Assignment:
Select one of the following situations to observe, and make detailed notes about the observation:
• Observe a small group or team--such as an office team, sports team, work environment, church group, family gathering, hobby group, or support group--and take copious notes regarding the interactions and communication dynamics you observe. The observation should be 30 minutes in length.
• Watch a television show--such as a sitcom or any reality show--that depicts small groups, families, or teams. Take notes regarding the interactions and communication dynamics depicted in the television show.
Prepare, submit, and present a 8-slide PowerPoint® presentation, in which you assess the interactions and dynamics within the communication climate you observed. (100 words speaker notes for each slide)
Describe the following concepts:
• Supportive and defensive communication climates
• Confirming and disconfirming responses
• Cohesiveness
• Active listening
• Nonverbal dynamics
In addition to your assessment, answer the following questions (2 pages):
• What types of verbal and nonverbal dynamics were there? Explain.
• What behavior indicated a supportive or defensive communication climate? Why?
• What types of confirming or disconfirming responses did you witness? How did they contribute to the cohesiveness of the group?
• What types of barriers or indicators to effective listening occurred? Why were they a barrier or indicator?
Format your assignment according to appropriate course-level APA guidelines.