Gestures or Kinesics
Venture out and observe the people around you. Tune out what they are saying and then sit back and watch. Take notes on what type of gestures (emblems, regulators, illustrators, adaptors and affect displays – see further details below) are they using? How often do they use each one? Are they aware of these gestures? You will then use your notes to write a typed two-page essay describing what you witnessed. Please let us know where you were (for example the mall, Starbucks, work etc.) and who was involved (for example two men sitting at a table). Describe at least ten separate gestures and answer the following prompts (in essay format, NOT in bullet-points!) What type of gesture was used? What are the gestures conveying? How many repetitions did the speakers use? Did the speaker seem aware of the gestures? How did the other person react? What are the circumstances? At least two pages typed– MINIMUM of 675 words Double spaced Paragraphs, not bullets Include nonverbal terminology Specific examples from your observations KINESICS: the study of body motion or body behavior. Emblems: gestures that have a direct verbal translation and can stand alone such as the ok sign. Illustrators: gestures that complement our words such as pointing when giving directions. Regulators: gestures that may prolong or terminate the conversation such as looking at your watch, walking away or nodding and leaning forward. Adaptors: gestures that make you feel more comfortable in a communication situation such as twirling your hair or tapping your fingers. Affect Displays: facial expressions motivated by emotion such as a smile or frown.
