Question

Which nonverbal cue may indicate the client is embarrassed about the topic being discussed?

1) Continuously looking at the clock while speaking
2) Fidgeting with a pen in his or her hand
3) Sitting with a hunched posture
4) Keeping a quiet voice in a private setting

Answer 1

Sitting with a hunched posture may indicate the client is embarrassed about the topic being discussed.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sitting with a hunched posture often indicates embarrassment about the topic being discussed. This nonverbal cue suggests a desire to shrink or hide, conveying discomfort or unease. When someone feels embarrassed, they might physically withdraw or attempt to make themselves smaller, hoping to divert attention away from the topic causing discomfort. This posture could accompany a reluctance to engage fully in the conversation, reflecting the emotional discomfort the individual is experiencing.

Continuous glances at the clock while speaking may indicate a sense of time pressure or distraction, fidgeting with a pen could signify nervousness or restlessness, and maintaining a quiet voice in a private setting might suggest a lack of confidence or a desire to keep the conversation private. However, the most closely associated cue with embarrassment in this scenario is the hunched posture, as it aligns with the inclination to shield oneself emotionally from the discussed topic.

Option 3) Sitting with a hunched posture is the correct indicator of potential embarrassment.