Final answer:
Oral and written communication skills, listening proficiency, nonverbal behavior, and etiquette expertise are all examples of soft skills, not hard skills. Soft skills are personal attributes, while hard skills are job-specific technical abilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Answer: b) False. Oral and written communication skills, listening proficiency, nonverbal behavior, and etiquette expertise are considered soft skills, not hard skills. Hard skills are technical abilities or knowledge that are specific to a job and can be clearly defined and measured, such as programming languages, machine operation, or financial analysis. On the other hand, soft skills are personal attributes and interpersonal skills that affect your ability to work and interact with others. They are less tangible and harder to quantify than hard skills.
For example, engineers are often required to have strong communication skills which they utilize in various aspects of their career such as applying for jobs, making presentations, interacting with customers, and even when asking for a raise. Effective communication is critical and includes a combination of different elements such as language proficiency, professional etiquette, understanding specific terms or jargon, and using non-verbal cues like body language.
Employers often look for examples that demonstrate your soft skills in action. Therefore, it is important to be able to communicate effectively and demonstrate proficiency in both verbal and nonverbal ways. Being adept in professional communication can significantly enhance your prospects within the workplace.