What is an example of incongruent communication?

Incongruent communication occurs when verbal and non-verbal messages contradict each other. For example, if someone says, "I'm happy to help," but their tone is flat and they avoid eye contact, the listener may feel that the speaker is insincere or reluctant. This mismatch can create confusion and distrust in the conversation. Effective communication relies on consistency between what is said and how it is expressed.