You and your friend are having a discussion about politics. Even though you don't both agree about most political topics, you are both trying to be respectful and maintain a friendly atmosphere. The more you talk, the angrier you each get about the topic but you try to maintain a quiet voice and a smile on your face. Suddenly your friend gets very angry and yells that you are being stubborn, not

Question

listening to her, and treating her like someone who does not know what she is talking about. You are totally confused but later as you think about it you realize you have given off nonverbal cues that may have given her this impression. Describe what nonverbal cues have to do with communication and what your nonverbal cues are that may lead people to think you are not paying attention or not agreeing with them?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Suggested Response: People pay more attention to nonverbal cues than to actual words especially when they contradict each other. Estimates of how much meaning is taken from interpretations of nonverbal communication have been as high as 93%, although Burgoon (2002) estimated that 60% to 65% is more realistic. Some nonverbal cues that indicate the speaker is not being honest with his or her words include gritting teeth, looking away, rolling eyes, rubbing hands, clenching fists etc.