Final answer:
True, decoding telephone messages can be more challenging due to the absence of nonverbal cues such as facial expressions and body language that are present in face-to-face interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
True. Decoding messages over the telephone often requires more effort than in a face-to-face interaction because we lack nonverbal cues. In person, we use facial expressions, body language, and eye behavior to convey emotional states and nuances of communication. These nonverbal cues are essential for fully interpreting the message. The tone of voice is critical over the telephone, but it is only one component of the communication process, whereas body language and physical gestures play a significant role in person-to-person interactions. Without visible body language, the richness of the message can be lost, and misunderstandings may occur more easily.