If a speaker laughs dismissively while answering a serious question, what is the greatest communication risk?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: The audience may feel that their question is not being taken seriously, reducing trust and respect.
Dismissive laughter is a non-verbal signal that can make the questioner feel ridiculed or ignored. This weakens psychological safety and may reduce the audience’s trust in the speaker, even if the spoken answer contains facts. It does not automatically show confidence or make the question less important, and it cannot replace a clear explanation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
The audience may feel that their question is not being taken seriously, reducing trust and respect.
Why is this the correct answer?
Dismissive laughter is a non-verbal signal that can make the questioner feel ridiculed or ignored. This weakens psychological safety and may reduce the audience’s trust in the speaker, even if the spoken answer contains facts. It does not automatically show confidence or make the question less important, and it cannot replace a clear explanation.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 English question. Chapter: First Flight Prose.
