Introduction
The more important interpersonal communication in the film occurred between the main character and a minor character. It was the interaction of Newman and the professional photographer. In the major chunk of the film it was Newman who kept on giving encouragement to the people that he met.
He validated them through his positive words of affirmation. But he did not experience the same validation. It was during that critical moment when the photographer changed his perspective. The director of the film entitled “Validation” wanted to communicate the eternal truth that if people say something nice it will be accepted by others but when it is said with the added wisdom of an experienced man, it can change the lives of the person who was the recipient of the said words.
The movie was about the need to draw out the best from people. The good things about people may be plain for others to see and yet these things need to be made obvious through the use of words, specifically interpersonal communication. In the dialogue between the professional photographer and Newman, the photographer saw something that was not obvious to Newman.
Reference
In this particular case the film is not purely art in the sense that it mirrored or reflected reality. The truthfulness in the movie can be appreciated if one will compare it to daily occurrence in every day life. Take for example the case of an excellent teacher who is passionate not only to teach his students but also to show them that there is something in them that needs to be cultivated, so that they can accomplish their goals in life.
In a study made on the effect of praising children, the proponent of the said study asserted that “Praising and encouragement can lead to inherent feelings of self-pride and self-confidence” (Loh, 2002, p.1). Newman gained self-confidence when he was told about his talent.
Even scientists believe that words can have an impact on the molecular level and therefore significant affect the human body (Spadaro, 2005). It is therefore important not only to focus on the technique of interpersonal communication but also on the actual words that is said by the speaker.
Silence
Due to possible constraints the director of the film focused only on one sector of the community. There was simply no time to cover everything and therefore the film focused on affluent areas of the city such as the parking area wherein people with cars interact with each other.
On the second part of the film the location was in the Universal Studios. There were tourists there and affluent members of society as well. But there was a need to use the same technique of interpersonal communication on the homeless and the marginalized sector of society. There was also no scene wherein someone totally rejected the kindness offered by Newman.
Conclusion
There is something amazing that is within each person. But these things are sometimes hidden. Even the person with the said talent may be oblivious to the fact that he or she posses a particular skill or a feel for a certain ability. In order for people to be activated or released to their full potential there is a need for another human being to interact with another human being in a positive manner.
References
Loh, A. (2002). The power of praising and encouragement. Web.
Spadaro, P. (2005). The body’s symphony of sound and vibration. Web.