Communications and Relationships

Blog assignment this week was to observe communication actions of characters on a T.V. program with and without sound.

Characters relationships without sound:
The show is centered on a family that is experiencing conflict. Conflict is simply an argument or negative interaction between two or more involved in some actual disagreement (O’Hair & Wiemann). Based on what I’m observing the characters are expressing anger and disappointment. At the end I think the issue may be resolved.

My assumptions were correct about the conflict, but the conflict was not directly family oriented. It was more of a community conflict. It appeared to me that perhaps the plot was based on a family’s disagreements and they were struggling to resolve the problem amongst themselves.

My assumptions would have been different if I had been familiar with the program. I knew nothing about the family or friends and their prior relationships. I also did not know the show was centered on the local fire department which was what the conflict was related too.

This week’s assignment made me think deeper about inaccurate perceptions. We often jump to conclusions about others conversations when we don’t know the characters. There are also power struggles and attitudes toward conflicts. I believe that’s why we as educators need to learn to be good listeners. Body language plays a part in communication but can be misread. Through listening we gain insights to what people are truly trying to say.

Resource
O’Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2009). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s.