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In the context of communication, what does it mean to 'be evasive'?

  1. To engage openly in discussion

  2. To avoid giving a direct answer

  3. To provide clear explanations

  4. To assert a point confidently

The correct answer is: To avoid giving a direct answer

In the context of communication, being 'evasive' specifically refers to the act of avoiding giving a direct answer to a question or inquiry. This behavior can manifest as a speaker sidestepping topics, providing ambiguous responses, or shifting the focus of the conversation to avoid addressing the asked question directly. Evasiveness often indicates reluctance to reveal information or a desire to evade accountability, which can lead to misunderstandings or confusion in communication. The other options represent behaviors that are contrary to being evasive; engaging openly in discussion means being direct and transparent, providing clear explanations involves a straightforward transfer of information, and asserting a point confidently reflects a willingness to clearly state one’s views without ambiguity.