What primarily influences the perception of a communicator’s sincerity?

The perception of a communicator’s sincerity is significantly influenced by the use of nonverbal signals. Nonverbal communication includes facial expressions, body language, gestures, and eye contact, which often convey emotions and attitudes more powerfully than words alone. People are generally more attuned to these nonverbal cues when assessing someone's authenticity and truthfulness. For example, if a speaker's words suggest agreement but their body language indicates discomfort or avoidance, the audience may perceive insincerity despite what is being said.

While the words spoken certainly play a role in communication, they can be overshadowed by the nonverbal signals that accompany them. Similarly, the structure of the message and the demeanor of the audience can influence how a message is received, but they do not primarily dictate the communicator's perceived sincerity. Nonverbal signals function as critical indicators of trustworthiness and emotional state, making them a key element in how sincerity is judged by others.