The following quiz was originally created by Queendom Tests and adapted by Ragan Communications, Chicago, IL.

 How effective are your managerial communication skills?
Take this quiz to find out

Are others sometimes puzzled by your comments, suggestions or instructions? Does it seem at times that you just don’t get what people are saying? Do you find it difficult to share your feelings? To gauge your skill in the fine art of communication, read the following statements, then rank whether they apply to you rarely (0 points), sometimes (score 1), or often (score 2). 

Speaking skills Rarely
(0 points)		 Sometimes 
(1 point)		 Often 
(2 points)
1.  I clearly express my ideas.
2. People tell me I raise my voice, but I’m not aware of it.
3. When I explain something, I ask listeners if they are following me.
4. I get so caught up in what I’m saying that I don’t notice my listeners’ reactions.
5. I apologize when I think I’ve hurt someone’s feelings.
6. I get the impression people are intimidated by me.
7. I criticize people’s actions or behavior, not their character or personality.
8. I hate being disagreed with…especially by someone who doesn’t have my experience.
9. I observe others’ body language and expressions to determine their mood.
10.  I naturally dominate conversations.
Listening skills Rarely
(0 points)		 Sometimes 
(1 point)		 Often 
(2 points)
11.  When I don’t understand something, I ask for further explanation.
12.  I have difficulty understanding what others are trying to say.
13.  I try to see things from the other person’s point of view.
14.  I have a tendency to jump to conclusions.
15.  I take interest in what others are saying.
16.  I pretend to listen though I’m often distracted by other thoughts.
17.  When conversing, I’m aware of my emotional reactions to what’s being said.
18.  When I know what they’re getting at, I save time by finishing others’ thoughts.
19.  I don’t interrupt others, even if I have a relevant point to make.
20.  When someone has trouble finding the right word, I offer suggestions.
Personality traits Rarely
(0 points)		 Sometimes 
(1 point)		 Often 
(2 points)
21.  I can easily share my feelings.
22.  I have trouble expressing myself when others disagree with me.
23.  I can resolve problems or conflicts without losing control.
24.  I don’t challenge others because I don’t want them to dislike me.
25.  I’m comfortable confronting people who hurt my feelings.
26.  I get defensive when others criticize me. 
27.  I’m not afraid to admit when I am wrong.
28.  I hide my weaknesses – after all, they’re no one else’s business.
29.  I thrive on intense discussions in which people express many different points of view.
30.  I avoid talking about highly charged subjects.
 

Scoring

Score the quiz in two parts. First, total the points for the odd-numbered statements ____ . Then total the points for the even-numbered statements: ____.

If your score on the odd-numbered statements is 20 or less, maybe you are an effective communicator. It’s hard to know because you don’t often solicit feedback from your conversation partners by asking if they understand your meaning or observing their body language and reactions.

Look at the section on speaking skills. Do others understand the points you’re trying to make? Do they realize, for example, that your criticisms aren’t personal? Effective communicators ask questions and offer explanations so others get their meaning. They’re also active listeners, asking for clarification when they need it and keeping check on their own emotions.

As far as personality traits go, effective communicators are more likely to feel at ease in conversation – even when the subjects are intense or others disagree with their viewpoints. Review those odd-numbered statements to which you responded “rarely” or “sometimes.” Let them serve as tips on how to improve your communication skills.

Now look at your score on the even-numbered questions. If your tally was 40 or more, you probably spend more time talking at people than conversing with them. As a speaker, you’re more concerned about getting your point out than getting it across. Leave intimidation to military commanders and football coaches – cooperation should be your goal. As a listener, well, you don’t actually listen. You pretend to listen while thinking up what you’re going to say next - then you impatiently encourage the other person to wrap up so you can say it. Or, perhaps the opposite is true. Maybe you’re more passive than aggressive – you’re so afraid of confrontations and misunderstandings that you avoid substantive discussions altogether.

If any of these descriptions apply, consider taking a course on improving communications skills. Or, try reading a book that may give you insight into being more effective communicator.

 

COACH is produced by Motiv8 Communications, Port Orange, Florida P: 386-322-9802 E: motiv8comm@aol.com