Question 1

Analyze the impact that paralanguage would have on your interpretation of the phrase, "I hope you're happy."

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Question 2

In 2009, American First Lady Michelle Obama breached royal protocol by putting an arm around Queen Elizabeth II of England. Identify the dimension of nonverbal communication that this incident involved.

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Question 3

When Hina gets on the bus, she puts her backpack on the seat next to her. Explain what she is communicating to other bus riders with this action.

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Question 4

The typical example of technology's effect on nonverbal communication involves a communication breakdown when one person is preoccupied with his or her phone, tablet, laptop, or other device. Give a different example of how technology can affect nonverbal communication.

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Question 5

Your friend Tim is a big believer in the phrase, "Actions speak louder than words." As a result, he often interprets others' nonverbal cues in complicated ways, when you think he should just take what people are saying at face value. Which of the skills provided by your book would be most helpful for Tim in improving his nonverbal communication effectiveness?

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Question 6

You are preparing to give a presentation for class, and you want to make sure that your nonverbal communication is as effective as your verbal communication. Give an example of a skill you would use to improve your nonverbal communication.

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Question 7

High rising intonation, or "uptalk," refers to the practice of ending declarative sentences with a rising-pitch intonation that can make the sentences sound like questions rather than statements. For some people, it is a pet peeve that can interfere with understanding. Explain at least one way in which someone can combat their uptalk to become a more effective communicator.

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Question 8

Perhaps the best-known painting in the world, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is famous for the ambiguity in her facial expression. Examine the effects of such ambiguity on interpreting nonverbal communication.

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Question 9

One reason nonverbal communication is so challenging in our relationships is that our nonverbal messages often mean different things to different people, which can lead to misunderstandings. Explain why, and give one example.

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Question 10

You know your friend Raoul has just lost his grandmother, with whom he was very close. However, when he tells you how sad the funeral was, you cannot detect any nonverbal cues that reflect grief. Identify what kind of message Raoul is sending and discuss whether you would give more weight to his verbal or nonverbal cues.

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Question 11

Although nonverbal communication includes several visual channels, we also use it when interpreting purely audio communication, such as during phone conversations. Explain what nonverbal cues are being sent even over the phone.

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Question 12

Imagine that you meet Suzette at a Halloween party. As part of her costume, she is wearing a mask that covers her whole face. Discuss the kinds of nonverbal cues that this mask is interfering with and describe the cues you might instead rely on for interpreting your conversation.

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Question 13

Your classmate Emilia is continuing a conversation long after class is over. You need to get to your next class, but she is not giving you an opportunity to leave politely. Give some examples of nonverbal behaviors you might use to signal to her that you want to end the conversation.

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Question 14

You are designing a new space in the university library that is meant to reduce stress and encourage silence. Describe some important environmental factors that you would consider and how you would use them to achieve this goal.

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Question 15

Although almost all electronic communication via text is based on words, its users have developed several methods for communicating nonverbally, as well. Identify some of these methods and explain how they add a nonverbal element to electronic communication.

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Question 16

Imagine you are serving on a jury. The defendant in the case answers all of the prosecutor's questions but slouches in his chair, avoids eye contact, and mumbles during examination. Analyze the effects that his nonverbal behavior could have on your perceptions of innocence or guilt.

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Question 17

Imagine that you are a defense attorney. Your client has a good alibi but displays untrustworthy nonverbal cues when being examined. Explain how you would coach her to improve her perceived trustworthiness.

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Quiz 5: Communicating Nonverbally