Communicacation Skills
This listening technique involves repeating or summarizing what someone said to ensure understanding.
Reflective Listening
Half of your audience appears distracted and disengaged. What should you do?
Incorporate an interactive activity or ask engaging questions.
This common ingredient found in most vaping products is highly addictive and can affect adolescent brain development.
Nicotine.
What is the official nickname for Texas Tech University athletic teams?
Red Raiders.
Guess the Coworker:
Who always knows the answer before anyone else?
Who could probably give a presentation with zero preparation?
Who would survive a week without Wi-Fi the longest?
Any answer with explanation.
This type of question encourages detailed responses rather than a simple "yes" or "no."
Open-Ended Questions
Bonus: Give an example of an open-ended question.
During a presentation, several youth begin having side conversations. What is the most effective way to regain the group's attention?
Pause briefly, respectfully redirect attention, and re-engage the audience.
If your life had a theme song that played every time you walked into a room, what would it be?
Any appropriate song title with a fun explanation?
Which color is not one of Texas Tech's official school colors: Scarlet, Black, Silver, or White?
Silver.
A team has members with different strengths, backgrounds, and experiences. This characteristic often leads to better problem-solving and innovation.
Diversity of Thought (or Diverse Perspectives).
A person says they're excited about a new project but speaks in a flat tone while avoiding eye contact. Which type of communication is sending a mixed message?
Non-Verbal Communication.
If our entire team could travel anywhere in the world for a work retreat, where should we go?
Any destination with a brief explanation.
This stress hormone is released by the body during the "fight, flight, or freeze" response.
Cortisol.
This famous sculpture located on the Texas Tech campus honors the university's Spanish Renaissance architectural style and mascot.
Will Rogers and Soapsuds statue.
During a project, your team discovers a better approach than the original plan. What quality allows the team to adjust successfully?
Adaptability (or Flexibility).
According to communication research, these two skills are often considered more important than speaking when building trust and rapport.
Active Listening & Empathy
You're presenting to an audience with very different experience levels. What strategy helps keep everyone engaged?
Use a variety of examples and adjusting explanations for different knowledge levels.
Name one evidence-based protective factor that helps reduce the risk of developing mental health challenges.
Strong social support, healthy coping skills, positive relationships, or regular physical activity.
TTUHSC's mission is built around education, patient care, research, and this fourth area that focuses on improving communities.
Service (or Community Engagement).
Which fictional character would you choose to have on your team during a stressful work project?
Any fictional character with a reasonable explanation (examples: Hermione Granger, Captain America, Leslie Knope, Sherlock Holmes, Ted Lasso, etc.)
The only U.S. state with a one-syllable name is this.
Maine
You finish your presentation 15 minutes early. What is the best way to use the remaining time?
Facilitate discussion, answer questions, or reinforce key concepts with an activity.
When communicating with someone from a different background or culture, this skill helps reduce misunderstandings by recognizing and respecting differences.
Cultural Competence (or Cultural Awareness).
This Nobel Prize-winning scientist appeared on the cover of Time magazine as the "Person of the Century."
Albert Einstein
Every team has one. This person always seems to know where the missing extension cord, markers, batteries, tape, or HDMI adapter magically appears from.
Office MVP (or the supply hero!)