Nonverbal cues can reiterate verbal communication

Repeating is sequential, not simultaneousYour significant other asks if you are having

an affair. First, you shake your head no. Then you say, “No.”

You ask a stranger in a foreign country what time it is. The stranger doesn’t understand, so you tap the top of your wrist with your finger.

Nonverbal cues can signal the opposite of what words mean.

We may perceive others as sending “mixed signals.”“Your mouth is saying no, but your body is

saying yes.”You stifle a yawn with your hand and say to

your dinner date, “That’s really fascinating.”

Nonverbal cues may compliment or reinforce words.While scolding a child a parent points a

finger at him or her.A teacher asks if you understand an

assignment. You nod your head up and down while saying “Yes, I think so.”

Nonverbal cues may serve as substitutes or replacements for words.

Emblems are nonverbal gestures that are the equivalent of words.A basketball player makes a choke sign

after a player on the other team misses a crucial free throw.

A motorist flips you the bird on the freeway.

Nonverbal cues can amplify or accentuate language.A parent tells a child “It’s bedtime.” The

child lays on the floor, kicking and screaming, while saying “No, no, no, no, no.”

A guy asks a gal, “Hey, How YOU doin?”

Making or breaking eye contact to signal turn taking

Using nonverbal cues to cut in or interrupt someoneGus puts both elbows on the table and

inhales, indicating he is about to speak.An argument about politics starts to erupt

at a party. A girlfriend puts her hand on her boyfriend’s forearm to signal that he needs to calm down.

1. Your mother mouths the words “call me” while making a phone sign on the way out the door.

2. Your credit card is declined on a dinner date. You say “That’s just great.”

3. A creepy guy in a raincoat beckons with his finger for a child at a playground to come over.

4. At a carniceria, you say “Dos tacos, por favor.” When the cook says “¿Cuanto?” you hold up two fingers.

5. When your fiancée asks “Will you marry me?” you nod your head up and down like a bobble head doll while saying “Yes.”

6. Your jaw is clenched when your significant other asks if you are okay, you say, “I’m fine.” (curtly)

7. You raise your hand in class to ask a question.

Answers1. Complimenting

(If she didn’t mouth the words “call me” it would be substituting)

2. Contradicting3. Substituting4. Repeating5. Accenting6. Contradicting7. Regulating