I chose to view The Big Bang Theory episode, “The Prestidigitation Approximation”. With the sound off, I observed the non-verbal communication more easily than I did with the sound on. In the opening scene, a male and a female character were cuddling in bed. The male character’s expressions were noticeably more tentative than the female character’s expressions. The male character squinted his eyes and smiled tightly. His body postures and movements were also tentative. The female character was very self-assured. Her body seemed relaxed and her facial expressions confident. The female character’s movements were more deliberate and punctuated than the movements of the male character.
When I watched the same segment with the sound turned on, I learned that my observations were pretty spot on. The male character, Leonard, is a nerdy, tentative person. Leonard’s speech sputters like the engine of a motor boat. He is not the dominant person in the relationship. The female character, Pria, is very self-assured, intelligent and suave. She speaks smoothly, evenly and with confidence. Leonard feels unworthy of Pria. Pria manipulates Leonard’s feelings to get him to do her bidding.
I think that the reason that the non-verbal and verbal cues were consistent is due to the quality of the cast’s acting.
Hi Careyann, You make an interesting comment about language getting in the way. The program I watched was not my first choice. Some areas came up in my last course that I knew very little about so I bought a DVD series on that topic. It was way to graphic for my little eyes. With the language I would not have been so put off I think. I only gave it about 2 minutes. I will try again someday. I do love the play of words and I think I am more prone to hear them first. Interesting assignment, yes! Thanks, Bobbie
ReplyDeleteCareyann,
ReplyDeleteI've never watched this program, but I have heard reference to Leonard's character a time or two. Your description of watching with the sound off made me think that Leonard was at first playing on the stereotypical male role that he had slept over and was now trying to think of a way to get out of there, and that the woman was oblivious to that. When you explained that after watching with the sound on that it was just that the man was awkward and the woman was confident, it certainly changed my view. Its weird how even the descriptions of what we see and then tying it together with what we hear, can even change perceptions and inferences. Thanks for your insights.
Careyann,
ReplyDeleteGreat choice in a program to watch; one of my favorites! I agree that the quality of their acting is what made it easy for you to correctly interpret their relationship. I feel that some of the most effective communicators are those whose body language matches their words and tone. Great perceptions!
Raina
Raina
You made interesting key points in regards to interpreting what someone is saying verbally and nonverbally. However, what channel does this come on, what is geared about?
ReplyDelete