American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

Which attributes are included in the nonverbal communication aspect?

1. Verbal skills and vocabulary

2. Posture and eye movement

3. Written expressions and signs

4. Attendance and punctuality

The correct answer is: Posture and eye movement

Nonverbal communication encompasses a variety of attributes that convey messages without the use of words. Posture and eye movement are fundamental aspects of nonverbal communication. They can indicate confidence, engagement, openness, or defensiveness. For instance, an upright posture often conveys attentiveness and confidence, while slouching may suggest disinterest or insecurity. Similarly, eye movement can reflect connection and attentiveness; maintaining eye contact typically demonstrates interest and sincerity, while avoiding eye contact might indicate discomfort or evasiveness. In contrast, the other options involve verbal or written forms of communication. Verbal skills and vocabulary focus primarily on the spoken language used to convey messages. Written expressions and signs pertain to the use of text and symbols to communicate, which are distinctly separate from nonverbal signals. Attendance and punctuality, while important attributes in a professional context, relate more to an individual's reliability and commitment rather than their ability to communicate nonverbally. Thus, posture and eye movement are the correct attributes that align with nonverbal communication.