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WorksheetsTactful Communication
Total questions: 30
Worksheet time: 15mins
Which of the following is the best definition of tact?
The skill of winning an argument by being the loudest.
The skill of handling sensitive issues with kindness and consideration.
The skill of avoiding difficult conversations entirely.
The skill of telling people exactly what you think, regardless of their feelings.
Tactful communication can be described with the formula:
Honesty + Kindness
Honesty + Brutality
Kindness + Dishonesty
Silence + Avoidance
A person who is brutally honest and does not consider others' feelings is being:
Tactful
Passive
Assertive
Blunt
A person who agrees with a bad idea just to avoid conflict is being:
Tactful
Passive
Assertive
Blunt
The "V.I.P." Formula for tact stands for:
Very Important Person
Validate, Investigate, Proceed
Validate, "I-Statement," Propose
Voice, Intention, Problem
In the V.I.P. Formula, what is the purpose of the "Validate" step?
To immediately state the problem.
To show you hear the other person and acknowledge their feelings or effort.
To prove that your opinion is the correct one.
To propose a solution.
The "I-Statement" step in the V.I.P. Formula is used to:
Place blame on the other person.
Gently state the issue from your own perspective.
Make the other person feel guilty.
End the conversation quickly.
The final step of the V.I.P. Formula, "Propose," is about:
Looking back at all the mistakes that were made.
Offering a positive, forward-looking suggestion or question.
Demanding that the other person change.
Proving that you were right.
Tact is a communication management skill that falls under which broader style?
Aggressive
Passive
Assertive
Passive-Aggressive
The opposite of being tactful is being:
Kind
Respectful
Blunt
Honest
Scenario: Your friend is excited about a new haircut that you think looks bad. A BLUNT response would be:
"I love it!"
"I can tell you're really happy with it!"
"That looks terrible."
"The color really brings out your eyes."
Scenario: Your friend is excited about a new haircut that you think looks bad. A TACTFUL response would be:
"I hate it."
"Wow, that's a bold choice! I can tell you're really happy with it."
"Are you really going to keep it like that?"
You say nothing and just stare.
Scenario: A group member suggests an idea for a project that you think is boring. Which of the following is the most TACTFUL response?
"That's a stupid idea."
"Fine, whatever, let's just do your boring idea."
"I like the energy you have for that topic. I'm a bit concerned it might not cover all the points on the rubric. What if we also explored an idea related to...?"
"Absolutely not. We're not doing that."
Scenario: Your friend arrives 20 minutes late to a movie. A BLUNT response would be:
"Hey, I'm so glad you made it!"
"You're always late! You're so unreliable."
"I was worried something happened. Is everything okay?"
"Don't worry about it, we only missed the previews."
Scenario: Your friend arrives 20 minutes late to a movie. A TACTFUL response would be:
"I'm glad you're here. I was feeling a little frustrated because we missed the beginning. For next time, can you text me if you're running behind?"
"You owe me for this."
"I knew you would be late."
"Don't bother showing up next time."
Scenario: A coworker proudly shows you a report that is full of typos. Which of the following is the most TACTFUL response?
"Did you even proofread this? It's a mess."
"Thanks for getting this done so quickly. I see a lot of great information in here. I noticed a few small typos, so let's do a quick proofread together before we send it off."
"I can't turn this in. It makes us look bad."
"I guess I'll just fix all your mistakes myself."
Scenario: Your sibling asks to borrow your favorite jacket. You don't want to lend it to them. A BLUNT response would be:
"No way. You'll just ruin it."
"Um... I guess so."
"I really appreciate you asking, and I know you'd look great in it."
"I'm not comfortable lending this specific jacket out since it's my favorite, but you are welcome to borrow my blue one."
Scenario: A family member at dinner asks for your opinion on a political topic you disagree with. Which of the following is the most TACTFUL response?
"Everything you just said is wrong."
"I can see you're really passionate about that. I actually have a different perspective on the issue, but I'd rather not get into a heavy debate at dinner."
You roll your eyes and ignore them.
"How could you possibly believe that?"
Scenario: A teammate is not trying hard during practice. You are the captain. A DESTRUCTIVE, BLUNT response would be:
"You need to start trying harder. You're bringing the whole team down."
"Hey, you're a valuable part of this team. I've noticed your energy seems a bit low in drills lately. Is everything going okay?"
"Let's work together to get our energy up for the next game."
You say nothing to the teammate but complain to the coach.
Scenario: Your boss is micromanaging you on a task you know how to do. Which of the following is the most TACTFUL response?
"Stop micromanaging me. I know what I'm doing."
"I appreciate that you want this done right. I'm feeling a little slowed down by the constant check-ins. Would it be okay if I complete a draft and then bring it to you for review?"
You ignore the boss's instructions and do it your own way.
"If you want it done a certain way, just do it yourself."
The "Validate" step of the V.I.P. formula is important because it:
Immediately proves you are right.
Shows the other person that you respect their feelings or effort, even if you disagree.
Allows you to avoid the actual problem.
Is a form of passive communication.
Scenario: A friend is venting about a problem, and you jump in to tell them how to fix it. They say, "I don't need your advice right now." A TACTFUL response from you would be:
"Fine, figure it out yourself then."
"I was just trying to help!"
"You're right, my mistake. I appreciate you telling me what you need. I'm here to listen."
"My advice is really good, you should listen."
Scenario: A friend consistently cancels plans at the last minute. A BLUNT response would be:
"I understand things come up."
"You always do this! I'm done making plans with you."
"I feel disappointed when our plans change last minute. Can we talk about it?"
"No problem at all!"
Scenario: You got a "B" on a test you're proud of, and a parent says, "Why wasn't it an 'A'?" Which of the following is the most TACTFUL response?
"You're never happy with anything I do!"
"I know you have high expectations for me, and I appreciate that. I'm actually really proud of this 'B' because I worked hard for it in a tough subject. Your support would mean a lot to me."
"An 'A' is impossible in that class."
You say nothing and walk away.
The main difference between being tactful and being passive is that tact is:
Dishonest but kind.
Honest and kind.
Honest and brutal.
Dishonest and brutal.
Scenario: A coworker keeps talking to you while you're trying to meet a deadline. A TACTFUL response would be:
"Can you please leave me alone? I'm trying to work."
You put on headphones and ignore them completely.
"I really want to hear about your weekend. I'm just under a tight deadline right now. Can I come find you as soon as I finish this?"
"Your story isn't as important as my work."
Scenario: A friend gives you a birthday gift you really dislike. A BLUNT response would be:
"Thank you so much! You're so thoughtful."
"This is the best gift ever!"
"Not really. It's not my style at all."
"Wow, thank you for thinking of me. That was so kind of you."
Scenario: You accidentally break a vase at a friend's house. The most TACTFUL and responsible response is:
To hide the broken pieces and hope they don't notice.
To blame it on their pet.
"I am so sorry, I was careless and accidentally broke your vase. I feel terrible about it, and I want to pay to replace it."
"This vase was in a really bad spot. You should be more careful."
Tact is an important communication management skill because it allows you to:
Win every argument.
Avoid all conflict.
Maintain relationships while still being honest about difficult topics.
Say whatever you want without consequences.
Scenario: A teammate makes a mistake during a game. A TACTFUL coach would say:
"You just cost us the game!"
"Don't worry about it, it happens. On the next play, let's remember to focus on our positioning. We'll get it back."
"Get off the field! You're done."
They say nothing, but bench the player for the rest of the game.
