CPI Certification Practice Test

What is one of the three components of paraverbal communication?

1. Content of speech

2. Volume

3. Body language

4. Facial expressions

The correct answer is: Volume

Paraverbal communication refers to the non-verbal elements of communication that accompany speech and convey information about how the words are meant to be understood. One of the primary components of paraverbal communication is volume, which impacts how a message is received and interpreted. Adjusting volume can express emotions, indicate urgency, or signal authority, thereby influencing the listener's perception of the spoken content. In the context of communication, other components, such as body language and facial expressions, fall under non-verbal communication, but they do not specifically pertain to paraverbal aspects. The content of speech refers to the actual words spoken, which is separate from paraverbal elements. Thus, volume stands out as a key component of paraverbal communication that plays a vital role in conveying meaning and emotional undertones in verbal interactions.