What are illustrators in the context of nonverbal communication?

Illustrators are movements that reinforce verbal messages, providing additional context and enhancing the overall communication experience. They are gestures that accompany spoken words to help clarify or emphasize what is being said. For instance, when someone talks about the size of an object and uses their hands to demonstrate width, those hand movements serve as illustrators that make the verbal message clearer and more engaging.

In contrast, other options present different functions of gestures. Movements that substitute for words are not considered illustrators; they would be categorized as emblems, which stand in for a specific word or phrase. Movements that show a lack of understanding do not align with the function of illustrators, as they do not support or enhance a message. Likewise, movements that distract from the main message deviate from the intent of illustrators, which aim to complement the verbal content rather than detract from it.