nonverbal communication

For this assignment, again consider what you have been learning about communication skills and styles. Then record an episode of a television show you do not normally watch. Watch the show with the sound turned off.

• What do you think the characters' relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating?

I watched “The Kitchen” which is on the Food Network. Based on what I am watching, each person is taking turns talking, seems like a friendship.

• What are they feeling and expressing based on the nonverbal behavior you are observing?

I see excitement, laughter, happiness, hand gestures that are non-threatening;, lip licking (over food), head nodding. The all seem happy, excited, and hungry. 

Now, watch the show with the sound turned on.

• What assumptions did you make about the characters and plot based on the ways in which you interpreted the communication you observed?

They respect one another's professional opinions by listening, acknowledging them with head shakes or uh-huhs, and add to the conversation with the information they each know.  I guess I should have chose a non talk show for this assignment but my husband was already watching it so I went with it! The plot today was to use cauliflower in many different ways : as steaks and pizza crust. 

• Would your assumptions have been more correct if you had been watching a show you know well?

I didn’t know how this show worked so I did have to follow along. It was like a talk show about food and they had a special guest cook on the show as well.  I will assume each show has a different theme and that they don’t build on one another so that anyone could pick up watching the show at anytime. Had I watched a show I know like Nashville on ABC, I could follow along and do just fine with plot and characters. I also think if  I did not watch the show like I do, it would be hard to know why some of the characters are they way they are or why relationships are strained etc.  

My “aha” moment is that we don’t know what has happened in the lives of our children and families when we are working with them. We may know bits and pieces or may learn them along the way, but it is important to be a observant and to communicate well.