Intentionality. I have never seen it as a word like that,
but I think it’s a very important concept. There are many errors in
communication that occur because someone’s body language contradicted what they
were saying. It is vital how we interpret things because not all actions are
intentional. I squint my eyes all the time because I wear contacts; I also
blink more because I wear contacts. This is normal for me, but someone else
might think otherwise. Someone else might interpret it as me looking at them in
a questionable way or that I am nervous for some reason. It made me laugh
reading this because I was watching Sherlock Holmes the week before this
chapter reading. We all do things subconsciously that may be indicators of our
personality. I was reminded of the scene with Watson and his fiancé… He was
going on about the things she was wearing and not wearing. All these things told
him a little bit about who she was. The fact that he could tell the jewelry was
borrowed because of the ink mark on her ear… If only we could all interpret as
deep as Mr. Holmes can, but then again we may not have many friends if we all
did that.
Body Language can be so interesting to sit back and observe. As someone who subconsciously pays attention to such behaviors, these subtle cues communicate a great of information about the person. Of course, like you stated, we cant always draw conclusions or make judgements of these people, because everyone is unique and behave in their own individual ways. Sometimes I occasionally encounter errors in my discernment of behavior that can have devastating consequences for a relationship. Despite this, I still find there are A LOT of universal patterns that people exhibit when it comes to body lingo. Sometimes I wish I didn't intuitively understand behavior so well because it reveals things about people that I would be better off not knowing. I guess it can still be a handy resource to utilize when trying to understand others and their intention or indirect messages.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you very much that intentionality is very important in communication. When referencing body language as well as to properly convey your message. Your body language can definitely convey a different message than the words that you’re using. I can also imagine that understanding body language is imperative when communicating amongst members of different communities or nationalities. The message that you’re intending to convey can be easily lost when you’re intention is unclear. If the individuals involved in the communication have different intentions why the communication is happening, then how productive can it be? Will the message be interpreted poorly, or will the receiver of the message become lost?
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more that body language can be perceived in many different ways, and definitely not always they way we intend to convey ourselves. I too squint a lot because of contacts and don’t always walk around with a smile on my face. I am shy when first meeting people so usually don’t speak unless spoken to. Through the years I have learned that I am perceived as stuck up, thinking that I am better than others or that I am arrogant. This could not be further than the truth. I now try and make eye contact with people and smile and I have noticed I get a much different reaction than I used to.
ReplyDeleteIntentionality is definitely a new word for me, also. I could so recall that scene with Watson and his girlfriend, and it brought a smile to my face reading your post. On a more academic note, I agree that non-verbal language can sometimes be misread. I think of individuals who I often observe with their arms folded across them. While this may appear as sending a message of they're not listening when someone speaks to them, or that they are closed off to the message; upon closer and longer observation, I have interpreted it that they are insecure and self-conscious, thus folding their arms gives them a (false) sense of security and safety. This is not to say, there are not people who in anger fold their arms intentionally to send the message they do not like what is being said, and/or that they are not going to receive the sender’s message.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way, many of our actions or reactions are unintentional. From my personal experience, when I am tired I sometimes say things I don’t mean. Later when I get my rest and remember what I said, I am thinking what in the world came over me? But like you said there are situations and circumstances where you have to be very intentional. I am thinking another situation where you have to be more intentional is with kids. Especially if it is when you are trying to disciple them or teach them a valuable lesson. I don’t think it is possible to always act and say things strictly intentionally. By the way, which Sherlock Homes movie were you watching? :)
ReplyDelete@Barbara- I fold my arms all the time at work- but its because they keep the thermostat very cold!
ReplyDelete@Julie- The first one, I actually haven't seen the second one.