Question

Students are to observe two or more adults unknown to the observer. The student must not be able to hear the subjects being observed and those being observed must not be wearing a uniform of any kind as this would provide information about their occupation to the observer. Students must describe the environment and the people being observed, i.e., age, gender, dress, etc. Discuss the nonverbal communication, i.e. eye contact, body position and any other nonverbal behavior. Provide your interpretation of the relationship between those being observed. Be very discrete and do not have a conversation with those being observed. minimum 400 words and if you could provide academic articles references 2.

Answer 1

Communication is one of the most important part of the relationship between individuals. Communication can be verbal as well as non-verbal and non-verbal communication plays a significant role in communicating the hidden meanings and gestures between two individuals.

For the given case, I was observing a group of employees working in the office space. Based on what I could understand, their boss was not in office and was on leave and they were having a very enjoyable time, laughing, sharing incidents and jokes talking to each other. They exhibited a very relaxed posture which was evident by the loudness of their discussion and laughter. I have seen working religiously whenever the boss was in office. Few of things I observed was that while the boss was around, they were keeping to themselves and kept an low profile and while boss was not in office they seem to come out and be themselves.

The body language also suggested a very close relationship between them and it has been gradually developing amongst them over the period they have been together. There were no leaders in discussion, everyone contributed a part and discussed various things. But they were all discussing some funny incidents which made everyone burst out into laughter. There was one person who was trying to tell them to keep calm and laugh silently since others are noticing but he too joined the laughter after some time. Apart from them, everyone in the office aisle were working on their respective areas and were not interfering with their discussion. No one asked them to keep the sound low either. They were let to enjoy the moment. The group stood facing each other in a circle around a workstation and this meant everyone could see each other while they were talking. The facial expressions also lightened up various times indicating they were enjoying the hilarious discussion and the period they got when their boss was not in office. All of them were clothed in business formals and as the talk progressed few removed their jackets and ties and rolled up the sleeves. This shows another level of comfort they had received and the ability to be themselves in front of the ones they know well. One person was touching his glasses multiple times and made some suggestions that his glasses had some problems. Other members took this opportunity to make fun of his face without the glasses too.

To summarize, the people I were observing were enjoying a really good and rare moment in the office environment due to absence of boss and without even hearing their words it was quite evident for all the members and staff in the workplace.