Non-Verbal Communication (Week 2)

     For this week's assignment we were instructed to watch a television show that we were not familiar with while the volume was turned down to see what we could learn about the show, based on the non-verbal communication taking place.  I chose a show I had never watched called "Psych".  From what I could gather without the volume, this show is about a man, possibly a police officer, and his partner (I am assuming) and I think they were trying to solve a crime.  The two men were working with police officers who looked and acted more like police officers but they did not always look happy with the two men.  I got the feeling that they were tolerant of the men, but they did not necessarily enjoy their presence.  At one point in this episode, one of the men's parents were involved (I assume they were his parents based on the greeting they gave each other).  This show moved quickly from scene to scene and was not very entertaining to watch without the volume up.
     About halfway through the show, I turned the volume up and it seemed like I was basically right about most of my assumptions.  There was a lot of dialogue during the second half of the show and even though they did not introduce themselves, I am pretty sure most of my assumptions were correct.  I do believe that there are shows that O watch on a regular basis that I could probably know what is happening with no volume, based on the watching the characters.  I think being familiar with a person makes that person's body language familiar so much so that you do not need to hear what they are saying.
     A good example of this is how familiar I am with my own children's body language.  I can tell from across a playground, without hearing a word, if they are having a problem with each other or with another kid, just by their body language.  At the same time, I can know if they have made a friend or are tired or bored.  They are my kids and I make it my job to know what they want, even when they may not know it yet.
    I think what this assignment has taught me is that the non-verbal messages we send are equally important, in regards to communication, as the verbal messages.  Actually, I was having a conversation today with someone while I was trying to watch my kids at a pool and I was so aware that I was not giving my full attention to the conversation that I actually felt bad.  I would have never even thought of it had it not been for this class.  I would have considered it multitasking, not as being rude!  I am amazed at how my perception has changed in only two weeks.  I can't wait to see where I am six more from now.  I can't wait to see where we all are!!