Communitcation (The office)

(Volume turned off)

• What do you think the characters' relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating?

The characters seem to have a very professional relationship. The boss seems very active in communicating with his staff and being present to lean a helping hand. With no volume I noticed the boss fired his secretary and laughed after she left the room. I found that to inappropriate and somewhat insensitive. The office  was very cluttered and unorganized. Co-worker to co-worker relationship seemed to be very relaxed some co-workers very having a private meeting whispering and laughing. Two co-workers I noticed were flirting with each other.  

• What are they feeling and expressing based on the nonverbal behavior you are observing?

The boss seems to enjoy being at work, I noticed him laughing several times throughout the day. I observed on several occasions employees seemed very uneasy when conversing with their boss. (O'Hiar 2015) states that nonverbal communication encompasses a variety of actions, such as gestures, tone of voice, and eye behavior, as well as aspects of physical appearance.

(Volume turned on)

• What assumptions did you make about the characters and plot based on the ways in which you interpreted the communication you observed?

Once I was able to view the show with the volume on it was clear I made assumptions regarding the characters. The boss clearly does not take his job very serious. He makes inappropriate jokes, and allows his employees to act inappropriate as well.

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• Would your assumptions have been more correct if you had been watching a show you know well?

Yes, I do believe my assumptions would have been more correct if I had been watching a show I was familiar with. When watching a show I am familiar with I can make assumptions based on the characters personality regardless of hearing of whether the volume was on or not.




This experience has been one to remember. I am amazed at all you can assume based on nonverbal behavior. I had assume so much while watching this show that I became excited once it was time for me to watch it with the volume on. My "aha" moment was when I was watching The Office with the volume on. I realized that although I was looking at the show at first, and could figure out some of what was going on, I did not get the full picture because I could not hear what was being said. The assignment resonates with me because being in the education field things can often look one way and be another. Being a child advocate it is my job to seek the whole truth and evaluate all situations from more than one point of view.


O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J. (2015).Real communication (3rd. ed).New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.