Unspoken Communication Exercise

As part of an exercise in the Interpersonal Communications course I was instructed to complete a nonverbal listening patterns exercise. The exercise allowed me to strengthen my appreciation for unspoken communication. Appreciation for unspoken communication can greatly enhance and supplement the meaning of what the speaker verbally expresses. Overall, the exercise took approximately two days to finish it. The following is a summary of that exercise, including a description and the procedures I used to complete it. The non-verbal exercise consisted of two separate conversations in which I was to observe what I did during both the conversations in regards to non-verbal behavior patterns such as; posture, eye contact, gestures and facial expressions. …show more content…
She stated that’s how much your order was. The man at the counter distinctly stated the price to her but she was noticeably not listening because when he was speaking, her eyes were glazed over. I asked her to find out what he said; she unwillingly went and asked him. However, after finding out what he said, she reluctantly adjusted the price. The environment was tense, stressed and edgy, but I felt positive, self-assured and confident. The clerk appeared upset and disconcerted; she evidently did not like to be challenged. Additionally, there was a subtle look of annoyance and a scowl on my face, my eye contact was direct and my posture was firm and inflexible. Moreover, my shoulders were tense, and my right hand was on my hip. Upon evaluating my nonverbal listening behavior, the conduct I displayed was not fully in accordance with what I ascertained from the program about proper communication skills. I think I came across as aggressive rather than …show more content…
To begin with; my posture in the second conversation; I described it as, firm and inflexible. I think my posture was more of a sign of dominance than assertiveness. I think the store clerk may have felt I came across as rude and overbearing. I think I need to take in to consideration the other person’s perspective. Moreover, I need to consider the context of the situation and learn to adjust my behavior accordingly. Secondly, with respect to the first conversation involving my eye contact, it is natural for me to show care and concern if I am in the presence of someone I feel comfortable with. I know if I apply this same care and concern to people I am less comfortable with, I will not come across as overbearing and not non-caring. Lastly, referring to my facial expressions in the first conversation; when I am smiling and nodding my head and demonstrating that I am actively listening, it definitely changes the tone and the mood of the situation. I need to apply this with everyone I come in contact with not just the people that I am close to. I have to be more mindful of how it makes people feel when they are being ignored and not