What do you call it when your words and body language do not communicate the same message?

When your words and body language do not communicate the same message, it is referred to as a mixed message. This situation arises when verbal communication, such as spoken words or phrases, contradicts or does not align with non-verbal cues like facial expressions, gestures, or posture. For instance, if someone says they are happy while their body language suggests sadness, they are delivering a mixed message, leading to confusion for the listener about the true sentiment being expressed. This concept is critical in effective communication, as understanding and interpreting messages accurately rely heavily on both verbal and non-verbal signals working in harmony.