Think of a recent instance when you misinterpreted a nonverbal message from someone you know well: your parents or other family members, a roommate, a significant other. Briefly summarize what happened, and explain the primary reason you believe this misinterpretation occurred.

What will be an ideal response?

- The text discusses three reasons why misinterpretations frequently occur:
* Nonverbal cues have multiple meanings. Nonverbal communication is difficult to understand because a single behavior can have many potential meanings.
* Nonverbal cues are interdependent. The meaning of one nonverbal cue often depends on the correct interpretation of several other simultaneously occurring cues.
* Nonverbal cues are subtle. Many nonverbal behaviors are subtle and difficult to observe. One person might overlook a cue that another person notices immediately; thus, multiple interpretations may be made in the same situation.
- Student examples will vary.