Verbal and non-verbal message mix – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B and D are correct, while C and E are incorrect. A is true because matching tone and gestures strengthen verbal meaning. B is true as conflicting expressions and words often confuse learners. D is true since people sometimes rely more on non-verbal signals like facial expressions to judge sincerity. C is false because non-verbal communication can carry equal or greater weight than words, and E is false because verbal and non-verbal channels usually operate together. Hence, A, B and D only is the correct combination.

Option A:
Option A includes A and B, both accurate, but leaves out D, which correctly notes that non-verbal behaviour may be more credible in some contexts. Without D, the answer fails to capture this important dimension of trust, so A and B only is incomplete.

Option B:
Option B groups A, B and D, presenting reinforcement, confusion from contradiction and trust in non-verbal cues, while excluding C and E, which minimise and separate non-verbal communication. Because it contains all and only the correct statements, A, B and D only is the right option.

Option C:
Option C offers B, D and E, but E wrongly claims independent functioning of verbal and non-verbal channels, contradicting integrated models. Including E among correct statements makes B, D and E only invalid.

Option D:
Option D combines A, C and D, but C is incorrect because non-verbal cues can be highly meaningful. The presence of C alongside true statements prevents A, C and D only from being accepted as correct.