Nonverbal communication

For this assignment, I watched a television show with the sound turned off:

T.V. Show:  Whitney

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

It was evident that the main characters were a couple based on the fact that the episode began with them in their bed.  However, there was very little physical interaction between them throughout the episode.  They do often exchange flirty looks and smiles.

Another couple was constantly holding hands, getting each other things, and exchanging kisses.

There were two characters, a male and a female, who are not involved romantically with any of the other characters.  The female appeared angry and mopy throughout the episode, while the male up beat and happy.

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

The main characters along with the single female appeared irritated with the others often.  This conclusion is based on their nonverbal communication; body language, facial expressions, posture. 

The other couple appears happy and carefree, as does the single male.

Next I watched the same 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?

I assumed that three of the main characters were somewhat crabby, sarcastic, and unhappy.  The other three characters seemed much happier and carefree.  As it turned out, only the single female was actually unhappy, the others just joked sarcastically and teased each other.

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

Knowing the actual characters by watching this show more regularly would have allowed me to understand the dynamics of the characters and their relationships without needing to make assumptions based on body language and facial expressions.

Watching this show made me realize that sarcasm and teasing can be misconstrued by others as unhappiness or just plain rudeness.  As a person who is often very sarcastic, this is important for me to know and realize.  Others do not always see or understand sarcasm in the playful nature that it is intended.