Workplace Communication Situations

Madison is resigning from her company. Which is the best way for Madison to communicate this information?

• Text her supervisor.

• Speak to her supervisor in person.

• Send a group email to her supervisor, co-workers, and customers.

• Leave a sticky note on her supervisor’s desk.

Ahmad is attending a work meeting. When is it appropriate for him to use his smartphone?

• If the meeting is boring.

• If the speaker cannot see him using it.

• If his supervisor is not present.

• If the meeting specifically requires the participants to access information online.

Carla works at an accounting office. Which of the following should she do before sending a work-related email?

• Check that the names and addresses of the intended recipients are correct.

• Ensure the email has a subject line, required attachments, a pleasant greeting, and her contact information.

• Proofread and check for confidential information in the email and its attachments.

• All of the above.

Reggie works at a sporting goods store. Which is the best way to answer the store’s telephone on a busy day?

• “Please hold.”

• “Can you call back later?”

• “Thanks for calling XYZ Sports. This is Reggie. Can you please hold for a minute?”

• “XYZ Sports. What do you need?”

Olivia is careful of how she communicates with people at work. Which is an example of positive nonverbal communication?

• Smiling and nodding

• Asking and answering questions

• Crossing her arms and sighing

• Rolling her eyes and frowning

Josh needs to place a non-urgent order with the sales representative at an office supply company. What should Josh do if the representative does not answer the telephone?

• Josh should call every 10 minutes, but he should not leave a voicemail message.

• Josh should leave a voicemail message that includes his name, company name, phone number, and reason for calling.

• Josh should also send a text and email.

• Josh should call the representative’s supervisor if Josh does not receive a response within 15 minutes.

Taylor is an office manager. He should do all the following prior to emailing a spreadsheet to a co-worker EXCEPT

• Check that hidden rows do not contain confidential or sensitive information.

• Ensure formulas and links work properly.

• Proofread for errors and typos.

• Choose unusual font sizes and colors.

Zoe is a computer technician. An older customer is asking the same questions repeatedly. What should Zoe do?

• Tell the customer, “You already asked that question, sir.”

• Sigh and roll her eyes at the customer.

• Try using different words, a drawing, or a demonstration to answer the questions.

• Stop answering the customer’s questions.

José is delivering a sales presentation. During his presentation, José should do all of the following EXCEPT

• Make eye contact with the audience.

• Talk at an appropriate speed and volume.

• Look down and read directly from his notes.

• Remember to breathe and smile.

Jackie is unhappy with her performance review and salary. She schedules a face-to face meeting with her supervisor. Which of the following should Jackie also do?

• Plan to meet in a quiet location away from co-workers and customers.

• Remain calm, poised, and focused.

• Ask her supervisor for specific feedback, examples, and improvement ideas.

• All of the above.