Business Communication: Building Critical Skills

Kitty O. Locker, Ohio State University
Steven Kyo Kaczmarek, Columbus State Community College
Kathryn Braun, Sheridan College

Negative Messages

Self Quiz


1	When people respond to a limitation of freedom by asserting their freedom in another area, this is called
		A)	Physiological reactance.
		B)	Psychological reactance.
		C)	Pathological reactance.
		D)	Retroactive resistance.


2	If you have a good alternative in a negative message, refer to it in the
		A)	First paragraph.
		B)	Salutation.
		C)	Ending.
		D)	None of the above.


3	Show options for fixing a problem in negative messages to
		A)	Subordinates.
		B)	Peers.
		C)	Superiors.
		D)	None of the above.


4	Which of the following is NOT a negative message?
		A)	Product recalls.
		B)	Resumes.
		C)	Layoffs.
		D)	Disciplinary notices.


5	Which of the following is NOT a type of buffer?
		A)	Starting with any good news or positive elements.
		B)	Referring to enclosures.
		C)	Bad news.
		D)	Stating a fact.


6	Negative messages are less important than positive ones.
		A)	True
		B)	False


7	A refusal is a type of negative message.
		A)	True
		B)	False


8	It's OK to say you cannot do something as a defence in a negative message.
		A)	True
		B)	False


9	Because we live in cynical times, you must make all negative messages direct.
		A)	True
		B)	False


10	When writing a negative message, try to establish a middle ground with the reader by noting that you believe the company is being unfair.
		A)	True
		B)	False

2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.