Imagine you ask a coworker to help you with a patient, and he says, “Oh, sure, I’d be happy to,” with a smile on his face. Now imagine him saying the same thing, but while crossing his arms, frowning, and rolling his eyes. How does his body language affect the meaning of his words?
Answer
A
Smiling communicates that he is happy to help; crossing his arms, frowning, and rolling his eyes communicates that he is excited to be asked to help.
B
Smiling communicates that he is tired of being asked to help; crossing his arms, frowning, and rolling his eyes communicates that he is happy to help.
C
Smiling communicates that he is happy to help; crossing his arms, frowning, and rolling his eyes communicates that he is speaking sarcastically and is not happy to help.
D
Smiling communicates that he is nervous about being asked to help; crossing his arms, frowning, and rolling his eyes communicates that he is happy to help.
Explanation
Body language can change or reinforce the meaning of spoken words. A smile matches “I’d be happy to,” suggesting genuine willingness to help. Crossing his arms, frowning, and rolling his eyes conflict with the words and suggest he is being sarcastic and is not actually happy to help, so the correct choice is C.
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