Question

Kai is running late for an important business meeting. When his wife starts to tell him about her plans for the day, he gestures by pointing his thumb toward the front door and says, "I need to get going, sweetheart." Which function of nonverbal communication is Kai using?

Answer 1

Kai is using his thumb to gesture that he has to go.

Answer 2

The main function of nonverbal communication that Kai is using in this example is that of conveying meaning by reinforcing verbal communication. In this example, Kai wants to convey the idea that he needs to go because he is running late. The way in which he does so is by telling his wife ("I need to get going, sweetheart") and by reinforcing this message through a gesture.