FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Facial expressions can send which type of messages?

1. Only positive messages

2. Only verbal messages

3. Positive or negative nonverbal messages

4. Messages that require direct verbal feedback

The correct answer is: Positive or negative nonverbal messages

Facial expressions play a significant role in communication by conveying a range of emotions and feelings without the use of words. They can express happiness, sadness, anger, disappointment, and a multitude of other emotions, which means they effectively send positive or negative nonverbal messages. This dual capability illustrates how complex human interactions can be, as the same expression might be interpreted differently based on context and personal experiences. In contrast, options that suggest facial expressions convey only positive messages, only verbal messages, or messages that require direct verbal feedback do not accurately reflect the breadth of expressive potential that facial expressions possess. Nonverbal communication, including facial expressions, provides nuanced insights into a person's emotional state, enabling richer and more effective communication. Thus, the ability of facial expressions to convey both positive and negative messages makes this option the most comprehensive and correct choice.