I decided to pick a show of which my mother doesn’t like to be interrupted while watching. I chose Love & Marriage: Huntsville on Own Network entitled, Melody’s Special Delivery Part I. I wanted to use subtitles at the bottom of my screen because that’s the first thing that came to mind if I was unable to hear. Then I decided not to because what if I had a television that didn’t have such a feature. Although I never went shopping for a flat-screen that gives subtitles in different languages, I was certainly glad that all the televisions in my house has this feature.
During my nonverbal observation, I noticed facial expressions exhibiting sadness, disgust, anger, interest, and happiness. While watching the show with no sound there were oculesics and ambiguous signs leading to leakage cues. I labeled the main character as not being married because I didn’t see a ring on her finger. However, she is pregnant, and she may not have it on because her fingers may be swollen. The physical appearance of the main female Melody’s character looked as though she was doing a lot of wedding planning. The physical appearance of the main male character showed him having a meeting with another man. My communication accommodation theory had me presume he was assisting with the wedding planning, or either attending a class furthering his education, or in a meeting pertaining to work or employment.
The venue was beautiful, people were clapping on the day of the affair. I noticed they had everyone waiting outside the venue while they road up in a horse and carriage. Baby Holt was written behind there sitting area. The conversation of the two mothers about the couple had subtitles during their interaction saying, “I told you they were going to be fine that’s why I said just stay out of it!” Then there was silence and no subtitles followed. After the commercial break, it said, Melody’s special delivery. Nonverbal communication led me to channel discrepancy. I had no additional subtitles or other various signs for me to make out what’s happening other than cognitive language. This confirmed it was a baby shower and not a wedding, it was my first Aha moment.
During my comparison of nonverbal and verbal communication observations, I was left with the use of my cognitive language. I drew my own conclusions to what was going on by trying to remain optimistic. The language spoken throughout the entire show was with connotative meaning, “the emotional or attitudinal response people have to a word” (O'Hair et al., 2018). What I also learned is that if they have an abstraction ladder, “a model that ranks communication from specific, which ensures clarity, to general and vague” (p. 102) so that misunderstandings and physical altercations wouldn’t happen. Maybe this would be something I would consider watching. This show uses evasion tactics to lure show watchers like my Mom to tune in next week.
Certainly, my assumptions would be more accurate if this was a show in which I was familiar. I do agree with the article, A crash course in Communication when they said, “Understand that people want to feel heard more than they care about whether you agree with them. It's strange how many people complain about others not hearing them, yet they don't listen to others either!” (Walters, Fenson, 2000). To me, this is my definition of this show. The married couples need to exhibit a truth-default theory, “people to believe others without suspecting deception” (O'Hair et al., 2018). Unfortunately, this behavior was not exhibited in this television show.
My mother suggests I watch the television show from the beginning so I can get a better understanding of what’s going on. I do hope it will have a positive resolve by the end of the season.
References
O’Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D.I., & Teven, J. (2018). Real communication: An introduction (4th.ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
· Chapter 4, “Verbal Communication”
· Chapter 5, “Nonverbal Communication”
· Chapter 7, “Listening”
Walters, J., & Fenson, S. (2000). A crash course in communication. Retrieved from
I almost turned on the subtitles on the show I chose to watch. It is true that people do want to be heard when they are talking. It is interesting how we interpret conversations when we cannot hear the context and assume the context.
ReplyDeleteI'm certainly glad I wasn't the only one thinking in that manner! Being unable to communicate the way you are familiar will have you seek out other alternatives, hence subtitles.
DeleteI have only watched this show once. This I would consider a hard show to assume what the are saying or communicating without verbal communication. I think culture plays a very important part in communication and what we might interpret as happy may actually be sarcastic and hand movements and gestures and easily be misinterpreted. Which the text refer to as channel discrepancy, a situation in which one channel of communication says one thing and another have something different.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. This is why I appreciate multiple forms of communication.
DeleteHi Lewanda,
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that you wanted to turn on subtitles. I did not think about that. I was very focused on watching their facial expressions and gestures towards the other individuals on the show. I found this assignment to be very eye opening on how often we use gestures and facial expressions to express ourselves as we talk with others. I am constantly using my hands as I am talking.
Yes, many people use their hands, face and other body parts to convey the picture they're trying to express.
DeleteLewanda, my best friend loves the show Love & Marriage Huntsville. I like how you were able to pay attention to detail such as who wasn't married and the emotions of the cast. I realized I need to pay more attention when I communicate with others.
ReplyDeleteYes, I now watch this show with my Mom. It's her and I time! I guess now I am hooked with her.
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