COMMUNICATION SKILLS EXERCISE

In each of the following, read items A, B and C, then mark the one that best describes your communication style.            

1	A	When conversing with others I usually do most of the talking.
	B	When conversing with others I usually let the other person do most of the talking.
	C	When conversing with other I try to equalize my participation in the conversation
2	A	When I first meet someone, I wait for the other person to make the introduction first.
	B	When I first meet someone, I introduce myself with a smile and offer a handshake.
	C	When I first meet someone, I hug the person.
3	A	I usually ‘warm up’ new conversations with small talk.
	B	I usually avoid small talk and jump into more important matters.
	C	I usually avoid starting conversations.
4	A	I make an effort to remember and use peoples names.
	B	I don't pay attention to names as I tend to forget them.
	C	I only learn the names of important people.
5	A	I frequently use courtesy words and phrases 'please' 'thank you' 'you're welcome' 'I'm sorry'
	B	I occassionally use these courtesy words and phrases.
	C	I never use these courtesy words and phrases.
6	A	I tend to be serious and don’t smile often while conversing.
	B	I smile all the time while conversing.
	C	I smile at appropriate times while conversing.
7	A	I make eye contact while conversing.
	B	I sometimes make eye contact while conversing.
	C	I never make eye contact while conversing.
8	A	While conversing, I hold my head still at all times.
	B	While conversing, I nod my head at appropriate times.
	C	While conversing, I nod my head constantly.
9	A	While conversing, I stand one foot away from the person.
	B	While conversing, I stand two to three feet away from the person.
	C	While conversing, I stand five to six feet away from the person.
10	A	I often stand while talking to a person who is sitting.
	B	I often sit while talking to a preson who is sitting.
	C	I often lean down while talking to a person who is sitting.
11	A	To end a conversation, I often just leave.
	B	To end a conversation, I begin to look impatient hoping the person will get the hint.
	C	To end a conversation, I wrap up with a closing statement.
12	A	If a co-worker has put on weight, I say nothing about it.
	B	If a co-worker has put on weight, I tell the person that he or she has changed in appearance.
	C	If a co-worker has put on weight, I honestly tell the person that he or she looks fat.
13	A	When I'm listening to the speaker, I often cross my arms over my chest.
	B	When I'm listening to the speaker, I often lean back and turn my body away from the speaker.
	C	When I'm listening to the speaker, I often lean slightly forward and face my body towards the  speaker.
14	A	When I cross my leg, I cross my leg facing the speaker.
	B	When i cross my leg, I cross my leg away from the speaker.
	C	When I cross my leg, I bob my foot.
15	A	While listening, I tend to be distracted by things going on around me.
	B	While listening, I listen for meaning and ask questions.
	C	While listening, I watch the person speak, but I don’t 'hear' a word.
16	A	When someone talks about an unfortunate or sad experience, I don’t comment about it
	B	When someone talks about an unfortunate or sad experience, I try to change the subject.
	C	When someone talks about an unfortunate or sad experience, I try to relate to the person's feelings and show sensitivity to his or her misfortune.
17	A	When I discuss a topic I tend to talk about and focus on positive (good) aspects.
	B	When I discuss a topic I tend to talk about and focus on negative (bad) aspects.
	C	When I discuss a topic I tend complain.
18	A	When I have a negative opinion or comment, I just say it.
	B	When I have a negative opinion or comment, I lead in with a positive comment first.
	C	When I have a negative opinion or comment, I make it a point to stress on the negatve issue.
19	A	When I receive unfavorable feedback, I note where I need to improve.
	B	When I receive unfavorable feedback, I get angry and defensive.
	C	When I receive unfavorable feedback, I deny the problem, make excuses or plead ignorance.
20	A	When I give a person negative feedback I focus on the persons observable work or behavior and offer suggestions.
	B	When I give a person negative feedback I focus on what I don't like about the person.
	C	When I give a person negative feedback I simply tell the person what to do right.
21	A	When I give a person negative feedback I do it around others so everyone can hear.
	B	When I give a person negative feedback I do it in front of the supervisor.
	C	When I give a person negative feedback I talk with the person alone.
22	A	When I disagree with a person, I listen first ask questions for clarification, then disagree non-judgmentally.
	B	When I disagree with a person, I quickly point out the person is wrong and why.
	C	When I disagree with a person, I say little or nothing.
23	A	When I'm in a group, I tend to frown a lot.
	B	When I'm in a group, I tend to smile and use humor at appropriate times.
	C	When I'm in a group, I tend to be serious.