What does communication accommodation theory suggest about facial expressions and persuasion?

A. It suggests that matching facial expressions can enhance persuasion.
B. It suggests that facial expressions have no impact on persuasion.
C. It suggests that displaying contrasting facial expressions can enhance persuasion.
D. It suggests that facial expressions are unrelated to persuasion.

According to the Communication Accommodation Theory, matching facial expressions with your audience can enhance persuasion. Smiling is particularly effective as it communicates positive traits and establishes rapport, supporting the facial feedback hypothesis, which indicates that facial expressions can also affect emotions. Therefore, the correct option is c) It suggests that displaying contrasting facial expressions can enhance persuasion

Explanation:

Communication Accommodation Theory suggests that adapting or matching facial expressions to your audience can enhance persuasion. This is because congruent facial expressions can communicate friendliness, openness, and confidence, setting a positive emotional tone and increasing the speaker's credibility. Smiling, in particular, is highlighted as a potent tool in forming a rapport and disarming hostility. The facial feedback hypothesis further supports the notion that facial expressions not only communicate emotions but can also influence the emotional experiences of both the speaker and the audience. By aligning facial expressions with the message, speakers can more effectively persuade their audience.