Week 5: Nonverbal Communication & Congruence
Mixed Messages
Discussion Prompt
We've all experienced situations where someone's words said one thing, but their body language, tone of voice, or facial expression said something different. Think of a specific example of conflicting verbal and nonverbal messages - either one you experienced personally or observed. Describe what was said verbally and what the nonverbal cues communicated. Which message did you (or others) believe, and why? What could the person have done to achieve better congruence? Finally, why do you think we tend to believe nonverbal messages when they conflict with verbal ones?
Response Guidelines
- Share a specific, concrete example of verbal-nonverbal incongruence
- Identify the specific nonverbal cues that conflicted with the words
- Analyze why the nonverbal message seemed more credible
- Suggest how congruence could have been achieved
- Engage thoughtfully with classmates' examples and analyses
Minimum 200 words