I chose to watch an episode of The Office. I've heard of this show before, but being that I am not a person who watches TV often it was interesting to see what the big fuss was all about.
I think the characters’ in this show work together. I think the CEO or Regional Manager came down and gave some disturbing news to the local manager. There is also another man, who seems to be the assistant of the local manager, there are other members of the work force team that have their own cubicles. Based off of the ways they are communicating, it seems as if they all work in isolation and do not relate to the local manager.
Based on the nonverbal behavior I observed, the characters displayed feelings of anger, perplexity, annoyance, irritation, distress and shock.
I assumed did that the characters did not get along and worked isolation. I assumed that the manager was a jerk and annoying. When in all actuality the manager had just received news that a member of another local team had died. The members of the office showed signs of perplexity, annoyance, and irritation because they did not know this person. They were all dumbfounded as to why this information was being shared if they did not know the person.
I think that if this were a show I watched on a regular basis, I would learn the personalities of the different members of the office and I would be better able to make assumptions about the plot.
Through this exercise I learned that it is very easy to assume things when we do not have all of the facts. My “aha” moment actually came in thinking about my personal nonverbal communication skills and what they express to others. A few years ago, I had to learn the importance of not crossing my arms when I engage in a conversation with other people, it is seen as a form of defense. Through this exercise, it only enhances my understanding of the importance of me cognitively aware of my nonverbal communication in all situations; I hope this can serve as meaningful information (or a refresher) to everyone! J
Tasha:
ReplyDeleteThe office culture can be one all of it's own. I also appreciate your comments about becoming more aware of our own non-verbal 'habits' that may be sending signals to others we do not even attend. For example, a few years ago I found out that two of my co-workers became offended because I was not making eye contact with them every time we crossed paths. We are a small staff and make pass each other several times a day. I didn't think it was a big deal if I didn't make eye contact and smile every time we passed. I would say good morning and smile with each person; but as the day progressed it can get tiring to keep this up for every pass. But, to them it was offensive and they took it as if I was snubbing them. I am now more conscious of these non-verbal interactions throughout the day.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts,
LouAnn Rhodes
I think The Office can be a difficult television show to understand without the verbal language that assists it. There are a great deal of hidden jokes that have also followed it through its lifespan. You spoke of learning not to cross your arms when you are talking with someone else. That is something that I still have to consciously think about when I am involved in a conversation with someone. I tend to do it because it feels comfortable to me, but I know that others may see it as a defensive gesture or a show that I have closed myself off to them and am no longer listening. So, I am careful not to quickly judge the arm crossing of others. They could be cold or just comfortable standing that way, as I am.
ReplyDeleteI also recently had to edit my non-verbal communication style in that, because I am part Italian, I tend to use my hands when I speak. I was informed that some of my co-workers found my grand gestures to be intimidating, so now, I hold onto the sides of my dress when I communicate with certain co-workers. I also have a habit of putting my hands on my hips when I am thinking. Although it's not been mentioned, I think that this is also a non-verbal cue that will need to be edited. I've only watched a few episodes of The Office, but agree with Amanda's point about the difficulty of picking up on the humour, relationships and general context of the show in just one episode.
ReplyDeleteTasha,
ReplyDeleteI also found it easy to assume the wrong things when we don't know the whole situation. I've seen it done a lot when we first meet people and we pay too much attention to body language and facial expressions only to find out when we actually speak to them that we were completely wrong.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Tasha,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that it can be very uncomfortable attempting to interact with people from groups you are unfamiliar with. To add to that though, I think fear is the root of the discomfort. As you stated it is fear of saying the wrong thing that creates a barrier. I also agree with you that children are the easiest group to be around, after all they are very forgiving. But every now and then you may encounter a child whose culture is very different. For example, i had a child from Afghanistan enrolled in my class. He was very persistent about wanting to leave. He resisted playing with the resources and would just sit and watch. nap time was very hard too, as he would literally scream at the top of his lungs and he would not cooperate with the teachers, or the directors. Turns out he bit our director, and shortly after that it was decided that the center and he was not a good fit. Then every now and then they would pull up to the center and I could hear them from the playground telling him that if he was not good they were going to leave him at the center. In this case, I perceive that our culture had been presented to him as something bad.