The following scenario will enhance your ability to understand and apply competent nonverbal communication. As you watch the first video, recall what you’ve learned about appropriateness, effectiveness, and ethics, and then complete the Your Turn prompts. Finally, watch the Take Two! video to explore how this scenario could have gone differently.
1. The Problem
Erika is Skyping with Danielle, her long-distance friend. Erika has recently started dating a new romantic partner, Amy, and she is excited to tell Danielle about her new relationship.
2. Your Turn
Observations. Reflect on how Erika and Danielle communicated in this scenario by answering the following questions:
- Which character do you identify with more in this situation? How would you feel if you were in their situation?
- Where were the missed opportunities to practice competent communication?
Discussion. In class or with a partner, share your thoughts about the interaction between Erika and Danielle and work to answer the following questions:
- Can you understand both perspectives?
- What could Danielle and Erika have done differently?
3. Take Two!
What if things had gone differently? Watch the Take Two! video to see one possible example of how the conversation might have gone if Danielle and/or Erika had communicated differently. As you watch the video, consider where the dialog reflects communication competence. After watching the video, answer the questions below:
- Did Danielle and/or Erika take advantage of opportunities that they missed in the first scenario? Which ones?
- Did their different actions result in a more productive encounter? Please explain.