Final answer:
Managers are more likely to believe the nonverbal components of a message when they conflict with the verbal components due to the significant role of body language in assessing message credibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a person in a conversation with their manager conveys conflicting verbal and nonverbal components of a message, research suggests that the manager will more likely believe the nonverbal components. Non-verbal communication, or body language, is a significant aspect of interpersonal communication and can include facial expressions, gestures, posture, and eye contact. Managers and others often unconsciously interpret these nonverbal cues when assessing the message's credibility and authenticity, especially in the workplace where nuanced communication is important.
It's essential to align verbal and nonverbal communication for effective interpersonal interactions. For example, in a job interview context, various studies have found that a lack of eye contact and smiling can negatively impact an applicant's ratings, while appropriate nonverbal behaviors can enhance perceptions of likability and competence. This can hold true in everyday interactions with managers as well.