Week 2: Communication Skills: Language, Nonverbal, Listening

Blog Assignment:

For this assignment, again consider what you have been learning about communication skills and styles. Then record an episode of a television show you do not normally watch. Watch the show with the sound turned off.

• What do you think the characters’ relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating?
• What are they feeling and expressing based on the nonverbal behavior you are observing? 

Now, watch the show with the sound turned on.

• What assumptions did you make about the characters and plot based on the ways in which you interpreted the communication you observed?
• Would your assumptions have been more correct if you had been watching a show you know well? 

This was a very interesting and eye opening assignment.  I chose to explore "The Big Bang Theory" sitcom.  With the sound turned off, I would of never guessed the characters were friends and in a social circle.  Their facial expressions were extremely interesting and powerful without words.  Based on nonverbal behavior, I would assume the characters were in constant confusion or disagreement over something.  I noted body language of being uncomfortable, having mistrust, or dislike and the plot was difficult to decipher.  When I watched the episode again with the sound the plot was extremely clear and facial expressions/ nonverbal cues seemed to match the verbal communication and exchanges.  If I had been watching a show I knew well, I would have been able to more clearly decipher the communication without verbal cues.