Josh sat separate from his group with his arms crossed for most of the meeting. Sam assumed that Josh did not want to be a part of the group. In actuality, Josh had just found out his partner broke up with him and was very distraught. What principle of nonverbal communication does this most closely illustrate?
A) None of these answer is correct.
B) Nonverbal behaviors are ambiguous.
C) People cannot stop sending messages.
D) All of these answers are correct.
E) When the verbal and nonverbal behaviors clash, people believe the nonverbal.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nonverbal behaviors, such as Josh sitting separately with his arms crossed, can be interpreted in many ways. Sam assumed it was due to disinterest in the group, but the real reason was emotional distress. This ambiguity is a key characteristic of nonverbal communication.

Josh Sat Separate from His Group with His Arms Crossed