Non Verbal Signals
Moderate signal

Paralanguage

The vocal qualities around words, including tone, pitch, pace and volume.

Voice
Channel
Moderate
Reliability
Moderate
Difficulty to Read
Example

A flat slow tone conveys low spirits even when the words claim everything is fine. The voice carries a feeling that the sentence itself tries to deny.

How to Read It

Listen to how something is said as much as what is said, since tone often carries the true feeling. When the words and the voice disagree, the voice is usually the more honest of the two.

A Word of Caution

Accent and personal style shape voice, so compare against the usual manner of the speaker. A naturally flat or quiet voice is not a sign of low mood for the person it belongs to.