AD-301 Technical Communication - Dec 2022 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 7 Marks
   aEvaluate the importance and need for technical communication in a globalized world.
   How to answer

   • Definition of technical communication
   • Role in global teams, multinational companies, and cross-border projects
   • Need for precision, clarity, and cultural sensitivity
   • Impact on decision-making, efficiency, and professional collaboration
2. 7 Marks
   bState the role of unity, accuracy, brevity and clarity in technical communication.
   How to answer

   • Explanation of Unity: maintaining singular purpose and focus in content
   • Explanation of Accuracy: factual correctness, precise data, and terminology
   • Explanation of Brevity: conciseness without losing essential meaning (avoiding wordiness)
   • Explanation of Clarity: avoiding ambiguity, simple sentence structures
3. 7 Marks
   aDifferentiate between verbal and non-verbal communication.
   How to answer

   • Definition of verbal (oral & written) vs non-verbal (body language, gestures, tone)
   • Tabular comparison based on channels, rules/grammar, speed, and feedback
   • Examples of both forms in professional contexts
4. 7 Marks
   bWhat are the different barriers to effective communication?
   How to answer

   • Definition of communication barriers
   • Physical/Environmental barriers (noise, distance)
   • Semantic/Linguistic barriers (jargon, language differences)
   • Psychological/Emotional barriers (prejudice, stress)
   • Organizational and cultural barriers
5. 14 Marks
   Explain in short: (a) Interpersonal communication. (b) Persuasive communication. (c) Negotiation in communication. (d) Difference between communicating good messages and bad messages.
   How to answer

   • Interpersonal communication: face-to-face exchange, mutual feedback, empathy
   • Persuasive communication: convincing/influencing others, Aristotle's ethos/pathos/logos
   • Negotiation in communication: discussion aimed at reaching an agreement, win-win strategy
   • Good vs Bad messages: Direct approach for good news vs Indirect approach (buffer, explanation, negative decision, positive close) for bad news
6. 14 Marks
   In speaking skills, explain the role of: (a) Voice / Paralanguage. (b) Audience awareness. (c) Body language. (d) Subject knowledge.
   How to answer

   • Voice/Paralanguage: pitch, tone, pace, volume, and articulation
   • Audience awareness: adapting language, tone, and depth to audience demographics and expectations
   • Body language: posture, gestures, eye contact, facial expressions
   • Subject knowledge: confidence, accuracy, handling Q&A effectively
7. 14 Marks
   Explain the basic elements of an effective presentation (the 4 P's).
   How to answer

   • Introduction to the 4 P's framework of presentations
   • Plan: defining purpose, audience analysis, and time constraints
   • Prepare: structuring content, designing visual aids/slides
   • Practice / Rehearse: timing, vocal delivery, transition management
   • Perform / Present: body language, engaging audience, managing anxiety
8. 7 Marks
   aExplain the listening process.
   How to answer

   • Stages of listening: Receiving/Hearing, Interpreting/Understanding, Remembering, Evaluating, and Responding
   • Diagram/flowchart of the listening cycle
   • Role of active listening in communication
9. 7 Marks
   bDifferentiate between listening and hearing.
   How to answer

   • Hearing as an involuntary physiological process (perception of sound)
   • Listening as a deliberate, conscious mental activity (comprehension of meaning)
   • Comparative table highlighting key parameters (effort, focus, feedback)
10. 7 Marks
    aExplain the role of Delivery and Content in Oral presentation or Group discussion.
    How to answer

    • Importance of Content: factual knowledge, relevance, logical organization, depth of ideas
    • Importance of Delivery: voice modulation, posture, eye contact, body language, assertiveness
    • Interdependence of content and delivery in successful oral communication
11. 7 Marks
    bDiscuss the ways to combat nervousness in different oral presentations.
    How to answer

    • Causes of presentation anxiety / stage fright
    • Thorough preparation and rehearsal
    • Physical techniques: deep breathing, positive body posture
    • Mental strategies: positive self-talk, shifting focus from self to audience
    • Familiarity with the venue and audio-visual equipment
12. 14 Marks
    What are the pre-interview preparation techniques? How do they help the candidate? Discuss in detail.
    How to answer

    • Key pre-interview techniques: researching the organization, analyzing job description, reviewing own CV
    • Preparing standard and technical questions; mock interviews
    • Logistical preparation: attire, documents, punctuality
    • Benefits to candidate: boosts confidence, minimizes anxiety, ensures tailored and coherent answers