Observation Eric

SPCH 250: Speech Fundamentals

Assignment 1: Observing Communication

Objective: To describe, interpret, and evaluate communication behaviors, interactions, and styles.

1. 1. Find a public place to watch and observe other people communicating for at least 30

minutes. You can observe another face to face class or watch a video (cite the link) to complete this assignment.

2. Take notice of the following details to include in your reflection:

I. Description: A. Observational details (time of day, manner of observation, number of

people/interactions observed) B. Who were the communicators (adults, children, friends, males, family

members, etc.)? C. Environmental details (campus, community, other…). Was it a noisy,

quiet, formal, or informal interaction? II. Interpretation:

A. How were they communicating (verbally, nonverbally, usage of loudness/pitch/tone, formally, informally, using other languages, etc.)?

B. What were the actions of the communicators (include specifics regarding facial expressions, touching, subtle, disruptive, etc.)?

C. Which, if any, emotions did you interpret from the communication between the speakers (enjoyment due to smiling, sadness due to tears/crying, anger due to yelling/silence, etc.)?

III. Evaluation: A. From your perspective, what were the purposes of the communication

interactions you observed (informative seeking, collaboration, social engagement, professional interactions, flirting, etc.)?

B. Overall, how would you evaluate the communication behaviors you observed? Were they effective or ineffective? Why or why not?

C. Do you utilize some of the same features in your daily communicative interactions? Why or why not?

3. Compose a typed, 1 page analysis using a 10-12 point font; don’t forget to spell check!

Be sure to compose your paper in the standard format by including an introduction, body, and conclusion. It is always prudent to compose your thoughts in a word document and then paste or attach to BB via Assignments for grading.

Grading Details: This assignment will be scored according to the following descriptors:

✔ Attempted (20+ points) – an honest attempt at doing the paper regardless of grammar, spelling and content; LATE submissions (after posted deadline)

✔ Acceptable (30 – 40+ points)– writing style, content, spelling and grammar are acceptable to convey student learning objective met

✔ Excellent (45 - 50 points) – enjoyable to read, collegiate writing style, spelling and grammar are above average.