Nonverbal Observation Essay Example
NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
INTRODUCTION
On September 12, 2008, I observed two people; Person A and Person B. The observation took place at Applebee’s, a local restaurant, beginning at 7:21 p.m. and ending observation at 8:06 p.m. I was serving their table for the evening, enabling myself to observe them closely. The restaurant had died down from the dinner rush, leaving them one of three tables in the smoking section, normally filled with eight. Along with the outside light fading, the lighting indoors was dim, making the dining experience feel more quiet and intimate. The background noise was filled with a light roar of other group’s conversations, and a jazz station played quietly from the speakers overhead.
OBSERVATION OF PERSON A
Person A was a male around the age of 24. He was tall and thin with a short dark haircut and brown eyes. The first nonverbal observation I made of Person A was the way he was dressed. He had on a blue-collared, button-down shirt and a pair of dark jeans. His clothing was coordinated with a pair of brown suede shoes. I think he took time to put this outfit together. Another nonverbal observation I made was his smell. As soon as I approached the table, I caught a subtle whiff of male cologne. The smell, however, was not overbearing.
The next few observations involve his interactions with Person B. Person A was consistently reaching across the table and holding Person B’s hand. Whenever possible, he was touching Person B in some way—whether holding her hand or rubbing her arm. Another observation was his use of personal space. Upon walking to the table, Person A had his arm around Person B and was holding Person B close. There was no personal space needed for Person A in this instance. A fourth observation is the eye movement. He would hold deep and prolonged eye contact with Person B whenever he was talking to her, or vice versa. As an observer, I could tell Person A was deeply involved in the conversation at all
INTRODUCTION
On September 12, 2008, I observed two people; Person A and Person B. The observation took place at Applebee’s, a local restaurant, beginning at 7:21 p.m. and ending observation at 8:06 p.m. I was serving their table for the evening, enabling myself to observe them closely. The restaurant had died down from the dinner rush, leaving them one of three tables in the smoking section, normally filled with eight. Along with the outside light fading, the lighting indoors was dim, making the dining experience feel more quiet and intimate. The background noise was filled with a light roar of other group’s conversations, and a jazz station played quietly from the speakers overhead.
OBSERVATION OF PERSON A
Person A was a male around the age of 24. He was tall and thin with a short dark haircut and brown eyes. The first nonverbal observation I made of Person A was the way he was dressed. He had on a blue-collared, button-down shirt and a pair of dark jeans. His clothing was coordinated with a pair of brown suede shoes. I think he took time to put this outfit together. Another nonverbal observation I made was his smell. As soon as I approached the table, I caught a subtle whiff of male cologne. The smell, however, was not overbearing.
The next few observations involve his interactions with Person B. Person A was consistently reaching across the table and holding Person B’s hand. Whenever possible, he was touching Person B in some way—whether holding her hand or rubbing her arm. Another observation was his use of personal space. Upon walking to the table, Person A had his arm around Person B and was holding Person B close. There was no personal space needed for Person A in this instance. A fourth observation is the eye movement. He would hold deep and prolonged eye contact with Person B whenever he was talking to her, or vice versa. As an observer, I could tell Person A was deeply involved in the conversation at all