Quiz
How's your Communication Quotient?

Communications skills are key to our life success. Think how much they count - at home, at work, in school/college/university, or when you're meeting - for the first time - people who could be an important influence your life.

We all like to think we're good communicators. But how do we know? Try this self-test quiz to find out.

The short quiz is about how you react in communication situations. It will get you thinking about those aspects of communication you perform well and those you'd like to improve.

To take the full length quiz and have a chance of £5 off your joining fee, please email us

Quiz designed by Robin Chawner - to contact Robin, email me

Notes on taking the quiz

If you can't find a response precisely matching your typical behaviour, choose the nearest.

By the way, it's not about getting the highest score; it's about discovering communication styles. So, be honest. Otherwise, the only person you're kidding is yourself !!! Tip - get someone who knows you well to review your answers. Do they mostly agree? If not, why not?

If you'd like to explore further, visit Solent Speakers. We'll give you a warm welcome. An evening spent with us will provide you with insights and enjoyment. The only cost is two-and-half hours of your time

Example Quiz
1.

You've an important phone call to make. You're anxious to impress and get a direct response. You dial and reach an answerphone. It allows for a message of only 30 seconds.

Do you :
(a) start talking, get flustered, fluff your words and run out of message time
(b) decide to hunt out a book called 'Getting your message across in 30 seconds or less' (yes, there is a book with this title!)
(c) feel unprepared because you expected to speak to the person - and hang up
(d) leave your name, number and a clear, concise message; because you're confident when speaking to answering machines
(e) say you'll call later and - in the meantime - practise a clear, short attention-grabbing message and call back when you're rehearsed

2.

You're in a team meeting. An important point is being discussed. The chairperson turns, unexpectedly, to you and says: "What's your opinion?"

Do you :
(a) decide you're going to be better prepared for next time this happens
(b) state you opinion clearly and succinctly; you're confident about impromptu speaking
(c) freeze and say 'pass'
(d) ask if you can comment later when you've had time to think it through
(e) get under way and then realise later you've missed out a point you wanted to make

3.

Has anyone said to you: 'Were you listening to me?'

Do you:
(a) say :"Sorry, what were you saying?"; and afterwards feel this situation happens quite often
(b) say: "Of course!" and try to make some sensible-sounding response
(c) say: "Sorry! I didn't quite catch all you said" (A bit of quick thinking 'on the hoof')
(d) say: "Sorry, my mind was on other things. You now have my undivided attention." ('Making a clean breast of it'.)
(e) apologise and, later, book yourself on an effective listening techniques course


Answer scores analysis
Q1 - A=2, B=5, C=1, D=3, E=4
Q2 - A=3, B=5, C=1, D=4, E=2
Q3 - A=2,B=1, C=3, D=5, E=4

Scores commentary

Whatever your score, you've learnt that good communication is about attitude, confidence and competence. Visit Solent Speakers or your local toastmasters club to find out more.

5 or less

Communication may not be your strong suit but you were curious enough to do this quiz. You may be realising that communication is important to your quality of life - and perhaps you're less confident than you could be. The fact that you've been honest with yourself in your answers is a good start. A good next step would be seek help. There are many people who might fit the bill. You only have to ask!

6 - 10

You've discovered a few things about communication. Maybe you scored lower on some questions than you expected? You now know that effective communication is about knowledge, preparation and practice. You can pick up tips from others. You're 'on the runway' and ready for 'take-off', Start throttling up your engines!

11 - 16

Your CQ is above average; you have potential to go further. You're not a stranger to the 'communication savvy' crowd. Were your scores consistently 'average'? So, you can still pick up some more useful tips. Try emulating communication behaviours in the higher-scoring answers. Even more success lies within your grasp - go for it!

Please note the real quiz is 15 questions long