Interpersonal & Communication Skills – Non-verbal communication basics
Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)
Combined Competitive Examination (CCE)
Preliminary Examination – General Studies Paper II (Objective Type, 200 Marks)
Topic: Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Sub-Topic: Non-Verbal Communication Basics
MCQ 1
Non-verbal communication primarily refers to:
A. Spoken words
B. Written messages
C. Communication without words
D. Telephone conversations
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Non-verbal communication involves conveying messages without using spoken or written words, such as gestures, facial expressions, posture, and eye contact.
MCQ 2
Which of the following is an example of non-verbal communication?
A. Email
B. Speech
C. Facial expression
D. Telephone call
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Facial expressions communicate emotions like happiness, anger, or surprise without words.
MCQ 3
Eye contact in communication mainly indicates:
A. Fear
B. Confidence and attentiveness
C. Disrespect
D. Confusion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Appropriate eye contact reflects confidence, sincerity, and interest in the interaction.
MCQ 4
Which aspect of non-verbal communication relates to body posture?
A. Kinesics
B. Proxemics
C. Paralanguage
D. Chronemics
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Kinesics studies body movements, gestures, posture, and facial expressions.
MCQ 5
Proxemics deals with:
A. Use of time
B. Use of voice
C. Use of personal space
D. Use of gestures
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Proxemics refers to how individuals use and perceive personal and social space during communication.
MCQ 6
Which of the following conveys emotions most effectively?
A. Words
B. Silence
C. Facial expressions
D. Written text
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Facial expressions are universal indicators of emotions and are instantly understood.
MCQ 7
Paralanguage refers to:
A. Written symbols
B. Body posture
C. Tone, pitch, and speed of voice
D. Physical distance
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Paralanguage includes how something is said, not what is said—tone, pitch, volume, and pauses.
MCQ 8
Which non-verbal cue indicates openness?
A. Crossed arms
B. Avoiding eye contact
C. Open posture
D. Clenched fists
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
An open posture suggests receptiveness, honesty, and approachability.
MCQ 9
Excessive gestures during communication may:
A. Improve clarity always
B. Distract the listener
C. Increase authority
D. Reduce misunderstanding
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Too many gestures can divert attention from the message.
MCQ 10
Which non-verbal signal often indicates nervousness?
A. Steady posture
B. Smiling
C. Fidgeting
D. Upright sitting
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Fidgeting, tapping, or restless movements commonly reflect anxiety or nervousness.
MCQ 11
Silence in communication can indicate:
A. Only agreement
B. Only confusion
C. Multiple meanings depending on context
D. Disinterest always
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Silence may convey agreement, disagreement, reflection, or discomfort depending on context.
MCQ 12
Which factor is most culturally sensitive in non-verbal communication?
A. Vocabulary
B. Body language
C. Grammar
D. Sentence structure
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Gestures and body language vary across cultures and can have different meanings.
MCQ 13
A firm handshake generally conveys:
A. Aggression
B. Indifference
C. Confidence
D. Fear
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
A firm (not aggressive) handshake reflects confidence and professionalism.
MCQ 14
Chronemics refers to:
A. Use of space
B. Use of time
C. Use of gestures
D. Use of symbols
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Chronemics studies how time management, punctuality, and pauses affect communication.
MCQ 15
Which non-verbal cue supports verbal communication the most?
A. Inconsistent gestures
B. Congruent body language
C. Avoiding eye contact
D. Rigid posture
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
When non-verbal cues align with spoken words, communication becomes more credible.
MCQ 16
Crossed arms usually indicate:
A. Openness
B. Comfort
C. Defensiveness
D. Confidence
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Crossed arms often signal resistance, discomfort, or defensiveness.
MCQ 17
Which non-verbal cue reflects active listening?
A. Looking away frequently
B. Nodding occasionally
C. Checking phone
D. Leaning backward
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Nodding shows attentiveness and encouragement to the speaker.
MCQ 18
Non-verbal communication is important because it:
A. Replaces verbal communication
B. Contradicts speech always
C. Reinforces spoken messages
D. Eliminates misunderstanding completely
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Non-verbal cues support, reinforce, or clarify verbal messages.
MCQ 19
Which of the following is NOT a non-verbal cue?
A. Eye contact
B. Gesture
C. Written note
D. Posture
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Written notes fall under written communication, not non-verbal.
MCQ 20
Appropriate physical distance during formal communication shows:
A. Disrespect
B. Aggression
C. Professionalism
D. Indifference
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Maintaining proper distance respects personal boundaries and professionalism.
MCQ 21
Which facial expression is universally recognized?
A. Sarcasm
B. Confusion
C. Happiness
D. Politeness
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Happiness, expressed through smiling, is universally understood.
MCQ 22
Leaning forward while listening generally indicates:
A. Boredom
B. Interest
C. Disagreement
D. Fear
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Leaning forward shows engagement and interest in the conversation.
MCQ 23
Which non-verbal cue can contradict spoken words?
A. Eye contact
B. Body posture
C. Facial expression
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Non-verbal signals may reveal true feelings even when words say otherwise.
MCQ 24
A monotone facial expression during communication suggests:
A. Enthusiasm
B. Interest
C. Lack of emotion
D. Confidence
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Lack of expression may indicate boredom, indifference, or emotional neutrality.
MCQ 25
Which non-verbal skill is crucial for civil servants?
A. Aggressive gestures
B. Cultural sensitivity
C. Loud voice
D. Minimal expressions
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Civil servants interact with diverse populations; cultural sensitivity is essential.
MCQ 26
Consistent non-verbal cues help in:
A. Creating confusion
B. Reducing credibility
C. Building trust
D. Avoiding interaction
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Consistency between words and actions strengthens trust and reliability.
MCQ 27
Which non-verbal cue is most difficult to control consciously?
A. Hand gestures
B. Facial expressions
C. Eye movements
D. Posture
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Facial expressions often reveal genuine emotions unconsciously.
MCQ 28
Avoiding eye contact frequently may indicate:
A. Confidence
B. Honesty
C. Discomfort or lack of confidence
D. Authority
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Lack of eye contact is commonly associated with discomfort or low confidence.
MCQ 29
Effective non-verbal communication requires:
A. Exaggeration
B. Awareness and control
C. Complete silence
D. Constant movement
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Awareness helps individuals align non-verbal cues with intended messages.
MCQ 30
For APSC and civil services, non-verbal communication is important because it:
A. Replaces written exams
B. Is used only in interviews
C. Influences interpersonal effectiveness
D. Has no role in administration
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Non-verbal cues influence leadership, public interaction, interviews, and teamwork—key qualities for administrators.
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