basic communication skill

When reading instructions or a series of steps, one should:

• Read only the steps that he or she doesn't know.

• Perform the steps even if he or she doesn't understand them.

• Read the directions completely.

• Skim the directions quickly.

Special features in books that help readers locate information include:

• Drawings and photographs

• Dictionaries and encyclopedias

• Table of contents, indexes, and glossaries

• Safety-related cautions and warnings

The rough draft of a document you are writing should:

• Follow an outline and incorporate your research.

• Be as close to perfect as possible.

• Be complete before any research has been done.

• Be complete before an outline has been created.

With email, nonverbal communication is lost, and the message must be carefully composed to avoid being

• rejected as spam email

• misinterpreted by the recipients

• forwarded to others

• legally binding

Common documents that construction professionals need to read on the job include:

• construction drawings, code books, and installation manuals

• legal briefs, permits, and subpoenas

• contracts, warrants, and encyclopedias

• literary reviews, argumentation papers, and essays

An important attribute of an effective speaker is the ability to:

• Inject humor on the job site with practical jokes.

• Explain and simplify complex topics.

• Conduct multiple conversations with workers.

• Make others feel too inferior to speak openly.

After receiving instructions, listeners should:

• ask for the instructions to be repeated several times

• tell all co-workers what the speaker said

• paraphrase back to the speaker what they heard using their own words

• start following the instructions and later check to see if they are doing it correctly

What is an important practice in writing to avoid errors that can cost time and money?

• Handwriting any documents before using a computer.

• Always writing in the first person.

• Proofreading the work for accuracy.

• Writing at a high reading level.

If someone does not understand what a speaker is saying, he or she should:

• Ignore that part of the conversation.

• Try to figure it out on his or her own.

• Ask other people what they think the speaker means.

• Ask the speaker questions for clarification.

Folding your arms in front of you makes it seem as if you are:

• warm and friendly

• distracted

• distant and unwilling to engage

• the group leader