Communication Skills at Work

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Questions and Answers

What should you do if you make a mistake at work, according to Brown?

Never provide an apology in person

Wait for as long as possible before you apologize

Write a thoughtful apology note, under certain circumstances (correct)

All of the above

What is a key consideration when writing a letter of recommendation?

Focus solely on their personal qualities

Accurately note the candidate’s abilities (correct)

Rush through writing to save time

Always agree to write a letter for anyone who asks

What does Brown recommend for the opening of a PowerPoint presentation?

Dive straight into the main content without an introduction

Begin with an outline that addresses the audience's expectations (correct)

Start with a detailed technical analysis

Only use images without any initial text

When writing emails, what approach is advised?

Be concise and stick to the main point Signup and view all the answers

How should one approach writing letters of recommendation for unqualified candidates?

Never agree to write a letter if uncomfortable or unqualified Signup and view all the answers

What should guide your decision on whether to put something in writing?

How you would feel if it was on the front page of a major newspaper Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal attention span you should aim for with a resume?

10 seconds or less Signup and view all the answers

Which approach should be avoided in PowerPoint presentations?

Covering too much information on each slide Signup and view all the answers

In a professional setting, handwritten notes are viewed as:

Valuable for expressing sentiments Signup and view all the answers

What should be the main focus of a cover letter?

Asking for an interview specifically Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions should an email be avoided?

When feeling emotional or angry Signup and view all the answers

Mastering thank-you notes can help you:

Differentiate yourself from peers Signup and view all the answers

Beginning a resume with an objective is often considered:

Outdated and potentially distracting Signup and view all the answers

The 'art of the anecdote' is best described as:

Employing narrative techniques to connect with an audience Signup and view all the answers

What does 'EOM' signify in an email subject line?

End of message Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Apologies at Work

Brown suggests writing a thoughtful apology note under specific circumstances when something regrettable occurs at work.

Letters of Recommendation

According to Brown, never write a letter of recommendation for someone who is unqualified, you don’t know well, or you are uncomfortable supporting.

PowerPoint Presentations

Brown advises beginning PowerPoint presentations with an outline or opening slide that clarifies the content to be covered for the audience.
Instead of focusing on saving time, Brown suggests making the key arguments and findings easy to understand.
Avoid slides with excessive text to prevent audiences from ignoring the presentation and only reading the slide.
Use graphics and images to illustrate points visually.
Proofread all slides carefully.

Writing Emails

Brown recommends asking yourself "what am I asking my reader to do?" before sending an email.
Place the "ask" in a single sentence at the top of the message.
Ensure the email is written in a way that could be published on the front page of the New York Times.

Resumes

Resumes should grab the reader's attention in 10 seconds or less.
Avoid typos and basic errors in grammar and usage.

Thank You Notes

Mastering the art of writing thank-you notes will make one stand out from their peers, according to Brown.

Resumes

Including an objective on a resume is sometimes viewed as old-fashioned and can delay the reader from reaching the more important content.

Anecdotes

Rachel Derrick describes the "art of the anecdote" as using real-life examples or putting "faces" on actual events to help audiences relate to situations.

Sales Funnel Chart

A sales funnel chart helps identify potential revenue shortfalls in the process of acquiring new customers.

Emails

In emails, EOM stands for "End of message" and can be used as a subject line.

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Description

This quiz covers essential communication skills in a professional setting, as discussed by Brown. It focuses on writing effective apologies, letters of recommendation, conducting engaging PowerPoint presentations, and crafting clear emails. Hone your workplace communication abilities with these key insights.