Communications

Watch the following video wherein Amy Cuddy proposes that our nonverbal cues affect how people regard us as well as how we feel about ourselves.
“Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are” (20:48) https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_may_shape_who_you_are?language=en
Answer these questions about the above video in a short paragraph (at least 4-5 college level sentences):
Is what Cuddy proposes about power poses true in your experience? Give an example of why or why not.
How will this knowledge influence how you behave the next time you are in class, in a job interview, on a first date, or so on?
Next, read the following prompt and write five rules for the situation as well as identify terminology from the text that aligns with that rule.
Imagine you are teaching the rules of nonverbal communication to someone unfamiliar with your culture. Choose FIVE situations from the list below and write one rule for each about the correct way to behave nonverbally. Note: You are writing rules for what someone SHOULD do to COMMUNICATE with another person in this situation, not what might happen or etiquette rules. For instance, someone might stutter during a date due to nervousness, but stuttering is not a RULE someone should enact on a date. Or, someone should wash their hands when in the bathroom, but this is not a NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION rule, it is good hygiene).
Identify which Type of Nonverbal Communication term (Chapter 7, Section 7.3) would that rule fall? Use key terms found highlighted in blue hyperlink (ebook) or in the purple boxes (paperback book) on each page.
Example answer for a classroom situation: In a classroom, students should sit up straight in their seats, facing the instructor to communicate attention. This would be a kinesic rule because it is how students use their bodies to communicate nonverbally. Please do not use this example as one of your rules.
Situation options (Choose five):
A first date
A funeral
Receiving a gift from a friend
Riding in an elevator with a stranger
Visiting someone in the hospital
Meeting someone for the first time
Using a public restroom
Shopping in the grocery store
Eating in a restaurant
Eating family dinner at a relative’s house

ANSWER

Non-verbal Cues

Power poses indeed exist, and they all represent different feelings and events. In my experience, any time I win or make a milestone, I will throw my hands in the air and express my joy for achieving the milestone. Anyone that passes anywhere near me at that moment will understand that I have received some good news or I have achieved something significant in my life. The opposite happens when I get scolded by a parent, a friend, or a person above me. I have some experiences with being scolded by my boss for not achieving or reaching a specific goal, and the first response is to coil away from the person or look down. On the other hand, the boss’s non-verbal cues are evidence that he is scolding or mad about something. This also happens with siblings at home when they are fighting for something, and one wins. The stronger one has the power pose while the other one coils away.

This information is helpful as it will enable me to exhibit the correct nonverbal cues during specific situations. It is normal to be nervous on a first date, and if the date realizes that one is tense, the date might become awkward. To avoid this, I will smile confidently and not fidget. Smiling and looking confident could help a date move on smoothly without unnecessary awkwardness. During an interview, I will learn to practice my high-power poses to ensure that the board knows I am confident. The body can speak volumes, and therefore, I need to show my high power to the people who are about to interview me. Like Cuddy says, “Our bodies change our minds and our minds change our behaviours and our behaviours change our outcomes.” By presenting a high power pose, there are higher chances of scoring better in the interview and class.

It is integral that one uses subtle eye contact hand gestures during the first date and wears a smile. These will work well on a first date as they put both parties at ease and ensure efficient communication. How one carries themselves during a date determines whether there will be a second date or not. One must smile because a smile puts everyone at ease. It also creates a warm, welcoming environment. A funeral is a sad occasion, and during such an occasion, it is vital to express the right non-verbal cues to avoid hurting the bereaved. During a funeral, the people who are there are hurt; therefore, comforting handshakes and hugs are crucial. Eye contact and wearing the appropriate facial expression will go a long way in helping the bereaved deal with their loss.

Receiving a gift from a friend is an exciting occasion, and the non-verbal cues in this situation should include an excited hug, a smile, and eye contact. The facial expressions also communicate whether you like the gift or not, and it is crucial to have the proper expression for the occasion. When meeting a person for the first time, one should ensure they are smiling. A smile reassures the other person and brings warmth to the first meeting. It is also essential to shake their hand and maintain eye contact. Visiting a patient in a hospital can cause distress. It is necessary to try and maintain eye contact but ensure that you are not staring. Sitting when possible and leaning in shows the patient that you are engaged with them. Arms should not be crossed, and it is essential to maintain a relaxed and open posture.

References

Cuddy, A. (2012). Your body language may shape who you are. https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_may_shape_who_you_are?language=en