Journal #4

I thought this week's readings were more interesting than most. I usually have an "aha" moment almost every week during my assignments. I've said this before, I never took to thought that nonverbal communication was more than just hand gestures and sign language. One particular "aha" moment was in the beginning of the powerpoint where it stated that a simple wave can also be non verbal communication and us engaging in social norms. Learning that social norms are unwritten rules that we tend to follow because it helps govern our society made total sense. I personally feel that we can also connect that with us being socially polite which also links to what was stated in our reading, that social norms are influenced by our backgrounds, cultures, and locations.
I also learned about the nonverbals of my hands, face, eyes, and mouth. I was really interested in the hands, face, and the eyes. The hands can help tell a story and our hand gestures allow us to understand the thoughts and feelings of others. I usually use my hands when I talk. Since being in this class, I've taken note, that most people I've observed, use their hands to help tell their story. The facial expressions help reveal what the brain is processing or feeling. My sister is the worst person when it comes to hiding what she is feeling because her face tells it for her. I can totally tell what she is feeling or thinking by just reading her facial expressions, it is so funny. Last, I learned about the types of eye behavior and what action it is associated with. For example, looking askance, meaning that you tilt your head, look the other way or role your eyes if you have a suspicion of whom you're talking with. I've done that quite a lot throughout my life time.