You are enthusiastically telling one of your 3rd Assistant Engineers, "You did a great job on that overhaul." What forms of non-verbal communication would do the most to reinforce and complement your verbal message?

Correct Answer: Option A — Smiling, maintaining eye contact, and providing an appreciative pat on the back.

Effective communication requires congruence between verbal and non-verbal cues. Smiling, maintaining eye contact, and physical reinforcement like a pat on the back align with the positive sentiment of the verbal praise. This combination builds rapport and ensures the subordinate perceives the feedback as sincere, encouraging continued high-quality performance.