an observational approach to learning about communicating without words.
(i.e. get ready for more experiential learning
> In human communication, the nonverbal channels actually carry the majority of the "message" which is interpreted by the receiver.
> Among the most easily observable (sub)channels are:
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* Space & "Climate" {PROXEMICS}, * Body Movement {KINESICS}, * Vocal Expression {PARALANGUAGE}, * Eye Behavior {GAZE}, * Clothing & Accessories {ARTIFACTS} (i.e. this is the least a group participant should know) |
■ First review pp. 133-144
[4e] in your text to refresh yourself about these particular Nonverbal channels.■ Because of the circumstances of this semester's schedule, all of these investigations will need to be done on your own outside of class while I am out of town.
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■ You & your (temporary) teammates as listed below don't have to conduct the investigations together, but you SHOULD discuss/compare your respective results prior to the in-class presentations. This comparative discussion can take place via phone or email. As a team, devise a single Consensus Statement to share with the rest of the class concerning your new-found insights & advice concerning your assigned nonverbal area & specified question. These mini-presentations will begin on Mon 3/31 [1st day after Spring Break!] and, if necessary, continue after the next sessions ( after the problem solving presentations) .
[ NB: If any individual is absent or unprepared for the presentation portion, it will result in an automatic zero for that person.] |
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■ These Consensus Statements should be grounded in specific material--either from the text/or/ the team's ANALYSIS of the observations/or/data studied in other classes. In other words, no opinions and no generalizations. |
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■ This activity also gives you a chance to apply the communication, group interaction and problem solving skills you have been developing this semester as you work with new groupings to develop & execute a research plan. |
| Team Members (S'08) | Research Question/Observation |
| 1.
[PROXEMICS/ARTIFACTS/CLIMATE] |
Look at least 3-4
departmental offices. Compare what you see in respect to overall spatial layout, the
lighting, the color(s), the position of furniture for workers... & for guests.
Compare the nonverbal messages that these offices are sending. Also, do these messages
correspond to the offices’ functions?
>What can a group participant learn by noting room lay outs? Where are the "power" positions? |
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2.Yanizy C.& Antonio G
[KINESICS / PROXEMICS / GAZE] {&Functions} |
Observe a few
pedestrian intersections/pathways --the busier the better. (e.g. hallway intersections,
cafeterias, pathways, city streets, etc.)
Determine the norms and patterns for how people negotiate their space. >What NONVERBAL techniques do people use to avoid bumping into each other? Look very closely & cite as many NV techniques as you see. Note: These techniques tend to be extra-subtle. hint: watch the eyes & arms & the ways bags/totes are being carried. ALSO, how do people nonverbally signal their "intentions"? |
| 3.Tara
M. & Prattima S.
KINESICS / GAZE / PARALANGUAGE(vocalics) ]{&Func} |
Observe 2-3 sets of people who are sitting & conversing. Make note of HOW they use their eyes, hand gestures & Tone-of-Voice in order to regulate who talks when. Look very closely & cite as many NV techniques as you see. Note: These techniques tend to be extra-subtle.
>How can a group participant learn how to get, maintain, & share the discussion "floor"? |
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4.Brian L. & Sabrina R.
[KINESICS] |
Observe
several
sets of 2 people who are standing & conversing. Make note of the way they
angle their bodies in relation to each other --is it parallel{||} right angle{|_}, or 45º
{\/ } ?
>How should a group participant "read" the posture & positioning of others? How conscious should a person be about his/her own posture? |
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5. Marko M. & Abraham M.
[PROXEMICS] |
In a variety of
ways, and by using a variety of nonverbal (sub)channels, Infringe on other
people’s "space Rights" {TERRITORY} . Note how long it takes for the person
to notice something.
> How can a group participant know how close is too close? how far away is too far? How might it be interpreted when a person nonverbally stakes out his/her territory? |
| 6. Katie
B. & John S.
[PROXEMICS]{&Functions} |
In your text,
review the dimensions of the 4 interaction "Zones" ( as cited by E. T. Hall).
Observe people in a variety of contexts. Which of the 4 zones do most Americans
(U.S.) use
for conversational interaction? Were you also able to determine the level of relationship
between the conversants? (e. g. friends? acquaintances? co-workers? strangers? )
>What are the optimal zones for group interaction? |
| 7.Everyone should be
prepared to
DEMONSTRATE
& discuss this one {KINESICS / GAZE / PARALANGUAGE(vocalics) ]{&Func} |
Engage someone in a brief conversation [not your partner(s)]. GRADUALLY, change your tone-of-voice.
eye contact, body posture so that they are communicating a message that you are not really
listening anymore. Note the other person’s reactions.
>How can the skilled group participant use nonverbal awareness to create better face-to-face interaction? |
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8. Ray Z.& José G. [Appearance, Clothing & Accessories {ARTIFACTS} |
Visit/Look
in on a variety of interaction settings ( e.g. office, classroom, lounge,
etc.) Take note of the way people are dressed, colors being worn, types of
accessories being carried, how the laptop is being transported, etc.)
> Is there a match between what people wear & where they are & how they are perceived? How many people were in their "uniform" [if you can, definitely take a trip through Jubilee Halll or President's Hall ] |