Question

Conversation1:
Erin motions Jessica over to her desk. They discuss how Jessica’s date with Tom went last night. Erin is excited when Jessica tells her that Tom’s cousin is interested in Erin. They end their conversation when their teacher walks into the classroom by agreeing to call each other after school.

Conversation 2:
Paul walks up to the counter and yells at Pat to get over here. Paul demands that Pat apologize for insulting him yesterday. Pat tries to calm Paul down explaining that he was just joking around. Paul tells Pat to shut up and just apologize. Pat tells Paul to calm down. Paul storms out of the coffee shop.

Which of the changes below would make Paul an effective interpersonal communicator?
I. Change his opening to a more calm and positive approach.
II. In his feedforward he should establish an appropriate timeframe and location.
III. He should add more criticism in his feedback.
IV. In the business section of his conversation he should include a list of everything Pat has
ever done wrong.
a.
I
b.
I and II
c.
III
d.
II and IV

Answer 1

b

Explanation: Effective interpersonal communication would include a calmer, more positive opening (I) and using feedforward to set an appropriate time/place for the talk (II). Adding more criticism (III) or listing every past wrong (IV) would be counterproductive.