Briefly describe the six ways that nonverbal messages interact with verbal messages. Include examples that help explain this interaction

Question

Please provide the best answer for the statement.

Answer 1

Answer: Verbal and nonverbal messages interact with each other in six major ways: to accent, to complement, to contradict, to control, to repeat, and to substitute for each other. To accent
is to emphasize some part of the verbal message. An example is slamming the door during an argument with a spouse. To complement is to add nuances of meaning not communicated by the verbal message. An example is smiling as you relate a story about your eccentric grandmother. To contradict is to deliberately go against the verbal message. An example is shaking your head “no” as you’re saying to your students that this will be the hardest exam they have ever taken. To control is to indicate your desire to control the flow of verbal messages. An example is holding up a flat hand to indicate to the other speaker to stop talking so that you may talk. To repeat is to restate the verbal message. An example is holding up three fingers as you are discussing three steps in a process. To substitute is to replace the verbal message. An example is nodding “yes” during a movie when asked if you want popcorn.