Non-Verbal Communication: Types and Functions

Describe a situation where misinterpreting facial expressions can lead to misunderstandings.

• At a funeral, a person smiles, and attendees believe they are disrespectful.

• In a job interview, the candidate smiles nervously, and the interviewer assumes they are confident and knowledgeable.

• In a social gathering, someone winks, and others think they are being flirtatious.

• During a romantic date, one person frowns, and the other assumes they are upset.

In what ways can posture convey confidence or lack thereof in a person?

• Speaking softly and hesitantly

• By displaying open body language, standing tall, making eye contact, and having a relaxed but alert stance, a person can convey confidence. Conversely, slouching, avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, and closed-off body language can indicate lack of confidence.

• Avoiding physical contact

• Crossing arms and legs

Provide examples of non-verbal communication in a professional setting and their implications.

• Tone of voice, punctuality, dress code

• Eye contact, facial expressions, body language, hand gestures, and posture.

• Email etiquette, phone calls, written reports

• Social media presence, office layout, lunch choices

What is the primary function of non-verbal communication?

• A. Repeating

• B. Complementing

• C. Regulating

• D. Replacing verbal communication

Which function of non-verbal communication involves using gestures to emphasize a spoken message?

•     A) Contradicting

• B) Substituting

• C) Complementing

• D) Regulating

When someone nods their head while saying 'yes,' which function of non-verbal communication is this?

• A) Repeating

• B) Regulating

• C) Complementing

• D) Accenting

Which function of non-verbal communication can contradict a spoken message, such as saying 'I'm fine' while frowning?

• A) Repeating

• B) Complementing

•     C) Substituting

•     D) Contradicting

What function of non-verbal communication occurs when a person uses a gesture like a thumbs-up instead of saying 'good job'?

• A) Complementing

• B) Substituting

• C) Regulating

• D) Repeating

In a conversation, which function of non-verbal communication helps to control the flow of communication, like raising a hand to indicate a turn to speak?

• A) Regulating

• B) Repeating

• C) Accenting

• D) Contradicting

When non-verbal cues are used to highlight or emphasize a part of the verbal message, this is known as:

• A) Complementing

• B) Repeating

• C) Accenting

• D) Substituting