Final answer:
Intonation is the hardest control paraverbal cue to master, as it involves understanding the context, cultural norms, and conveying the intended meaning through vocal inflection.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the study of communication, paraverbal cues refer to nonverbal elements of speech that can convey meaning and emotion. One of the hardest control paraverbal cues to master is intonation. Intonation refers to the rise and fall of pitch in speech, and it can greatly influence the meaning and interpretation of a message.
A change in intonation can completely alter the message being conveyed. For example, consider the sentence 'You're going to the party?' A rising intonation at the end of the sentence can indicate surprise or disbelief, while a falling intonation can convey approval or confirmation.
Mastering intonation requires understanding the context of a conversation, the cultural norms and expectations, and being able to accurately convey the intended meaning through vocal inflection. It can be challenging because it involves not only understanding the words being spoken, but also the underlying emotions and attitudes.