong.
Answer: groupthink
Explanation:Groupthink occurs when group members for some reason (intimidation, risk aversion, or over-dominant group leadership, for example)are unwilling to provide meaningful input into the group. Typically this results in the group making decisions that do not take the views of all group members into account. Frequently, this failure to see all sides of the issue yields poor decisions and poor outcomes.
Q2) Writing for websites often involves the use of ________, which organize and control content and support teamwork.
A)wikis
B)shared workspaces
C)word processing software
D)content management systems
Answer: D
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 4
Chapter 3: Communicating in a World of Diversity
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12104
Sample Questions
Q1) What is ethnocentrism, and how can it be overcome?
Answer: Ethnocentrism is the tendency to judge all other groups according to one's own group's standards, behaviors, and customs and to see all other groups as inferior by comparison. You can overcome ethnocentrism by acknowledging distinctions and by avoiding assumptions and judgments.
Q2) As it applies to the contemporary workplace, the idea of diversity is limited to issues of race and ethnicity.
A)True
B)False
Answer: False
Q3) Briefly describe at least three strategies for writing effective multicultural messages.
Answer: Strategies for writing multicultural messages include using simple, clear English; being brief; using transitional elements; addressing international correspondence properly; and citing numbers and dates carefully. It is also important to avoid slang, idioms, and humor.
Q4) What is culture?
Answer: Culture is a shared system of symbols, beliefs, attitudes, values, expectations, and norms for behavior.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 5
Chapter 4: Planning Business Messages
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12105
Sample Questions
Q1) If you provide inaccurate information in a business message, the best course of action is to say nothing and hope that no one notices.
A)True
B)False
Q2) As business communication models evolve, the lines separating oral, electronic, and written media have become more distinct and easier to define.
A)True
B)False
Q3) A positive email announcing a new, more convenient travel reimbursement policy should follow the ________ approach for organizing messages.
Q4) All business messages have both a general purpose and a specific purpose.
A)True
B)False
Q5) The three general purposes of business messages are to inform, to persuade, and to collaborate.
A)True
B)False
Q6) Briefly explain the difference between the topic of a message and the main idea.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 6
Chapter 5: Writing Business Messages
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12106
Sample Questions
Q1) Which of the following words are the most abstract?
A)Two, contract, performance comm
B)Software, code, signal
C)Kick, move, walk
D)Productivity, excellence, motivation
Q2) Using the term crippled in business communication is an example of A)the "you" attitude.
B)emphasizing the positive.
C)disability bias.
D)none of the above.
Q3) Skillful writers use transitional elements to
A)automate text entry and correction.
B)track footnotes and endnotes.
C)ensure consistent formatting throughout a document.
D)connect ideas and show the relationships between them.
Q4) The ________ meaning of a word is its literal, dictionary meaning, whereas the ________ meaning includes all the associations and feelings it evokes.
Q5) What is the difference between tone and style in business writing?
Q6) Give the definition of a complex sentence, then provide an example of one.
Q7) What are the five most common techniques for developing paragraphs?
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 7
Chapter 6: Completing Business Messages
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12107
Sample Questions
Q1) Rewrite the following sentence to avoid camouflaged verbs: "The customer will ultimately make a determination about whether or not a purchase will occur."
Q2) Explain the importance and process of proofreading. Why does it matter and what should you look for?
Q3) Words that do not affect the meaning of a sentence are usually unnecessary and contribute to sentence clutter.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Justified type is type that is
A)set flush or "lined up" on the right and left.
B)centered.
C)set flush left and ragged on the right.
D)set flush right and ragged on the left.
Q5) Rewrite the following sentence to improve clarity and avoid the long noun sequence: "The financial estimates and accounting consulting firm will be closed next week."
Q6) A(n)________ document can contain any combination of text, graphics, photographs, audio, animation, video, and interactivity.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 8
Chapter 7: Electronic Media
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12108
Sample Questions
Q1) Respecting the chain of command is an important element of effective email messages.
A)True
B)False
Q2) One of the greatest drawbacks to using podcasts in business is the
A)costly equipment you'll need, regardless of the production quality you want.
B)intimidation factor of online audio and video.
C)difficulty of scanning back and forth to find specific parts of the message.
D)high distribution costs associated with them.
Q3) When you're drafting website content, ________ will help visitors find what they want fast and encourage them to return to your site for more information.
A)breaking your information into small, self-contained "chunks"
B)presenting your information in a concise, skimmable format
C)structuring your content according to the inverted pyramid style
D)all of the above
Q4) Businesspeople can use text messaging for
A)marketing.
B)customer service.
C)crisis management.
D)all of the above.
Page 9
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 8: Social Media
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12109
Sample
Questions
Q1) Rather than subscribing to a public microblogging service, some companies implement ________ that are intended for internal use only.
A)localized transmission systems
B)proprietary message protocols
C)internal micromessaging systems
D)corporate communication circuits
Q2) Social networks used by the business community consist of
A)private networks.
B)public, specialized networks.
C)public, general-purpose networks.
D)all of the above.
Q3) If you're creating a new wiki, ________ just as you would with a new blog or podcast channel.
A)focus on short-run goals
B)think through your long-term purpose carefully
C)plan on developing polices and guidelines later, as you need them
D)don't worry about your audience until the wiki is up and running
Q4) Sharing information via microblogging is fast and easy. How can you maximize microblogging's speed and simplicity when you're using it for business communication?
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 10
Chapter 9: Visual Media
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12110
Sample Questions
Q1) Flowcharts are used to
A)summarize large amounts of statistical data.
B)show the relative sizes of the parts of a whole.
C)show how something looks or operates.
D)illustrate processes and procedures.
Q2) In business reports, it is best to place each visual
A)within, beside, or immediately after the paragraph it illustrates.
B)just before the paragraph referring to it.
C)together with other visuals at the end of each chapter.
D)together with other visuals in an appendix at the end of the report.
Q3) To illustrate the positions, units, or functions of an organization and the way they interrelate, use a(n)________ chart.
Q4) In computer graphics, a template
A)is a tool for creating curves and geometric shapes.
B)helps ensure an effective design, saves time, and makes decision making easier.
C)is any kind of chart generated by a spreadsheet or illustration program.
D)is a tool for creating classic architectural views.
Q5) A(n)________ title calls attention to the conclusion that ought to be drawn from the data.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 11
Chapter 10: Writing Routine and Positive Messages
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12111
Sample Questions
Q1) In a positive message, present the main idea
A)in the first sentence of the middle paragraph.
B)at the end of the middle paragraph.
C)right at the beginning of the letter.
D)in the last sentence of the letter.
Q2) List the three major categories of common routine requests.
Q3) In the body of a routine request, you should
A)beg the reader to grant your request.
B)explain and justify your request.
C)give your sales pitch.
D)explain what will happen if the audience does not do what you are asking.
Q4) Messages of ________ recognize the contributions of employees or business associates.
Q5) You're preparing an internal blog posting providing information on this year's annual company picnic. The message is generally positive, but you need to say that-unlike past picnics-the event will not be catered. What approach is best for conveying mildly disappointing information such as this in the context of a positive message?
Q6) If your routine message must convey some mildly disappointing information, put the negative portion into as ________ a context as possible.
Page 12
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 11: Writing Negative Messages
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12112
Sample Questions
Q1) The challenge of ________ is a direct result of the proliferation of social media and other communication technologies.
A)researching and developing new products and services
B)communicating up and down a company's supply chain
C)attracting and recruiting qualified applicants for employment
D)responding to online rumors and attacks on a company's reputation
Q2) In rejecting a proposal you solicited, you should use the indirect approach and provide an explanation.
A)True
B)False
Q3) What are your five main goals when delivering bad news?
Q4) Explain how an effective buffer differs from one that is poorly written. Provide an example of a buffer that would be inappropriate for a message explaining that a student's grade appeal has been denied.
Q5) You can help establish the right tone in a negative message by using positive words rather than negative, counterproductive ones.
A)True
B)False
Q6) Explain the characteristics of an effective letter rejecting a job applicant.
Page 13
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 12: Writing Persuasive Messages
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12113
Sample Questions
Q1) Most persuasive claims and requests for adjustment use the direct approach.
A)True
B)False
Q2) Most persuasive business messages involve requests for action.
A)True
B)False
Q3) ________ is reasoning that works from a generalization to a specific conclusion.
Q4) Whereas ________ focus on what the product does, ________ focus on what the user experiences or gains.
A)wants; needs
B)selling points; benefits
C)benefits; selling points,
D)actionable features; desirable benefits
Q5) When it comes to persuasive messages, the direct approach
A)is rarely used.
B)is often preferable with a receptive audience.
C)is used only by top management.
D)does not require inclusion of justifications or explanations.
Q6) Persuasive messages often follow a specialized four-phase format called the ________ model.
Page 14
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 13: Finding, Evaluating, and Processing Information
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12114
Sample Questions
Q1) Applying the findings of your research can involve all of the following except
A)summarizing your results.
B)making recommendations.
C)drawing conclusions based on your results.
D)developing a problem statement that defines your research.
Q2) Which of the following is a closed-ended question?
A)Would you rate the proposed expansion plan as likely to succeed or unlikely to succeed?
B)What do you see as the primary benefit of the proposed expansion plan for your family?
C)What corporate goals does the expansion help achieve?
D)How will the expansion affect day-to-day operations?
Q3) When conducting an interview, you use ________ questions to get the interviewee to offer an opinion and not just a yes-or-no answer.
Q4) A survey is considered ________ if it produces identical results when repeated. A survey is considered ________ if it measures what it's intended to measure.
Q5) Explain why it is important to prioritize your research needs early in the process of conducting business research.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 15
Chapter 14: Planning Reports and Proposals
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12115
Sample Questions
Q1) Unlike reports focused on conclusions or recommendations, reports focusing on logical arguments
A)use an indirect approach.
B)are not very convincing.
C)emphasize the positive.
D)do not include outside evidence.
Q2) Very few reports require a work plan.
A)True
B)False
Q3) A(n)________ report is written to validate a decision that has already been made.
Q4) If your readers will want to know what they ought to do in a given situation, then your report should focus on
A)your conclusions.
B)your writing process.
C)your recommendations.
D)your sources of information.
Q5) List and describe the seven elements that usually are part of a formal work plan.
Q6) What is the difference between a solicited and an unsolicited proposal?
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 16
Chapter 15: Writing and Completing Reports and Proposals
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12116
Sample Questions
Q1) The cover, title page, and table of contents are among the ________ parts of a formal report.
Q2) In a formal proposal, where does the Work Plan section normally appear, and what information does it contain?
Q3) When you're preparing an RFP, identify decision criteria and choose information to measure against those criteria. Otherwise, you will
A)place unreasonable demands on bidders.
B)cause unnecessary complications in your review process.
C)discourage some potentially attractive bidders from responding.
D)all of the above.
Q4) The prefatory parts of a solicited proposal may include A)a letter of authorization.
B)a copy of the RFP. C)an index.
D)visual elements.
Q5) In researching a proposal to expand your division, you find evidence that does not support your line of reasoning. Should you include it in your report? Why or why not?
Q6) What is the difference between a title page and a title fly?
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 17
Chapter 16: Developing Oral and Online Presentations
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12117
Sample Questions
Q1) Best practices for the question-and-answer session after a presentation include
A)counting on being able to set ground rules for the session.
B)assuming that you'll be able to handle questions without some preparation.
C)anticipating likely questions and thinking through your answers.
D)acknowledging that the question-and-answer session is relatively unimportant.
Q2) You want to prepare a speaking outline for an upcoming presentation. Which one of the following will help you get off to a good start?
A)Ignore your planning outline and chart a new course based on your personal idiosyncrasies.
B)Find your planning outline and remove anything you don't plan to say directly to your audience.
C)Keyboard your script onto your presentation slides so you can read each slide word-for-word.
D)Insert additional examples, details, and data into your original planning outline.
Q3) What six stages should you go through in preparing an effective outline for a presentation?
Q4) The easiest and most effective delivery mode for most business presentations is speaking from ________.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 18
Chapter 17: Enhancing Presentations with Slides and Other
Visuals
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12118
Sample Questions
Q1) When you're considering the use of color in your slides, keep in mind that A)color can account for a large part of an audience's acceptance or rejection of an idea.
B)color tends to distract viewers, which reduces their retention of the material.
C)you should use as many colors as possible to maintain viewer interest.
D)your choices are not that important as long as your slides are colorful.
Q2) To make your text slides more readable,
A)limit the text on each slide to four or five lines with four or five words per line.
B)use complete sentences with capitals and punctuation rather than short bulleted phrases.
C)use the passive voice.
D)do all of the above.
Q3) The best option for creating a training module on the features of a software program would be
A)overhead transparencies.
B)screencasting software.
C)image editing software.
D)chalkboards and whiteboards.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 19
Chapter 18: Building Careers and Writing Résumés
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12119
Sample Questions
Q1) Putting "References available upon request" at the end of your résumé is
A)not necessary since the availability of references is usually assumed.
B)standard practice, and most employers will expect to see it.
C)less effective than listing the names and contact information for all references, even if the employer has not requested them.
D)necessary only when applying for government positions.
Q2) You can find information about job hunting on the Internet, but it's not a good source for information on specific companies.
A)True
B)False
Q3) You can use a ________ to recap your career, with a focus on your increasing levels of responsibility and performance.
A)career objective
B)qualifications summary
C)career summary
D)key activity matrix
Q4) Personal webpage, e-portfolio, social media résumé, and multimedia résumé are all terms used to describe ________ résumés.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 20
Chapter 19: Applying and Interviewing for Employment
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12120
Sample Questions
Q1) During a screening interview, your best approach is to
A)ask as many questions as possible.
B)keep your answers short, providing a few key details to distinguish you from other candidates.
C)expand on your answers as much as possible so that the interviewer knows you are at ease.
D)keep as low a profile as you can; this is not the time to try to differentiate yourself from other candidates.
Q2) The approach you take for an application letter depends on A)how badly you want the job.
B)whether or not your résumé is up to date.
C)how long you have been on the job market.
D)whether it is a solicited letter or an unsolicited letter.
Q3) In ________-________ interviews, the interviewer poses broad questions and encourages the applicant to talk freely.
Q4) In the middle part of an application letter, you should spell out your "selling points" and other potential benefits to your employer.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 21
Chapter 20: Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
20 Verified Questions
20 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12123
Sample Questions
Q1) What is the problem with this sentence? "We can give him a small raise, he deserves it."
A)Comma splice
B)Sentence fragment
C)Dangling modifier
D)Nothing
Q2) Which of the following possessive phrases is not correct?
A)The team's contract with the players
B)The teams' contract with the players
C)Its advantages to the players
D)It's advantages to the players
Q3) The verb "do" is an example of a regular verb.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Which of the following words is misspelled?
A)Accomodate
B)Exaggerate
C)Occurrence
D)Receive
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 22
Chapter 21: Format and Layout of Business Documents
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
20 Verified Questions
20 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12121
Sample Questions
Q1) Three blank lines are left between the complimentary close and the sender's typed name.
A)True
B)False
Q2) The quality of paper is measured by
A)length and width.
B)weight and cotton content.
C)color and texture.
D)style of letterhead and corporate logo.
Q3) In memos, a courtesy title
A)should always be used.
B)is never appropriate.
C)is required if you are discussing confidential matters.
D)should be used only if you would use one in a face-to-face encounter with the reader.
Q4) Letterhead stationery commonly includes the company's URL.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
23
Chapter 22: Documentation of Report Sources
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
20 Verified Questions
20 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/12122
Sample Questions
Q1) In the Chicago humanities style, the bibliography
A)lists only those works actually cited in the text.
B)lists works in the order cited in the text.
C)can include annotations.
D)does all of the above.
Q2) You should always use APA style for documentation in your reports, even if your employer or client normally uses a different form.
A)True
B)False
Q3) The American Psychological Association style uses the author-date system. A)True
B)False
Q4) The purpose of a superscript in text is to let the reader know
A)to read the marked line more carefully.
B)how many sources the author consulted.
C)that the report is scholarly.
D)to look for source information.
Q5) There is no difference between endnotes and a bibliography.
A)True
B)False
24
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.