Question

The scenario:

Sean and Jonah are both 20 year old 2nd year students at EWU. They both still live with their parents, 5 houses down from one another in Cheney Washington. They are and have been best friends sense Jona moved to the block in second grade. Sean’s Grandmother has just passed away and the scene takes place at Sean’s family home where they are celebrating his Grandmothers life with a wake. Sean is sitting on the foot of his bed with his door about half open.

Sean: he is slouched over gazing into his coffee cup clutched by both hands, he glances up and notices Jonah at the door then returns to his gaze. “I don't know what to think Jonah, I loved my Grandma. She was always such a bright ray of sunshine in my life. I just feel overwhelmed… I was to young when my Grandpa passed away to remember how I felt. I just feel lost Jonah.”

Jonah: Jonah leans against the door frame, looking at Sean with a soft face and voice. “Man, Sean I’m sorry. Your Grandma truly was a wonderful woman.”

Sean: looking at Jonah with tears in his eyes and a cracking voice. “Thanks Jonah, that means a lot to me. I know she loved you and thought of you as family too. Do you remember that time we went….

Jonah: Excitedly interrupts Sean, smiling. “Hey man did you by chance get those tickets to the game for Jake and I?”

Sean: Making eye contact with Jonah, and showing a confused face. “Wait what are you talking about Jonah? My Grandmother is gone man…”

Jonah: _________________________________________________

Created by: Cody Beaver & Thomas Ghezzi

Discussion Guidelines:

So here's what you are to do. Read and enjoy the different presented scenarios while you search for the scenario you want to respond to:

1. Respond to a scenario by telling us the actual verbal and nonverbal message you will use.

For example, "(1) I will nod my head and look compassionately at Fred and say, 'Yes, if I understand you correctly you're saying that not only do you really disagree with what your boss said but you're angry that he even said it to you."

2. Then label exactly what your utterance was and why it is accurately labeled.

For example, "(2) This is a paraphrase because it is verifying information without using Fred's own words and while including both the emotion and the content of the message."

3. Tell us why you think this is one of the better responses to have chosen as your response.

For example, "(3) I think Fred needed confirmation that I was listening and understanding him at that point in the conversation. I also think that a non-evaluative paraphrase might let him know that I'm ready to hear him tell me more -- to encourage him to keep speaking."

4. THE FINAL TASK -- Respond to one of your colleague's responses and note an additional concept from your readings s/he did with their response but was not mentioned in their analysis. This can be a wonderful thing they did or it could be a "be careful" this could be interpreted negatively type of issue. Be sure you appropriately label the concept, define the concept, and explain how you see it being used in their response.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU NEED TO NUMBER YOUR RESPONSES SO I KNOW EXACTLY WHICH OF YOUR RESPONSES YOU ARE CLAIMING TO HAVE FULFILLED WHICH PART OF THE ASSIGNMENT. For an example of this, note that in each example above I have used the number of the step in the assignment that I am referring to.

Answer 1

1. I'll sit close to Sean and listen to him patiently by looking at him and will respond appropriately (related to the event he would mention) when needed. I'll add my own experience with her grandmother, for example, how she prepared soup for me when I was sick and how loving she has always been.

2. The utterance was of connected speech because it will help Sean feel that Jonah is talking about the same emotional memories and she too was really attached with the grandmother and as a result, Sean would feel slightly relaxed and Jonah would be able to console him without being too direct.

3. Sean wanted someone close to listen to him so that he can share his best memories of his grandmother. Jonah's response would encourage to share more and with that Sean will get emotionally stable and Jonah's good experience with grandmother would make him realise she too valued her a lot which in result help Sean to stabilise.