For my event, I choose Jessica William’s tour “And for more we turn to…Jessica Williams.” Jessica Williams is a correspondent for “The Daily Show” as well as an independent comedian. Her speaking engagement was hosted right here on American University’s campus, in Bender Arena. She spoke on “topics such as race and women’s rights and her time at The Daily Show.” The first place where I began to notice nonverbal communication was in the invitation to the event. At the top of the Facebook event was the cover photo, a large banner that typically includes event details and a photo of the speaker. Usually these types of banners are colorful and bright, an attempt to quickly draw invitees in. However, the cover photo for William’s event was almost
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The majority of William’s comedy centered on her experiences as Black woman. She talked about her childhood, and how growing up in a Black Christian family deeply impacted who she would become. She talked about how when she got her callback for “The Daily Show” she needed a suit. Williams wanted to go to J Crew, her mom told her “We ain’t got J Crew money, we going to TJ Maxx!” Therein lies another component of the nonverbal communication at William’s event. She was authentic. Where other speakers might have dressed and spoken formally, attempting to impress faulty and the university, Williams wore a polka dot dress and a jean jacket. She presented herself as she does daily, a normal person who has worked her ass off to get where she is. In doing this it is clear that Williams knew her audience – college students.
By dressing in a day-to-day outfit Williams was able to reduce some of the noise many of us typically experience when we see a speaker – we don’t relate to them. Their fancy attire and air of accomplishment makes us think “I’m not on their level.” Due to this stereotype, we are less likely to understand what they’re saying. Williams was able to break through that noise by dressing like an “everyday”
The majority of William’s comedy centered on her experiences as Black woman. She talked about her childhood, and how growing up in a Black Christian family deeply impacted who she would become. She talked about how when she got her callback for “The Daily Show” she needed a suit. Williams wanted to go to J Crew, her mom told her “We ain’t got J Crew money, we going to TJ Maxx!” Therein lies another component of the nonverbal communication at William’s event. She was authentic. Where other speakers might have dressed and spoken formally, attempting to impress faulty and the university, Williams wore a polka dot dress and a jean jacket. She presented herself as she does daily, a normal person who has worked her ass off to get where she is. In doing this it is clear that Williams knew her audience – college students.
By dressing in a day-to-day outfit Williams was able to reduce some of the noise many of us typically experience when we see a speaker – we don’t relate to them. Their fancy attire and air of accomplishment makes us think “I’m not on their level.” Due to this stereotype, we are less likely to understand what they’re saying. Williams was able to break through that noise by dressing like an “everyday”