Language in Use 83
This unit is concerned with the relationship between verbal and nonverbal means
of communication. Its aim is to explore the way in which facial expression
and bodily gesture accompany, reinforce, and sometimes even contradict, what
is being said with words.
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[1] For this session, the class should work in pairs. Each member of a pair produces a sequence of three cartoon faces: the sequences are exchanged, and then each member of the pair writes 'balloons' for the sequence in front of him. Circulate the results and discuss with the class the relationship between the expressions and the words. Single out for particular comment any example where the words are at variance with the expression.
[2] The same procedure is followed for this session, only this time the verbal messages of the 'balloons' must be at variance with the facial expression. After circulating the results, and taking a second look at the work for session [1], consider with the class what clues they used to determine what should go in the 'balloons'.
The next stage is to divide up the class into groups and ask each group to prepare a short sketch in which essential information is conveyed between two people by non-verbal means. Some groups should try a sketch in which there is a contradiction between what is said in words and what the non-verbal signals say.
[3] The aim of this session is to explore two things: the degree to
which any act of communication, face-to-face with another person, involves much
more than the words we may use., and the extent to which we rely upon a person's
non-verbal expressions and gestures to decide whether or not he really believes
what he is saying. The groups should first present their sketches.
In the ensuing discussion, the focus should be upon such points as:
(a) the relationship between words, facial expression, and bodily gestures
(b) the possible range of meanings to be conveyed by bodily gesture
(c) what can be said by the posture of the body alone.