Final answer:
Listeners usually believe the body language of a speaker over the verbal message when there is a conflict between the two, as body language is considered a more authentic form of communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
When listeners perceive that a speaker's verbal message conflicts with his or her body language, they tend to believe the nonverbal cues or the body language over the verbal message.
This is because body language is often seen as a more genuine or involuntary reaction, which can convey emotions and intentions more accurately than words can.
This phenomenon ties into the concept of cognitive dissonance, where individuals experience psychological discomfort when their actions, words, or beliefs are inconsistent.
Moreover, verbal and nonverbal communication are key elements that people use to interpret messages and intentions.
When these two forms of communication don't align, it can create doubt and suspicion about the speaker's true message. Thus, nonverbal communication is heavily relied upon in determining a person’s sincerity and truthfulness.