Imagine you are serving on a jury. The defendant in the case answers all of the prosecutor’s questions but slouches in his chair, avoids eye contact, and mumbles during examination. Analyze the effects that his nonverbal behavior could have on your perceptions of innocence or guilt.

What will be an ideal response?

Answers may vary, but students should mention that adults tend to focus on nonverbal cues when receiving mixed messages. Nonverbal communication is seen as more believable than verbal communication. Eye contact in particular is seen as indicative of truth-telling.