Nonverbal Clues: Reading Emotions Through Facial Expressions and Body Language Quiz

  • 6th Grade
Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Thames
T
Thames
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 8157 | Total Attempts: 9,566,648
| Attempts: 11 | Questions: 20 | Updated: Jan 7, 2026
Please wait...
Question 1 / 20
🏆 Rank #--
Score 0/100
1. If a speaker is leaning forward, making steady eye contact, and nodding, what emotion are they likely showing?

Explanation

Leaning forward and maintaining eye contact are classic non-verbal signals of interest and engagement.

Submit
Please wait...
About This Quiz
Nonverbal Clues: Reading Emotions Through Facial Expressions And Body Language Quiz - Quiz

Communication goes beyond words. In this reading facial expressions quiz, you’ll analyze nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, posture, and gestures to interpret emotion and intent. You’ll examine scenarios, identify emotional signals, and connect body language to meaning. Each question strengthens social awareness and interpretation skills.

2. Question: A person who is avoiding eye contact and fidgeting with their hands is most likely experiencing anxiety or _______.

Explanation

Avoiding eye contact and fidgeting are common signs of nervousness or discomfort.

Submit
3. A genuine smile, or a Duchenne smile, includes crinkles around the eyes.

Explanation

This is true. Authentic joy (a Duchenne smile) involves both the mouth and the muscles around the eyes.

Submit
4. If a person's eyebrows are pulled down and together, and their lips are tightly pressed, what emotion are they likely expressing?

Explanation

Eyebrows lowered/drawn together and tight lips are key indicators of anger or frustration.

Submit
5. Which non-verbal cues typically indicate openness and confidence? (Select all that apply)

Explanation

Uncrossed arms and upright posture are signals that the speaker is open and not defensive.

Submit
6. Question: If a listener is sitting very still, has a blank facial expression, and is occasionally yawning, they are likely expressing _______.

Explanation

Lack of movement, blank expression, and yawning are classic non-verbal signals of boredom or disinterest.

Submit
7. What emotion is the speaker likely feeling if they have very wide-open eyes, an open mouth, and a backward jerk of the head?

Explanation

Wide eyes, an open mouth, and a sudden movement away from the stimulus are typical signs of surprise.

Submit
8. Standing with arms crossed over the chest always indicates a person is cold.

Explanation

This is false. While it can mean coldness, in communication, crossed arms usually indicate defensiveness or resistance to an idea.

Submit
9. If a person is holding their hands over their mouth or lightly touching their nose while speaking, they might be conveying:

Explanation

These gestures, often called manipulators, can be subconscious indicators of deception or holding back information.

Submit
10. Which emotional states are often communicated by a furrowed brow (eyebrows pushed together)? (Select all that apply)

Explanation

A furrowed brow signals mental effort, suggesting concentration or confusion (trying to figure something out).

Submit
11. Question: When a person rolls their eyes while listening to someone speak, they are expressing sarcasm, contempt, or _______.

Explanation

Eye-rolling is a highly visible non-verbal cue that signals disrespect or contempt.

Submit
12. If someone is continually glancing at the clock or tapping their foot quickly, they are likely feeling:

Explanation

Tapping a foot or glancing at a clock are physical manifestations of impatience or the feeling of being rushed.

Submit
13. When a person smiles genuinely, the smile reaches their eyes, causing a particular kind of crow's feet or crinkle.

Explanation

This is true. This is the physiological marker of a true, or Duchenne, smile.

Submit
14. A speaker who dramatically increases the volume of their voice, uses chopping hand gestures, and points a finger is likely expressing:

Explanation

Loud voice, forceful hand gestures, and pointing are signals used to project aggression or dominance.

Submit
15. Which body language cues are often associated with sadness or grief? (Select all that apply)

Explanation

Downcast eyes and slumped shoulders are physical signals of low energy and sadness.

Submit
16. Question: When a person holds their body very rigid and pulls their shoulders high toward their ears, they are often signaling a state of extreme tension or _______.

Explanation

Extreme tension and high shoulders are physical indicators of stress or anxiety.

Submit
17. A person who quickly pulls their head and chin back, widening their eyes slightly, is signaling:

Explanation

Pulling the head back, sometimes paired with a slight frown, is a common reaction to signal disbelief or skepticism.

Submit
18. When a speaker is mirroring the posture and gestures of a listener, they are likely signaling agreement and rapport.

Explanation

This is true. Mirroring is a subconscious sign of establishing connection, agreement, and rapport.

Submit
19. Which emotion is a person most likely trying to hide if they cover their eyes with their hand after receiving bad news?

Explanation

Covering the eyes is a common reaction when a person feels a strong, negative emotion like shame or embarrassment that they wish to hide from others' view.

Submit
20. Which behaviors signal that a speaker is finished talking and expects a response? (Select all that apply)

Explanation

Dropping the pitch and pace (terminal juncture) and making prolonged eye contact are non-verbal cues signaling the end of a speaking turn.

Submit
×
Saved
Thank you for your feedback!
View My Results
Cancel
  • All
    All (20)
  • Unanswered
    Unanswered ()
  • Answered
    Answered ()
If a speaker is leaning forward, making steady eye contact, and...
Question: A person who is avoiding eye contact and fidgeting with...
A genuine smile, or a Duchenne smile, includes crinkles around the...
If a person's eyebrows are pulled down and together, and their lips...
Which non-verbal cues typically indicate openness and confidence?...
Question: If a listener is sitting very still, has a blank facial...
What emotion is the speaker likely feeling if they have very wide-open...
Standing with arms crossed over the chest always indicates a person is...
If a person is holding their hands over their mouth or lightly...
Which emotional states are often communicated by a furrowed brow...
Question: When a person rolls their eyes while listening to someone...
If someone is continually glancing at the clock or tapping their foot...
When a person smiles genuinely, the smile reaches their eyes, causing...
A speaker who dramatically increases the volume of their voice, uses...
Which body language cues are often associated with sadness or grief?...
Question: When a person holds their body very rigid and pulls their...
A person who quickly pulls their head and chin back, widening their...
When a speaker is mirroring the posture and gestures of a listener,...
Which emotion is a person most likely trying to hide if they cover...
Which behaviors signal that a speaker is finished talking and expects...
Alert!