Which statement about nonverbal cues is most accurate?

• A. Nonverbal cues are irrelevant to communication
• B. Nonverbal cues accompany spoken words and are part of communication
• C. Verbal words are always sufficient without nonverbal signals
• D. Nonverbal cues only matter in written communication

Answer: (C)

Nonverbal cues accompany spoken words and are part of communication. They include facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, tone and pace of voice, and touch. These signals carry meaning beyond the actual words, showing attitude, emotion, emphasis, and intent. Because people rely on them to interpret how something is said, verbal words alone often don’t convey the full message. Nonverbal cues can reinforce a message or contradict it, helping listeners gauge sincerity, interest, or doubt. They also help regulate conversations—think of a nod to proceed or a puzzled look that signals a need for clarification. In contrast, written communication has limited nonverbal information, so the rich, immediate cues from spoken interaction play a crucial role in understanding. So the statement that nonverbal cues accompany spoken words and are part of communication best captures how these signals function in real conversations.