What role do facial expressions play in communication?

Facial expressions play a critical role in communication by either reinforcing or contradicting the content of spoken words. When someone speaks, their facial expressions can provide additional context that helps convey the intended message, thus enhancing understanding. For example, a smile during a compliment reinforces the sincerity of the kind words being spoken, whereas a frown or neutral expression might create ambiguity about the speaker's true feelings.

This choice highlights how facial expressions serve as a vital non-verbal cue that can either support or undermine the spoken message. When facial expressions align with the verbal message, they lend credibility to the communication. Conversely, if there is a mismatch between what is said and how it is expressed through facial cues, it can lead to confusion and mistrust, signaling that the speaker may not mean what they are saying.

The other options suggest lesser roles for facial expressions or misinterpret their significance in context. Some of those options wrongly downplay the importance of facial expressions in communication dynamics.