What do you think the characters’ relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating?
For this assignment I chose to watch a show called "New Girl." I truly had no clue what this show was about from the characters, the plot, or anything. At the beginning of the show the characters, three guys and a girl, were seated at the kitchen table. My first thought was that they were close friends, sibling, or room mates. Each seems comfortable in getting up and getting whatever they needed from the kitchen or another room, so it also gave me the impression they knew each other very well to the point they had that comfort.
What are they feeling and expressing based on the nonverbal behavior you are observing?
There was a great deal of nonverbal communication within the first 10 minutes of the show that made me think they were having an argument. One of the guys was slamming his cookie on the table and pointing his finger at another guy as he talked. The girl was rolling her eyes a little and rolling her head as she talked. This made me think they were annoyed with each other. A few minutes after what looked like an argument calmed down, they girl then lowered her head at the table making it appear that she was sad.
What
assumptions did you make about the characters and plot based on the
ways in which you interpreted the communication you observed?
I made the assumption that the characters were possibly siblings or close friends who were having an argument. After watching the video with the volume, I found that they were actually room mates and one of them was moving out. I found out that the girl was actually sad that this room mate was moving out, and she was trying to keep him from doing it. I think about the argument a little different now that I know it was out of concern and sadness regarding her friend leaving.
Would your assumptions have been more correct if you had been watching a show you know well?
I am sure my assumptions would be more correct if it was a show I watch often. I would be aware of the nonverbal behavior seen by different characters in the show and know how that nonverbal behavior correlates with the feelings the character displays. For example, I watch "The Big Bang Theory" a lot. If I were to watch it now without the sound I would know the meanings behind the nonverbal behaviors such as Raji not looking at Penny. It's not because he doesn't like her, but because he fears talking to girls.
Great post, i have never heard of that show either, non-verbal communication as we know it conveys messages without using any words.
ReplyDeleteJo Ann,
ReplyDeleteI thought your post was very interesting and well-written. I definitely is interesting watching a show that you are not familiar with without any sound. After watching the show I chose with sound, I think I would prefer to have to sound off. :)
OMG Jo, I did my blog post on The Big Bang Theory, it is such a funny show. I have only been watching it for a couple months, but I am definitely hooked. I think your description of how we would be able to determine what is taking place in scenes without sound is an accurate assumption. I find it is because we have built a relationship with each character and have taken time to get to know their quirks and idiosyncrasies.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn,
ReplyDeleteI agree that without knowing the communication or relationship history of the characters it made it more challenging to accurately interpret what was going on. I would also be very accurate watching the Big bang Theory with the sound off. It is one of my favorites!
JoAnn:
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this assignment. This assignment really authenticated for me that nonverbal communication is a powerful form of communication. Nonverbal communication is so powerful, the author of the text promulgates that nonverbal communication is more reliable than verbal communication. What are your thoughts about this?
Your post made me consider the shows that I watch regularly. I probably watch them because I am so familiar with the characters and how the communicate. I remember how attached i got to the characters on the Sopranos. I was so familiar with the main characters communication styles and how they built and maintained relationships. I was devastated when one of them would get killed of the show. I almost took it personally!
ReplyDelete