Nonverbal communication often conveys messages without words. Which of the following is an example?

Nonverbal communication often conveys messages without words. Which of the following is an example?

• A. Email correspondence.
• B. Handshake and facial expressions.
• C. Phone call.
• D. Written form letters.

Answer: (B)

Nonverbal communication relies on cues we send without speaking. A handshake and facial expressions are direct examples because they convey meaning through touch and facial movement rather than words, signaling things like greeting, agreement, empathy, or emotion. In healthcare, these nonverbal signals can reinforce or contradict what is said verbally and help assess a patient’s comfort or concerns. By contrast, email, written letters, and phone calls rely on words (even though tone can modulate meaning in speech), so they are not nonverbal examples. The handshake and facial expressions illustrate how messages can be conveyed without spoken language.

Nonverbal communication relies on cues we send without speaking. A handshake and facial expressions are direct examples because they convey meaning through touch and facial movement rather than words, signaling things like greeting, agreement, empathy, or emotion. In healthcare, these nonverbal signals can reinforce or contradict what is said verbally and help assess a patient’s comfort or concerns. By contrast, email, written letters, and phone calls rely on words (even though tone can modulate meaning in speech), so they are not nonverbal examples. The handshake and facial expressions illustrate how messages can be conveyed without spoken language.