Stella has just arrived for a job interview and has put on her best business suit and fixed her hair and make-up conservatively. As she sits down with the interviewer, she does her best to smile and hide her nervousness, but one of her legs begins to bounce up and down unconsciously. She does her best to look the interviewer in the eye, she nods frequently to show she understands, and shakes the interviewer’s hand as she gets up to leave. Which eight elements of nonverbal communication has Stella displayed? a. clothing, illustrator, masking, adaptor, regulator, eye contact, illustrator, artifact.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The eight elements of nonverbal communication that Stella has displayed are:
Clothing, Illustrator, Masking, Adaptor, Regulator, Eye Contact, Illustrator, Artifact.
Explanation
Nonverbal communication plays a crucial role in how we convey messages and emotions beyond spoken words. In Stella’s case, her behavior and appearance during the interview demonstrate a variety of nonverbal cues:
- Clothing – Stella wears her best business suit, which is a deliberate choice to present herself as professional and competent. Clothing is a form of nonverbal communication that signals social status, professionalism, and personality.
- Artifact – Her business suit can also be considered an artifact, which refers to personal objects and accessories that communicate something about the individual (e.g., style, status, or role).
- Masking – Despite feeling nervous, Stella puts on a smile to hide her true emotions. This is known as masking, where an individual alters or hides their emotional expression to fit the situation.
- Adaptor – The unconscious bouncing of her leg is an adaptor, a type of nonverbal behavior often used to manage anxiety or emotions. Adaptors are typically self-directed (like leg bouncing, hair twirling, or finger tapping).
- Eye Contact – Stella tries to maintain eye contact with the interviewer, which shows attentiveness, honesty, and confidence. Eye contact is a powerful channel of nonverbal communication.
- Illustrator (1st use) – She nods frequently to show she understands. This action complements the verbal communication and is classified as an illustrator—a gesture that accompanies speech to clarify or emphasize a message.
- Regulator – Nodding also functions as a regulator, helping to control the flow of conversation by signaling attentiveness or prompting the speaker to continue.
- Illustrator (2nd use) – When she shakes the interviewer’s hand, this physical gesture reinforces her verbal goodbye and projects confidence and professionalism—again functioning as an illustrator.
Understanding these elements helps decode the unspoken cues in human interaction, especially in high-stakes settings like job interviews.
