NONVERBAL INVESTIGATIONS-S17
debate/mini ver/5grps
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.
> There are several channels that carry meaning. Among the most easily observable of these are: (some of these wordings may vary somewhat from the phrasing in your book/REVEL)
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* Space & Environment/Territory {PROXEMICS}, * Body Movement {KINESICS}, * Touch {HAPTICS}, * 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. )
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END
PRODUCT:
Each mini-team will engage in a brief, in-class debate arguing FOR the position as
listed below.
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Mini-team |
The position you will be arguing FOR |
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1 - Petal / Neal / Matt
(a.k.a. Team Proxemics) |
As supporting evidence can refer to any relevant Chap 6 space-related
channels |
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2 - Alex / Eli / Veronica /
Alicia
(a.k.a. Team Kinesics) |
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3 - Aubrey / Chris / Stephanie
(a.k.a. Team A & F
)[Appearance & Facial Expression]) |
As supporting evidence can refer to any relevant Chap 6 channels |
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(a.k.a. Team Voice |
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(a.k.a. Team Differences |
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PREPARING FOR YOUR DEBATE ROLE:
■ This semester, this debate on Nonverbal Comm will begin on Wednesday 4/19. [We'll start our discussion by addressing "What is Nonverbally Normal ?" - REVEL/Chap6/within 6.7.2}
■
First: read/re-read Chapter
6 [Nonverbal section = pp.133-145[6e]
//
pp.172-180
[5e]
■ 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...
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■ In other words, opinions and generalizations won't do -- just assertions substantiated by specific reference to your observations & 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.]
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■ |
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Team Members (S'17) |
Research Questions/Observation/Experiments |
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1. TEAM PROXEMICS (aka P.N.M.)
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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?
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?
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2. TEAM KINESICS (a.k.a. A.E.V.A.)
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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.
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"?
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3 TEAM APPEARANCE -&FACE - a.k.a. C.A.S.)
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AREA FOR INVESTIGATION:ARTIFACTS & APPEARANCE: Communicating via your "stuff" / grooming / clothes / color / design / facial expression 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?
> 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 ]
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| 4 TEAM VOICE - - a.k.a. I.D.B.J.) |
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. |
| 5 TEAM DIFFERENCES -&FACE - a.k.a. M.T.K.) | Attend a social gathering given by a group that is "culturally" different from you in some way. [ THis can be different gender, different neighborhood, diffrerent languaGe, diffeent age group, etc.) Pay special attenstion to how people greet each other, OR how people take turns in conversation OR how people handly their food {especially in terma of using utensils) OR how closely they sit/stand to each other, etc. |
| FOLLOW UP |
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4. if you dare...
[PROXEMICS]{&Functions} |
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.
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5.EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY #1 ( if you do this for e.c., you will need to write up your resilts in 1-2 paragraphs)
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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 |
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6.EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY #2 ( if you do this for e.c., you will need to write up your resilts in 1-2 paragraphs)
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>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. |
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tba |
conversion to debate: 4/17/15