Non-Verbal Communication

For this blog, I was assigned to observe verbal and nonverbal communication, while watching an unfamiliar TV show. I first observed the interactions with the sound off, and then I observed the interactions and communication with the sound on. I chose to view Scandal; everyone I know thinks this is the greatest show on earth. I have never had the time to watch it; I may have seen bits and pieces of the show, one or two times. In this episode (season 3 episode 2), a female was sitting at the table, talking to a male, rubbing her legs, and she appeared nervous. Throughout the conversation, she avoided eye contact with the speaker. The male moved his mouth intently as if he was saying something important.  He appeared upset; he was moving a lot with hand gestures, shaking his head, and starring at the female with a furious look. The female did not seem to enjoy what he was saying; she was rolling her eyes, shaking her head, half smiling, and blowing as if she was not interested in what he had to say. The male continued to talk, as the female listened and talked back to him.

By the way, the male and the female were communicating, he could have been her dad, boss, or a colleague of hers. Based on the non-verbal behavior, the male showed feelings of anger and sometimes happiness. The female showed feelings of anger, disgust, and disappointment; she smiled occasionally.

Based on the non-verbal communication I observed, I was partially correct in my assumptions; I said that the interaction and communication could have been between father and daughter. I was incorrect in thinking they were arguing; in actuality, the father was expressing to his daughter how sorry he was for sending her away, after her mom died. He was trying to be a part of her life and he wanted her to try as well. The female was not angry with her dad, she was partially sad and hurt because her father missed parts of her life. Before the conversation ended, both father and daughter were smiling and she was willing to give him another chance. If I were watching, a show I was familiar with, my assumptions would have been a little more accurate. I believe, if someone is familiar with a person or a situation that decreases the assumptions regarding non-verbal communication.

Through this experience, I have learned that we cannot always believe what we think our eyes are seeing. Non-verbal communication is misconceived all of the time; that is why it is important to look and listen to interactions, communication, and behavior. I have new insight from viewing this show, without listening to the sound; it revealed that I must always be aware of my non-verbal communication while interacting with children, families, my colleagues, and the community. I challenge each person to improve his or her communication skills with others.

Lah-Lah