Assignment Part 1:
Locate a non-scripted video, TV show, or movie, such as news video, documentary footage, reality TV Candid Camera style shows, CCTV footage, CSPAN, etc. Watch this video twice. The first viewing should have the audio muted. The second viewing with the audio on. While you are viewing the video both times, take notes about the use of space, eye contact, and touch you notice, and how people responded. Pay special attention to any cues you may have misinterpreted with the sound off.
In your response address the following.
- What video did you watch? What types of space, eye contact, and touch behaviors did you observe and what were their primary functions?
- When you watched the video the second time, how did your interpretation of the nonverbal behaviors change?
- What did you learn about the ineffective and effective use of space, eye contact, and touch from watching the video?
Assignment Part 2:
Keep in mind what you learned about ineffective and effective use of space, eye contact, and touch from watching the video, pay attention to these variables and interact with others in a real-world situation. Practice the primary functions of space, eye contact, and touch.
Summarize your experiences.
- How did you use space, eye contact, and touch in your interactions with others? How did they use space, eye contact, and touch? Did anyone engage in any expectancy violation behaviors? If so, describe them.
- How did the use of space, eye contact, and touch, by all parties, influence the effectiveness of the interactions?
- Based on what you learned from this experience, what will you do differently in the future regarding space, eye contact, and touch to improve communication?