Introduction

The element of communication consists a multiplicand of elements considering that almost every sector considers it as an elementary factor. In fact, the same has been experienced in the context of the film development. The objective of communication is to ensure that information is passed in such a manner that decoding is easy and that the expected outcome is realized. There are different approaches of communication which the verbal and non-verbal communication. According to Pease et.al (2004), a variety of research material concedes that words are often used in the process of conveying information. However, the use of body language is used in the context of negotiating. Quite often, intensive use of verbal communication is said not to yield the expected outcome. As such, it becomes necessary and sufficient to review the alternative mode of communication and even determine the arguments postulated by scholars, as well as, the use of the media to influence the process of sending a message. It is worth remembering that actions are a means of communication. However, one difference that it has with the verbal communication is that the recipients of the information have to interpret it.

Thesis Statement

The purpose of the research is to conduct in-depth research on the use of body language or non-verbal communication. That involves evaluating the level of effectiveness of the non-verbal communication in different avenues of communication such as the films. Non-verbal communication or the use of body language in any avenue is characterized as being a very valuable or resourceful mode of passing information. The aspect of it being valuable is influenced by the fact that the messages communicated through body language can express a variety of things without having to use words in the process. Instead, the messages contain feelings, thoughts and even expectations of the communicator.

A Review of the Literature

The use of body language or non-verbal communication is a frequently researched issue. Different arguments have been stipulated regarding the subject matter. Some of these studies indicate that the use of body language or the non-verbal communication serves a wide variety of purposes in as far as successful passing information is concerned. Alternative sources indicate that the use of verbal communication could be effective but fails to heed the intended purpose following poor interpretations by those who are expected to decode the information. That calls for the need to conduct a review of different works of literature and other artworks including films with the objective of determining the magnitude of effectiveness that is affiliated with non-verbal communication.

Pease et.al (2004) provides that non-verbal communication is considered as a communication means that demonstrates the condition of the mind. A perfect example that is provided is that a movement of the hand could serve the purpose of revealing some thoughts that are transpiring in the brain. For instance, in the case scenario when a woman whose belly is fat attempts to pull the dress downwards on frequent attempts make sure she is covered. Gamble et.al (2013) shows further understanding of non-verbal communication arguing that it comprises of the actions that human beings do constitute sounds, smell, use of objects and even mere physical appearance. As such, it becomes easy to read someone’s mind through his or her non-verbal cues. Usually, it is often hard to have conscious control of these body languages such as facial expressions, gestures and even eye movements. Gamble et.al (2013) continues to argue that body language may be used to complement the verbal messages hence influencing better understanding. According to research, a similar inference is acquired from the scholarly work by Butland (2012).

Vis-à-vis the use of non-verbal communication as the potential mode of communication, a series of research has been conducted to determine the functions it serves. One renowned body language research named Albert Mehrabian in the year 1950s established that people often use the vocal messages at 38 percent of the very time that they use 55 percent non-verbal. Not unless there is prior preparation to use the non-verbal communication, the highest feasibility is that people will always not be aware when they use body language. That brings in the earlier discussed argument that through non-verbal communication that people’s real state of mind is determined.    

Quite often, people make use of the body language to express displeasures to others without having to express themselves in words. Through the non-verbal communication, emotions are expressed and can be easily established as opposed to any attempt to communicate through words (Non-verbal cues send strong messages, 2012). For instance, the exhibition of a scowl on one’s face indicates that one is unhappy. However, tense muscles and clenched fists show a great extent of displeasure. These are some amongst the different aspects where non-verbal cues are used or apply. Remember, it is assumed that most body languages are not controlled, but automate regarding the experiences that one faces.

A Review of the Non-Verbal Cues Present In Films

Upon identifying the different scholarly arguments associated with how non-verbal communication transpires and its predominant uses, it becomes necessary to present a practical avenue. Through this, it becomes easy to understand how body language functions. In this case, an evaluation of two films “Super Bad” and “I Am Legend.” Has been conducted

In the context of the film ‘I Am Legend,’ it is one amongst the most thrilling vampire films. In a bid to ascertain a better level of surety, it is imperative to understand that the film in question is very horrific (Beilik, 2007). The interesting thing here is that the fact that the film’s horror features are influenced by understanding the tones and appearance. After undertaking complex analysis regarding body language or non-verbal languages, it is clear that non-verbal cues does not only include the facial or even fist clumping but also involves aspects such as tones and appearances. For instance, the case of this film, the first element of communication is the appearance of the vampires (I Am Legend, 2007). The vampires are characterized to be both ugly and horrific. Accordingly, neither these creatures nor any other character will have to explain that these creatures are not friendly. One scary physical feature is that of the vampire traits that are highly allergic to light. The film is rated to be a Parental Guidance -13, a somber tone and even a rabid demeanor of the zombies, a feature that is likely to be frightening.

Accordingly, from an analytical perspective, it is clear that the film embraces the role of body language to a realistic level in a bid to foster excellent communication. Ideally, the fact that the tone and the physical appearance of these creatures immediately communicate that they are unfriendly. The reaction by the humans for every reason must have demonstrated an aspect of fear especially in the case where these zombies meet with the people. From an individualized perspective, these features help in creating an environment that the movie developer would have hoped to achieve.

On a different account, the film ‘Superbad’ also demonstrates absolute non-verbal communication. Ideally, the film is rated as a teen comedy (Superbad, 2017). First, the comedy provides a wide array of avenues where emotion is expressed particularly by the use of their faces or even hands. The protagonists in the film manage to create humor not only through the words that they use while communicating but also through the body language. The players in the film exhibit their features in as far as they are under the influence of marijuana and even cocaine. These are some of the features that make it possible for the movie to become highly rated to such an extent that it can be compared to American Pie. Quite often, the characters in the film tend to steeple the hands, an element that is used to demonstrate composure. On a different avenue, there is the case of mumbling by one character named Cera. Despite the fact that she does not finds it funny, the audition laughs and expresses pleasure with the idea provided.

Synthesis of the Research and Practical Implications

There is an optimal level of coherence between the practical scenarios provided and the provisions provided in the scholarly information documented in the research. The central idea is that body language, or non-verbal communication is not influenced. Instead, it emerges naturally to such an extent that one just expresses what the mind is processing. For instance, in the first scenario affiliated with the “I Am Legend,” it is clear that the appearance and even the sounds play a central role in communicating. The zombies or the vampires tend to use their ugly faces which scare off a score of people in the society. Also, the sounds made are not also fierce to such an extent that the audience relates the different tones and the impact they could have. However, in most cases, such a form of research would be subjected to future exploration to determine better results. For instance, it would be imperative to evaluate the alternative ideas and arguments that are likely to suffice now that it has been confirmed that they are excellent.

Conclusion

It is indisputable to argue that from a theoretical and even practical perspective, the non-verbal communication is very essential in fostering effective communication. As stipulated in the research, non-verbal communication or the use of body language in any avenue is characterized as being a very valuable or resourceful mode of passing information. The aspect of it being valuable is influenced by the fact that the messages communicated through body language can express a variety of things without having to use words in the process. The kinds of messages exemplified by body language contain feelings, thoughts and other unprecedented outcomes from the communicator. In light of the magnitude in which non-verbal communication has been evaluated and established in two alternative films, it is clear that inclusion of body language influences an escalated and effective level of understanding of what exactly one intends to say. It is also imperative to note that there is still room for a further understanding of the body language form of communication. Ideally, that provides an avenue for a better relationship between non-verbal communications and their functions.

References

Beilik, A. (2007, July 14). ‘I Am Legend’: Apocalypse Now in Manhattan | Animation World Network. Retrieved from http://www.awn.com/vfxworld/i-am-legend-apocalypse-now-manhattan

Silent treatment: Non-verbal cues send strong messages | Film Journal International. (2012, April). Retrieved from http://www.filmjournal.com/content/silent-treatment-non-verbal-cues-send-strong-messages

Watch Full movie I Am Legend (2007) Online Free | ffilms.org. (2017). Retrieved from http://ffilms.org/i-am-legend-2007/

Watch Superbad online for free on Movie Online. (2017). Retrieved from https://movieonline.io/movies/superbad-akv.html

Gamble, T. K., & Gamble, M. W. (2013). Interpersonal communication: Building connections together. Sage Publications.

Pouladi, M. A., Stanek, L. M., Xie, Y., Franciosi, S., Southwell, A. L., Deng, Y., … & Hayden, M. R. (2012). Marked differences in neurochemistry and aggregates despite similar behavioural and neuropathological features of Huntington disease in the full-length BACHD and YAC128 mice. Human molecular genetics, dds037.

Pease, A., & Pease, B. (2004). Why men don’t listen and women can’t read maps: How we’re different and what to do about it. Harmony.

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