page to be updated
Learning about communicating without words - an observational approach
(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 about this form of communication) |
■ First review pp. 133-144 [4e] in your text to refresh yourself about these particular Nonverbal channels which are especially relevant to small group communication.
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Because of the circumstances of this semester's schedule, all of these investigations will need to be done on your own outside of class.|
■ You & your (new, 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 --which you will eventually share with the rest of the class --concerning your new-found insights & advice concerning your assigned nonverbal area & the listed, specified question. These mini-presentations will begin on Fri 11/14 and, if necessary, continue through the next class sessions (in and around the problem solving unit/) . [ 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. Although the consensus Statement along with the & the experiments' results will be presented orally, you should have the consensus statement printed out & ready for submission. |
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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 (F'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?
>You want to find out: What can a group participant learn by noting room lay outs? Where are the "power" positions & How is "power" communicated? |
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2.Mike P.& Micael K.
[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. >You want to find out: 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.Joe
O. & T'Shome D.
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.
>You want to find out: How can a group participant learn how to get, maintain, & share the discussion "floor"? |
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4.Joe M. & Camela C.
[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 45
{\/ } ?
>You want to find out: How should a group participant "read" the posture & positioning of others? Since most nonverbal impact occurs " out-of-awareness, how conscious should a person be about his/her own posture and can movement be used to intentionally create a certain communication atmosphere? |
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5.Steve M. & Marta A. & Kevin B.
[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.
>You want to find out: 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 during group communication? |
| 6. Rudy
I. & M.J. G.
[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? )
>>You want to find out: What are the optimal zones for group interaction? Does it vary according to the task being done or the type of group? |
| 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.
>>You want to find out: How can the skilled group participant use nonverbal awareness to create better face-to-face interaction? |
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8. Nick G.& Brian C. [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.)
>You want to find out: 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 Hall or President's Hall ] |
Remember:
"Manners Matter" (i.e. the way you say something has an impact on the way the listener understands & interprets it)
Kathleen Hall Jamieson, [ Prof. of Comm. /
Dir. of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania.] WNYC: on-air interview, 9/21/09