Career and Technical Education (CTE) Practice Exam

Which nonverbal cue is most effective in revealing a speaker's feelings?

1. Eye contact

2. Gestures

3. Body posture

4. Tone of voice

The correct answer is: Eye contact

Eye contact is particularly effective in revealing a speaker's feelings because it can convey a wide range of emotions and intentions. When a person maintains appropriate eye contact, it demonstrates confidence, honesty, engagement, and interest in the interaction. In contrast, a lack of eye contact might suggest discomfort, distraction, or even deception. In many cultures, eye contact serves as a fundamental aspect of communication, signaling connection and sincerity. It allows the speaker to gauge the listener's reactions and emotional responses as well. For example, prolonged eye contact might indicate openness or passion, whereas fleeting eye contact may reflect uncertainty or nervousness. While gestures, body posture, and tone of voice also provide significant insights into a person's feelings, eye contact uniquely synthesizes these elements by directly engaging with the audience, making it a critical nonverbal cue in conveying emotional states.