Question 3: What nonverbal communication did each person use that was likely to create more tension or conflict? (20pt)
While they both used other nonverbal behaviors that also increased the tension, Gary’s and Brooke’s vocal tone and vocal volume were the most common nonverbal aspects of their communication that increased the tension and conflict.
Along with their words, their vocal tone seemed to increase the tension between Gary and Brooke. For example, towards the very beginning of the movie, Gary’s disdain for Brooke’s plan to create a twelve-lemon centerpiece comes through in his tone of voice. Gary asks, “So no one’s actually eating them? They’re just show lemons?” Brooke’s frustration with Gary also comes through in her tone of voice. …show more content…
The textbook suggests that “disconfirming messages” can cause conflicts to escalate (p.353). “One attack leads to another until a skirmish escalates into a full-fledged battle” (p. 353). This seems to be exactly what happens between Gary and Brooke when they argue. However, their tone of voice and volume serve to further emphasize their “disconfirming messages”, which further fuels the conflict.
Question 4: Select two examples of each character and write out how they could have communicated more effectively (write what they could have said instead of what they did). (30pt)
Gary - Example 1:
After they’ve finished family dinner, Gary and Brooke get into an argument that starts when Brooke asks Gary to help her with the dishes and Gary refuses because he wants to play a video game. They both respond angrily, and the conflict only escalates further. However, Gary could have communicated his needs and feelings in a much more effective …show more content…
(He pauses). I’d also like to talk about what happened this morning. Can we talk about it now?
Brooke: Okay.
Gary: This morning, I awoke to the sounds of your brother’s acapella group practicing in your bedroom. I’m not sure how they ended up practicing here. Did you invite them over or did you’re brother assume he could practice here? How did they end up practicing here?
Brooke: (She says very calmly) All I know is the Tone Rangers, they needed a place to rehearse. So, I very clearly told Richard, “Stay in my room”, which you explained to me was my space to do with what I want.
Gary: (He says calmly and sincerely) Last night, we talked about how much I dislike listening to your brother sing. Then, I wake up to find them practicing here. I think you invited them here because you knew it would irritate me, which makes me feel angry and hurt. Now I don’t want to share what I think with you because I feel like what I say will be used against me. I’d like to find a way for us both to be content living here until we can both agree on what to do with this condo. I’ve told you how I’m feeling and what I want, but I’d like to hear what you want to
While they both used other nonverbal behaviors that also increased the tension, Gary’s and Brooke’s vocal tone and vocal volume were the most common nonverbal aspects of their communication that increased the tension and conflict.
Along with their words, their vocal tone seemed to increase the tension between Gary and Brooke. For example, towards the very beginning of the movie, Gary’s disdain for Brooke’s plan to create a twelve-lemon centerpiece comes through in his tone of voice. Gary asks, “So no one’s actually eating them? They’re just show lemons?” Brooke’s frustration with Gary also comes through in her tone of voice. …show more content…
The textbook suggests that “disconfirming messages” can cause conflicts to escalate (p.353). “One attack leads to another until a skirmish escalates into a full-fledged battle” (p. 353). This seems to be exactly what happens between Gary and Brooke when they argue. However, their tone of voice and volume serve to further emphasize their “disconfirming messages”, which further fuels the conflict.
Question 4: Select two examples of each character and write out how they could have communicated more effectively (write what they could have said instead of what they did). (30pt)
Gary - Example 1:
After they’ve finished family dinner, Gary and Brooke get into an argument that starts when Brooke asks Gary to help her with the dishes and Gary refuses because he wants to play a video game. They both respond angrily, and the conflict only escalates further. However, Gary could have communicated his needs and feelings in a much more effective …show more content…
(He pauses). I’d also like to talk about what happened this morning. Can we talk about it now?
Brooke: Okay.
Gary: This morning, I awoke to the sounds of your brother’s acapella group practicing in your bedroom. I’m not sure how they ended up practicing here. Did you invite them over or did you’re brother assume he could practice here? How did they end up practicing here?
Brooke: (She says very calmly) All I know is the Tone Rangers, they needed a place to rehearse. So, I very clearly told Richard, “Stay in my room”, which you explained to me was my space to do with what I want.
Gary: (He says calmly and sincerely) Last night, we talked about how much I dislike listening to your brother sing. Then, I wake up to find them practicing here. I think you invited them here because you knew it would irritate me, which makes me feel angry and hurt. Now I don’t want to share what I think with you because I feel like what I say will be used against me. I’d like to find a way for us both to be content living here until we can both agree on what to do with this condo. I’ve told you how I’m feeling and what I want, but I’d like to hear what you want to