Question Bank- Communication Skills

100 Important Questions and Answers on Communication and Mass Media

A comprehensive set of 100 frequently asked questions with detailed answers and explanations covering Meaning, Types and Characteristics of Communication, Effective Communication, Barriers, and Mass Media & Society. Ideal for students, teachers, and competitive exams.

Part I: Communication – Meaning, Types & Characteristics

1. What is communication?
   Communication is the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, or feelings between two or more people to create shared understanding.
2. Define the term “communication”.
   It comes from the Latin word communicare, meaning “to share” or “make common”.
3. List the basic elements of communication.
   Sender, Message, Channel, Receiver, Feedback, and Noise.
4. What is the main objective of communication?
   To achieve mutual understanding between sender and receiver.
5. Name two main types of communication.
   Verbal and Non-Verbal communication.
6. What is verbal communication?
   It is the exchange of information using spoken or written words.
7. What is non-verbal communication?
   Communication through gestures, facial expressions, tone, posture, or symbols.
8. Give two examples of non-verbal communication.
   Eye contact and body posture.
9. What is formal communication?
   Official communication that follows the chain of command.
10. What is informal communication?
    Unofficial communication that flows freely in all directions, also called the grapevine.
11. List any three characteristics of effective communication.
    Clarity, conciseness, feedback.
12. What is feedback?
    The receiver’s response to the sender confirming message understanding.
13. Explain the term ‘Noise’ in communication.
    Anything that distorts or blocks the message (like poor signal, misunderstanding, background noise).
14. What is downward communication?
    Flow of information from higher level to lower level in an organization.
15. What is upward communication?
    Information sent from subordinates to superiors, usually as feedback or reports.
16. What is horizontal communication?
    Exchange of information between employees of the same level or department.
17. What is diagonal communication?
    Communication that crosses both functional and hierarchical boundaries.
18. What is grapevine communication?
    Informal and unofficial flow of information among employees.
19. Why is communication called a two-way process?
    Because it involves both sending and receiving of messages with feedback.
20. List the 7 Cs of effective communication.
    Clarity, Conciseness, Correctness, Completeness, Consideration, Concreteness, Courtesy.

Part II: Effective Communication (Verbal, Non-Verbal, Inter-Cultural, Group, Classroom)

21. What is effective communication?
    It is communication in which the intended message is understood accurately by the receiver.
22. State one benefit of effective communication.
    It reduces misunderstandings and builds better relationships.
23. Differentiate between oral and written communication.
    Oral uses spoken words (meetings, phone), written uses printed or digital text (letters, emails).
24. List two advantages of oral communication.
    Quick feedback and personal touch.
25. List two disadvantages of oral communication.
    No permanent record and possible distortion.
26. List two advantages of written communication.
    Permanent record and accuracy.
27. List two disadvantages of written communication.
    Time-consuming and lack of immediate feedback.
28. What is paralanguage?
    The tone, pitch, or speed of voice that accompanies verbal communication.
29. What is body language?
    Non-verbal communication through gestures, posture, and facial expressions.
30. What is proxemics?
    The study of how physical space affects communication.
31. What is chronemics?
    The use of time to communicate messages (e.g., punctuality).
32. Define inter-cultural communication.
    Communication between people from different cultural backgrounds.
33. Why is cultural awareness important?
    To avoid misunderstandings and show respect for diversity.
34. What is group communication?
    Exchange of ideas among members of a small group to achieve a goal.
35. Give one example of group communication.
    Team meetings or classroom discussions.
36. What is classroom communication?
    Interactive exchange of ideas between teachers and students for learning.
37. What makes classroom communication effective?
    Use of clear instructions, feedback, visuals, and student engagement.
38. What is the role of feedback in classroom communication?
    It helps teachers assess understanding and adjust methods.
39. State one challenge in intercultural communication.
    Language barriers or different value systems.
40. What is the key principle of effective group communication?
    Active listening and respect for others’ opinions.

Part III: Barriers to Effective Communication

41. What are communication barriers?
    Obstacles that prevent the effective exchange of information.
42. List four types of barriers.
    Physical, Psychological, Semantic, and Cultural.
43. What is a physical barrier?
    External factors like noise, distance, poor connectivity.
44. Give an example of a physical barrier.
    Loud background noise during a phone call.
45. What is a psychological barrier?
    Mental or emotional state affecting understanding (e.g., stress, fear).
46. What is a semantic barrier?
    Misinterpretation of words or symbols due to different meanings.
47. Give an example of a semantic barrier.
    Using jargon unknown to the receiver.
48. What is a cultural barrier?
    Differences in values, norms, or language among cultures.
49. What is an organizational barrier?
    Hierarchy or structure that restricts free flow of communication.
50. How can barriers be reduced?
    By ensuring clarity, feedback, open channels, and empathy.
51. List two personal barriers to communication.
    Poor listening and emotional bias.
52. Why is listening important?
    It ensures accurate understanding and reduces confusion.
53. What is information overload?
    When too much information makes processing difficult.
54. How does perception affect communication?
    Different interpretations of reality can distort messages.
55. How does status difference act as a barrier?
    Lower-level employees may hesitate to speak openly with superiors.
56. What is filtering?
    Deliberate alteration or omission of information while passing it upward.
57. What is emotional barrier?
    Emotions like anger or anxiety preventing clear communication.
58. What is language barrier?
    Inability to understand each other’s language or dialect.
59. Give one measure to overcome language barrier.
    Use simple language and visual aids.
60. Why is feedback essential in overcoming barriers?
    It confirms understanding and identifies where breakdown occurred.

Part IV: Mass Media and Society

61. What is mass media?
    Media that reach large audiences such as newspapers, TV, radio, and the Internet.
62. Give two examples of mass media.
    Television and Newspapers.
63. What is the main role of mass media?
    To inform, educate, entertain, and influence the public.
64. What is the term “Fourth Estate”?
    It refers to the press or media acting as a watchdog of democracy.
65. How does media educate society?
    By spreading awareness on social, political, and cultural issues.
66. What is mass communication?
    Transmission of messages to a large, dispersed audience through mass media.
67. How does media shape public opinion?
    Through news framing, analysis, and continuous exposure.
68. What is digital media?
    Online platforms that distribute content via internet (blogs, social media).
69. What is the impact of social media on communication?
    It enables instant sharing but may spread misinformation.
70. List two advantages of mass media.
    Wide reach and quick dissemination of information.
71. List two disadvantages of mass media.
    Bias and misinformation.
72. What is media literacy?
    The ability to critically evaluate and understand media messages.
73. Define the term ‘public opinion’.
    The collective opinion of citizens on social or political issues.
74. What is gatekeeping in media?
    The process of selecting and filtering news before publication.
75. What is agenda-setting theory?
    Media influence what topics people think about by giving them prominence.
76. How does advertising affect society?
    Shapes consumer behavior and social values.
77. What is media ethics?
    Principles of fairness, accuracy, and responsibility in journalism.
78. What is propaganda?
    Biased communication used to influence opinions or behavior.
79. What is media convergence?
    Integration of print, broadcast, and digital platforms.
80. How can media promote social change?
    By highlighting injustices and encouraging civic participation.
81. What is freedom of press?
    The right of media to publish news without censorship.
82. What is infotainment?
    Content that combines information and entertainment.
83. List one negative effect of excessive media use.
    Information fatigue or addiction.
84. How does media preserve culture?
    By documenting traditions, arts, and values.
85. What is citizen journalism?
    Public reporting of news through smartphones and blogs.
86. How does mass media support education?
    Through educational programs, documentaries, and online courses.
87. What is fake news?
    False or misleading information presented as news.
88. How can people fight misinformation?
    By verifying facts and using reliable sources.
89. How has technology changed mass media?
    Shifted from print to digital, faster communication, interactive audience.
90. What is the role of media in democracy?
    It acts as a watchdog and promotes transparency.
91. What is censorship?
    Suppression or control of information by authorities.
92. Why is ethical reporting important?
    To ensure credibility, trust, and public welfare.
93. Define globalization of media.
    Worldwide reach and exchange of media content across cultures.
94. What is news framing?
    Presenting news from a particular perspective to shape understanding.
95. Give one social function of mass media.
    Creating awareness about public health or environmental issues.
96. What is public service broadcasting?
    Media funded for public interest rather than profit.
97. What is investigative journalism?
    In-depth reporting that uncovers hidden facts or corruption.
98. What is yellow journalism?
    Sensational or exaggerated news for attracting attention.
99. How can mass media be used positively?
    For education, empowerment, and promoting national unity.
100. Why is balance important in media reporting?
     To maintain fairness and prevent bias.
101. What are new media platforms?
     Blogs, podcasts, YouTube, social networks.
102. How do media and society influence each other?
     Media reflects social values while also shaping them.
103. What is the term “mass audience”?
     A large, diverse, and geographically dispersed group reached by media.
104. What is two-step flow of communication?
     Information moves from media to opinion leaders and then to the public.
105. What is social media activism?
     Using platforms like Twitter or Instagram to advocate for causes.
106. State one ethical concern about social media.
     Privacy and misuse of personal data.
107. What is the importance of communication skills in media professionals?
     They ensure accurate reporting, persuasion, and clarity of message.
108. How can media be a tool for development?
     By promoting literacy, health campaigns, and rural awareness.

Conclusion

Effective communication lies at the heart of human interaction and social progress. Understanding its types, barriers, and relation to mass media helps us communicate better and interpret the messages that shape our world.