Nonverbal Cues
This percentage range represents how much of communication is estimated to be nonverbal in many interactions.
What is 60–90%?
This two-word phrase must begin every proper I-message before naming the emotion you feel.
What is “I feel”?
This communication style prioritizes others’ needs over your own and often results in poor eye contact, soft speech, and feeling taken advantage of.
What is passive communication?
In the communication model, this term refers to turning thoughts into words, tone, and descriptions before sending the message.
What is encoding?
What advanced listening skill involves recognizing when a speaker’s wording is accurate but their tone or pace signals a different underlying emotion, and requires the listener to reflect both the content and the emotion?
(DOUBLE POINTS)
What is empathic reflection?
This type of nonverbal communication includes posture, gestures, and stance, and can signal defensiveness when the arms are crossed.
What is body language?
Many people mistakenly turn an I-message into a you-message when they follow “I feel” with these two words.
What is “you are”?
This communication style frequently creates conflict because it relies on domination, sarcasm, criticism, and refusal to compromise, sending the message “Your needs don’t matter.”
What is aggressive communication?
This term refers to anything—emotions, assumptions, unclear wording, distractions—that disrupts accurate interpretation between sender and receiver.
What is noise?
When a sender over-explains or provides excessive detail, which specific type of “noise” can this create, and how does it interfere with the receiver’s ability to decode the core message?
(DOUBLE POINTS)
What is cognitive overload, which causes the receiver to lose track of essential meaning?
This principle reminds us that a single gesture isn’t enough—nonverbal signals must be interpreted as a group to understand their true meaning.
What are cluster cues?
This active listening skill involves restating the speaker’s message in different words to test your understanding and help the speaker “hear” their own thoughts.
What is paraphrasing?
This communication style is uniquely identified by firm but respectful tone, appropriate eye contact, and direct expression of needs, distinguishing it from both passive avoidance and aggressive hostility.
What is assertive communication?
The Back-to-Back Drawing activity highlights the importance of this communication component by showing how easily messages drift from the sender’s intention when it is limited or absent.
What is feedback?
In cluster cue analysis, what does it suggest when a speaker’s facial expressions match their words, but their foot movement, posture shifts, and hand tension contradict the message?
(DOUBLE POINTS)
What is split incongruence, indicating hidden discomfort or partial honesty?
This guideline suggests maintaining eye contact 50% of the time while speaking and 70% while listening.
What is the 50/70 rule?
Interrupting, advising too quickly, judging, and changing the subject are examples of these common barriers that block effective listening.
What are roadblocks to good listening?
This underlying belief shapes a person’s entire communication approach: passive communicators think “I am not worthy,” aggressive communicators think “You are not worthy,” while this belief guides assertive communicators.
What is “We are both worthy”?
During communication, this step involves the receiver interpreting what they hear or see, which may differ significantly from the sender’s intended meaning.
What is decoding?
Which error turns an I-message into a disguised accusation when the speaker names their emotion accurately but uses an impact statement that judges the other person’s character?
(DOUBLE POINTS)
What is evaluative phrasing (e.g., “…because you’re irresponsible”)?
This gesture is seen as positive in the U.S. and U.K., but may be considered offensive in certain regions around the world.
What is the thumbs-up gesture?
This active listening technique involves identifying, connecting, and integrating key ideas and feelings expressed by the speaker so both people can recognize what matters most.
What is summarizing?
This style is associated with long-term consequences such as chronic resentment, a pattern of unmet needs, and feeling unheard—despite the individual’s intention to avoid conflict.
What is passive communication?
One major takeaway from the Back-to-Back Drawing activity is that these internal filters—often unnoticed—shape how both partners interpret instructions differently, leading to mismatches in understanding.
What are assumptions?
During a difficult conversation, what breakdown occurs when both people listen to respond rather than to understand, causing them to focus on formulating rebuttals instead of absorbing the message?
(DOUBLE POINTS)
What is reactive listening?