Southwest Airlines Professional Communications Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following terms describes the natural abilities individuals are born with?

1. Skills

2. Talents

3. Competencies

4. Attributes

The correct answer is: Talents

The term that describes the natural abilities individuals are born with is "talents." Talents refer specifically to innate qualities or aptitudes that come naturally to an individual, often manifesting as a predisposition toward certain activities or skills without extensive training or practice. For example, someone may have a natural talent for music or athletics, which allows them to excel in these areas more easily than others who may not share the same innate abilities. In contrast, skills are typically acquired through practice and experience, representing learned abilities rather than those present from birth. Competencies encompass a broader range of skills and knowledge that can include both learned skills and personal attributes but do not specifically denote natural ability. Attributes refer to general characteristics or traits that can be inherent or developed, but they aren't specifically focused on the idea of natural talents. Thus, "talents" is the most accurate descriptor for the innate abilities one is born with.