Southwest Airlines Professional Communications Certification Practice Exam

What is a response in professional communication?

1. A new proposal for a business project

2. Sent in order to reply to a question or information requested

3. A summary of a meeting

4. A feedback form

The correct answer is: Sent in order to reply to a question or information requested

In professional communication, a response specifically refers to information that is sent to address a question or fulfill an information request. This can take various forms, such as answering inquiries, providing clarifications, or delivering requested data. The essence of a response is that it directly engages with the previous communication or inquiry, serving to create a dialogue and facilitate effective interaction. When considering the other choices, a new proposal for a business project represents a distinct communication purpose aimed at initiating a new idea rather than replying to an inquiry. A summary of a meeting captures outcomes and discussions from that meeting, but it doesn’t serve the specific function of a direct reply. Similarly, a feedback form is a tool used for gathering insights rather than a response to a prior question or request. Thus, the key role of a response is to communicate back to someone in a manner that addresses their needs or queries.