What messages can we observe nonverbally?
As discussed in class, non-verbal communication can send stronger relational messages in many cases than verbal messages alone. With every culture having norms relating to non-verbal communication, a lot can be lost or forgotten in translation with many being left solely up to personal interpretation. Some mild examples of non-verbal communication are, smiling or making eye contact, facing a certain way in the elevator, moving or making room when passing someone, smiling apologetically for almost bumping into someone. Why are norms important? Norms are important because it helps to keep people grounded, in such a way so as to use discipline for actions dictated by laws, and social expectancies.
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I also believed it would be a good place to see what norms people are violating unknowingly.
People in general relay a great deal of information without even speaking; this is called nonverbal communication, and at the mall there is no exception. Nonverbal communication are “messages expressed by nonlinguistic means” (Adler, Proctor 188). Nonverbal communication transport just as much meaning as written or verbal communication. we as human beings can read and react to these nonverbal signals sometimes faster than verbal ones. Body language is a key type of nonverbal communication that includes body movement or gestures, which is called kinesics. Kinesics “is the study of body position and motion” (Adler, Proctor 198). There are several possible signs that can be communicated through body movements. Also, the movements we make can provide nonverbal cues given through facial expressions, eye contact, or touch, these can all influence or illicit individual interactions. I’m expecting to see at least one person break a norm unwittingly, whether through invading personal space or by, walking the wrong side of the stairs, possibly even someone doing an act of kindness.
For this observation at Westfarms mall I decided to sit in the lower level of Center Court, where Starbucks is located. I went on a busy Saturday afternoon around 2:00 pm. I knew there would be a lot of people because I used to work at the mall and Saturday is the busiest
Observe Body Language - This is a very powerful form of non-verbal communication. It is shown by the way we stand, how we place our hands or arms, make gestures and facial expressions.
By observing us children learn how to interact with others, accomplish goals, and get along in the world. We are the examples, and what many do not realize is that our non-verbal messages and actions are stronger than our verbal ones. Non-verbal communication consists of expressions, tone of voice, eye contact, and actions. The way you listen, look, move, and react tells the other person whether or not you care, if you’re being truthful, and how well you’re listening. When your nonverbal signals match up with the words you’re saying, they increase trust, clarity, and rapport. When they don’t, they generate tension, mistrust, and confusion. There are many different types of nonverbal communication. Together, the following nonverbal signals and cues communicate your interest and investment in others.
Non-verbal communication is very important and is often more important than verbal communication. This consists of eye contact, hand and body language and facial expressions.
Eye contact: Teachers who make eye contact open the flow of communication and convey interest, concern, warmth and credibility.
Facial Expression: The facial expression such as happiness, sadness, anger and fear helps a lot in conveying a message. These facial expressions are similar all over the world but non- verbal communication and behaviour varies hugely between the cultures in the world.Since the look on a person’s face is noticed , before we hear ,facial expression contributes a lot in a successfully non-verbal communication .
Communication is everywhere. We, as interactive human beings, spend the majority of our time corresponding with others to satisfy our physical, identity, social, and practical needs (Adler, Rodman, & Sevigny, 2011). Often, this is consciously done; we search our minds for the accurate linguistic means to express our experiences, and use them to communicate with those around us. However, communication is not as straightforward and effortless as we may believe. It is, in fact, often unintentional, with 65% of it occurring as a result of non-verbal cues (Matsumoto, Shibata, Seiji, Mori, & Shioe, 2010). As mentioned by Marta Dynel (2011) in a study done on nonverbal communication, “Non verbal signs and signals ... are prevalent practically in
In “Enclosed. Encyclopedic. Endured: The Mall of America,” David Guterson’s description concerning the Mall of America researches into numerous surfaces that are entrenched throughout the mall both physically and psychologically. David Guterson claims that the Mall is a psychological impact on the applicants inside. He makes this claim through his portrayals of the shopping mall’s: exterior and interior environment, the people he interviews, and the malls many titles.
Why is nonverbal communication so important? How can you tell when non-verbal communication is effective?
I began my observation in the food court, which is near the movie theatre. This is definitely a hot spot in the mall for young people. I got something to
I decided for my social observation the mall would be a good place to start. I came there on a Friday evening when there should be plenty of people to watch. I also sat in the Barnes and Noble café after that to observe. I expected to see a lot of people shopping and conversing. A few things did stand out to me within the few hours I was there. Some things I didn’t expect to see. We are expected to behave a certain way in public determined by our culture as to what is acceptable. Some people stay well within the lines while some might stray outside the norms but never too far typically. Usually the ones to travel to the extremes are adolescents and teenagers. This is what I observed.
But there is more than what meets the eye. Hypnotism at it’s finest “The mall exploits our acquisitive instincts without honoring our communal requirements, our eternal desire for discourse and intimacy, needs that until the twentieth century were traditionally met in our marketplaces but that are not met at all in giant shopping malls. “ (162) When people think of a mall the last thing that comes to mind is coming together as a community and having a festival and enjoying ones company. People have turned the mall into a place of need.
and reoriented”. (2003, P. 295). He shows how the use of these symbols creates a form of refuge for people since they feel close to nature. This offers sensual and aesthetic pleasures to mall visitor. He points out to old people who frequent malls to exercise and socialize, something they find difficult in the uncivil society they live in. James J Farrell also acknowledges that the security at malls brings a sense of self and brings about a set of social relationships. (2003). These writers bring into focus the different aspects of malls that offer a ground for people to socialize and relax and enjoy. They point out to the fact that malls are centers of entertainment for mall visitors.
The mall is commonly known as a social hub where people of all ages can go to meet friends, go shopping, enjoy a meal, or simply relax. With this in mind, it was the perfect spot to observe, record, and analysis any cultural norms. For this observational report, I conducted my observations at the Pacific Centre Mall on Saturday October 8th, 2016 from 1:30 pm to 4:30pm. Since it was a Saturday just after lunch time, I assumed it was going to be busy and crowded. When I arrived, my assumptions were correct as I saw a lot of people and it was fairly packed.
When hearing the word ‘mall’ the most common examples that will come to people’s mind are York dale, Scarborough Town Center or Vaughan Mills. They picture these huge supercenters mini- well known stores such as Garage, Le Chateau, H & M, Best Buy even Wal-Mart, etc. These places will be filled with large amounts of people shopping. Food courts with a huge line up and a mini kiosks asking people if you want to try a free sample. The way people view malls are different depending on their point of view. I hope by the end of this report to show the social significance and the effect the malls has on us.
Westminster Mall in its earlier days was a hangout scene for young adults and while it is still perfectly capable of being just that, people no longer need to go outside to be social with the advent of social media. Westminster Mall began construction and finally opened its doors in the mid-1970s. While its hasn’t always been the most popular mall compared to the likes of South Coast Plaza or modern day Cerritos Mall, it was a great place for shoppers on a budget. I frequently remember my sister, in the days of her youth, asking for rides to the mall to hang out with her friends, as if it was necessary for a proper social life. As time went on, this seemingly thriving place of social interaction started to fade more and more