Understanding Body Language

Some will say that what is most important in communication is not what you say, but the nonverbal aspects of communication. 

Should you choose to learn more about nonverbal communication this week, please complete the following:

• Read this article that touches on some aspects of body language.
• Please choose 4 of the aspects of body language discussed in this article and describe in detail how to interpret these nonverbals.

If you are interested, there is an interesting Ted Talk video related to body language and how it shapes you, as opposed to how we interpret body language in others.  Here is the description of the video:

"Body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy shows how “power posing” -- standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident -- can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success."

Google Glass and Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction.  Recent technology has provided a potential breakthrough in treating autism spectrum disorder through facilitating more social communication.

Should you choose to complete this assignment for course credit, please do the following:

• Read this article.  Please also browse through the facts of the autism spectrum disorder slideshow at the bottom of the article.
• What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? 
• (Please note that with the release of the DSM 5 this past summer, the field transitioned from a categorical approach to a dimensional (spectrum) approach.  Therefore, it isn't called autistic disorder anymore as it has been replaced with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Additionally, we no longer refer to the higher functioning form of Autism as Aspberger's Disease...it has been lumped with Autism Spectrum Disorder, which is broken down into levels depending on the severity of symptoms.)
• Summarize the article.  Be sure to include how the new technology can help treat ASD.  It wouldn't hurt to throw in some of the facts from the slideshow at this point!
• What are your thoughts?

When referring to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, please do not called them "autistic."  In other words, when you are writing, don't say something like, "Autistic children show deficits in communication." Rather, please substitute with "Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder show deficits in communication." Use person-first language when describing anyone who has a mental illness, please!

Are One-Sided Conversations Distracting?

Do you ever find yourself getting irritated and distracted by people around you having a telephone conversation, but not when two people are physically together conversing a table away?  If so, the following article may help you understand why.

Should you choose to learn more about the distraction of one-sided conversations, please complete the following:

• Read this article.
• Summarize the article.
• According to the authors, why are one-sided conversations, opposed to two-sided conversations, so distracting?
• Have you ever experienced this?  Maybe in the MUC, at the library, riding in car, etc.?  In other words, do you buy into the idea set forth by the authors?

It's Your Choice! (Week 8)

There is quite a bit of interesting stuff in the interpersonal communication chapter and I had a hard time narrowing down topics for this week's blog postings.  

If you choose to complete this assignment for course credit, you can choose any topic in the chapter and do a little searching of your own that is catered to your interest.  You can post a video, news article (with or without a research component), etc. and tell me how it relates to the chapter.  Be creative!  Please include a link to your article/video/etc.