GrpDisc NV obs/exp - compressed version

NONVERBAL INVESTIGATIONS-S15 debate/mini ver/3grps

an observational + argumentation approach to learning about: Communicating-Without-Words

(i.e. more experiential learning

RATIONALE:

> In human communication, the nonverbal channels actually carry the majority of the "message" to be interpreted by the receiver. Several members of this class already are studying this subject in depth in another course.

> There are several channels that carry meaning. Among the most easily observable of these are:

* Space & Environment/Climate {PROXEMICS},

* Body Movement {KINESICS},

* Vocal Expression {PARALANGUAGE},

* Eye Behavior {GAZE},

* Appearance-incl. Clothing & Accessories {ARTIFACTS}

(NONVERBAL Communication is a broad area of study that additional items , but these five (sub) channels constitute the minimum that a group participant should know-- in order to be more effective when working in groups. )

END PRODUCT: END Product: Each team will engage in a brief, in-class debate arguing FOR the position as listed below.

Group

The position you will be arguing FOR

The Astronauts (2 grp members are taking NV course)

(a.k.a. Team Proxemics)

"PROXEMICS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TYPE OF NV AWARENESS NEEDED FOR A GROUP PARTICIPANT IN ORDER TO WORK SUCCESSFULLY IN GROUPS."

As supporting evidence can refer to any relevant Chap 6 space-related channels

Kings & Queens (1 grp member is taking NV course)

(a.k.a. Team Kinesics)

"KINESICS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TYPE OF NV AWARENESS NEEDED FOR A GROUP PARTICIPANT IN ORDER TO WORK SUCCESSFULLY IN GROUPS. "

As supporting evidence can refer to any relevant Chap 6 body movement-related channels

Group Discussion (1 grp member is taking NV course)

(a.k.a. Team A & F )[Appearance & Facial Expression])

"APPEARANCE &/OR FACIAL EXPRESSION IS/ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TYPE OF NV AWARENESS NEEDED FOR A GROUP PARTICIPANT IN ORDER TO WORK SUCCESSFULLY IN GROUPS.

As supporting evidence can refer to any relevant Chap 6 channels

TBA

PARALANGUAGE[VOCALICS] IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TYPE OF NV AWARENESS NEEDED FOR A GROUP PARTICIPANT IN ORDER TO WORK SUCCESSFULLY IN GROUPS.

PREPARING FOR YOUR DEBATE ROLE:

■ This semester, this debate on Nonverbal Comm will occur this coming Monday, 4/20.

■ First: read/re-read Chapter 6 [Nonverbal section = pp.133-145] // pp.172-180 [5e] Some of you may have notes on this subject received in another class.

■ Over the weekend, each individual should conduct his/her own informal experiments and/or Observations on your designated channel(s). Several sample investigation ideas are listed below.

■ Groups will convene & "huddle" briefly at the beginning of the class session. This time should be used to compare members' results & new-found insighhts. Also, the team should try to create at least two(2) supporting statements about why their channel IS the MOST important...

■ In other words, opinions and generalizations won't do -- just assertions substantiated by specific reference to your findings.

■ Following this brief huddle, a POINT-COUNTERPOINT debate will be conducted.

[NB: If any individual is absent or unprepared for the presentation portion, it will result in an automatic zero for that person.]

■

Team Members (S'15)

Research Questions/Observation/Experiments

1. TEAM PROXEMICS (aka The Astronauts)

AREA FOR INVESTIGATION:PROXEMICS:SPACE ARRANGEMENT / PERSONAL SPACE / TERRITORY

Some possible "research" methods:

(1) 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?

(2) 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.

(3) In a variety of ways, and by using a variety of nonverbal (sub)channels, Infringe on other peoples "space Rights" {TERRITORY} . Note how long it takes for the person to notice something.

(4) In your text, review the dimensions of the 4 interaction "Zones" (as specified by E. T. Hall). Observe people in a variety of contexts. Which of the 4 zones do most people in the in the U.S.) use for conversational interaction? By observing which zones were being used, were you also able to determine the level of relationship between the conversants? (e. g. friends? acquaintances? co-workers? strangers? )

In addition to your team's consensus insight statement, you MAY be called upon to explain: >What can a group participant learn by noting room lay outs? >Where are the "power" positions in a room? in a building? at a board table? >What other things so we communicate via how we use space? > 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? >What are the optimal zones for group interaction?

2. TEAM KINESICS (a.k.a. Kings & Queens)

AREA FOR INVESTIGATION:KINESICS:BODY MOVEMENT / FACIAL EXPRESSION / GESTURES / EYE CONTACT

Some possible "research" methods:

(1) 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 {\/}?

(2) Observe 2-3 sets of people who are sitting & conversing. Make note of HOW they use these 3 items: 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. }

In addition to your own consensus insight statement, you MAY be called upon to explain: >How should a group participant "read" the posture & positioning of others? >How conscious should a person be about his/her own posture? >How do people nonverbally signal their communication "intentions"? >How can a group participant learn how to get, maintain, & share the discussion "floor"?

3 TEAM APPEARANCE -&FACE - a.k.a. Group Discussion)

AREA FOR INVESTIGATION:ARTIFACTS & APPEARANCE: Communicating via your "stuff" / grooming / clothes / color / design / facial expression

Some possible "research" methods:

(2) 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 Hall or President's Hall ]

4. if you dare...

[PROXEMICS]{&Functions}{KINESICS / GAZE / PARALANGUAGE(vocalics)] {&Functions} / CHRONEMICS

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 persons' reactions.

>How can the skilled group participant use nonverbal awareness to create better face-to-face interaction?

5.EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY #1

AREA FOR INVESTIGATION:VOCAL EXPRESSION: :VOCALICS-PARALANGUAGE / LAUGHING TOGETHER

Some possible "research" methods:

(1) In a variety of ways, and by using a variety of vocal cues, "communicate" to others that you are interested/uninterested in what they are saying. Note how long it takes for the person to notice something.

(2) Observe 2-3 sets of people who are sitting & conversing. Make note of HOW they use these 3 items: their eyes | hand gestures | Tone-of-Voice in order to regulate

In addition to your own consensus insight statement, you MAY be called upon to explain:

>How can a group participant learn how to get, maintain, & share the discussion "floor"? >How can a group participant learn how to listen in-between-the-lines{ & improve at appreciative, empathic, & analytical listening ?

6.EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY #2

>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.

conversion to debate: 4/17/15