When asked to break six communication rules I normally follow, I knew I could not go too over the top because I would not be able to remain serious throughout the encounter. I decided to keep it simple and disregard minor rules which would create a reaction, but not anything that would make me laugh and “break character.” The three nonverbal rules I chose to manipulate were sitting in an elevator, greeting every person who walked passed me in a grocery store with a wave or high five (no verbal communication), and making direct eye contact with as many people as possible as they walked by me in a Target. It was obvious that people were surprised to see me sitting on the floor of an elevator as they shuffled their way in. Most people tried to
