still-life pose

Yesterday in our Field Study Preparation class, we discussed nonverbal communication in American culture. We also learned some new words. Don't know what they mean? Click on that. And be taken away.

Fancy words of the Day:  Proxemics, Kinesics  

So they gave us an assignment. The formal name of which is "Participant Observation." Basically go out to some social setting and observe gestures, mannerisms, body movement. And document it. Our Field Studies teacher Ashley taught us that a social situation requires three components. Actors, activities, and a place.

If you're interested in what I did for my assignment, please read on. If you are getting bored with this post already today, click here.

My story takes place in a cozy little building called The Great Salt Lake Guitar Co., located on Center Street in what is called downtown Provo. Neat place. Check it out. I was playing a show last night with some friends of mine, and I went with the intent to observe. Here are my findings:

• Signs of approval - If someone on stage did something the audience enjoyed, the crowd would clap their hands, sometimes even cheer or whistle. General body language of certain people also showed varying levels of interest or involvement in the show. Those sitting on the edge of their seat or standing up and responding to what was happening on stage by commenting or shouting appraisals to the performers were more invested in the performance. At certain points during the performance, the crowd would join in with clapping on beat with the music. 
• Signs of disinterest - Some members of the audience sat throughout the show more sunken in their seats, or standing with arms folded. Not always watching the performance. 
• Signs of confidence, or lack thereof - Some performers seemed more confident than others. Looking into the audience, bold or dramatic gestures showed more confidence on stage. Nervous swaying from side to side, shifting of weight and shaky hands showed lack of confidence, as well as down-cast eyes.

These all seem pretty normal. I think I could have guessed all of those forms of non-verbal communication, because I'm used to this culture and that type of setting. But it was interesting to think about. It would be even more interesting to know how body language and mannerisms would change in a similar event of a different culture.