Which of the following are the traits of non-verbal communication? (A) It has…

CONCEPT

Non-verbal communication uses signs other than words—such as facial expression, gesture, posture, eye behaviour, and tone—to create meaning.

Its meaning is strongly context-dependent: the same cue may mean different things in different settings. Such cues may supplement or substitute for words, influence a receiver, and shape interpersonal relationships.

APPLICATION

Apply these principles to the five statements:

• Limited meaning: non-verbal cues can communicate a wide range of emotional, relational, and contextual meanings, so their meaning is not inherently limited.

• No substitution: a nod, head shake, gesture, or facial expression can replace a spoken response, so substitution is possible.

• Contextual meaning: the interpretation of a non-verbal cue depends on the situation, culture, relationship, and accompanying message.

• Influence on receivers: non-verbal cues can shape attention, attitude, trust, and response.

• Effect on personal relationships: cues can express closeness, distance, warmth, authority, trust, or tension.

CONTRAST

The near-miss combinations differ as follows:

• A, B and C only includes the limited-meaning and no-substitution claims, although non-verbal cues can carry varied meanings and can replace words.

• B, C and D only retains the no-substitution claim and leaves out the relationship effect.

• A, D and E only retains the limited-meaning claim and leaves out contextual meaning.

CROSS-CHECK

Cross-check: the established functions are contextual interpretation, influence on receivers, and effects on relationships; these correspond to C, D and E.

RESULT

Therefore, the applicable traits are C, D and E only.