The video “The Politics of Sociology” can be regarded as a good example of various techniques used in diverse group communication. The group can be regarded as diverse since there were people of different age and different ethnicity. Notably, ethnicity did not influence the communication whereas age affected communication to some extent. It is possible to note that this kind of diversity hindered the effectiveness of communication. Though, it is also necessary to stress that the participants’ age cannot be regarded as the crucial factor. It should also be pointed out that the communication was not effective as the participants were not ready to listen to each other and this was the major problem.
One of the communication methods that could have been used to facilitate the communication was active listening. The participants often interrupted each other. Basically, no one could reveal his/her idea properly as each speaker was interrupted by another one. However, the participants should have focused on the arguments provided by the others. Thus, the participants could have taken into account different viewpoints and could have discussed advantages and shortcomings of each solution. Remarkably, one of the participants tried to make the group start being active listeners, and start effective discussion instead of arguing. This had a short effect as the argument started over again.
Therefore, one more effective technique for the group could have been a strict guidance. Thus, there should have been the head of the group and a specific agenda. Each participant could have had specific time to provide some solution and verify its effectiveness. The discussion could have started when all the participants revealed their ideas. This could have helped the group achieve effective communication and come up with specific solution on the issue discussed.
The next video to be discussed is the video “Planning a Playground” which is a good illustration of effective use of nonverbal communication. The two members of the group were strangers (new to this group). The members introduced themselves and this was when first nonverbal communication forms were used. First, the participants shook hands, which was the sign of respect and conformity to basic conventions and polite patterns. The members of the group smiled and laughed, which revealed positive attitudes and readiness to cooperate.
During the communication the members of the group resorted to various gestures. They encouraged each other to reveal their ideas. They smiled, nodded and clapped on the shoulders one another. The members of the group set eye contact as well. The participants of the discussion also leaned, which was the sign of interest.
As far as other nonverbal communication techniques to be used, it is possible to mention proper use of voice. For instance, one of the members, who was new to the group, spoke in a small voice. This was a sign of lack of confidence. Of course, the woman was new to the group. However, she should have expressed her ideas in a more persuasive manner. For instance, she could have spoken louder. The young man (also new to the group) was more confident. He also encouraged the less confident woman.
Facial expressions also play an important role in communication. Thus, the facial expressions of the two members of the group revealed their disagreement. This was rather discouraging. Thus, these members could have reveal interest in viewpoints provided. Of course, it is important to point out that some solution is not effective. Thus, the group members should have simply noted why some solutions were ineffective rather than revealing their disagreement on their faces.
The third video to be discussed is the video “Helping Annie”. This video illustrates effective and ineffective listening techniques. Thus, one of the group members revealed interest in the other participant’s report. She set eye-contact and nodded to reveal interest and agreement. The woman asked questions to learn more details. All these verbal and nonverbal techniques contributed to effective communication.
One more participant of the communication revealed his impatience and often interrupted the women. He stressed that he did not have time. He did not set eye-contact. He also revealed his viewpoint without paying attention to his interlocutors’ opinions. Basically, he was only concerned with his viewpoint. Of course, this behavior leads to ineffective communication. Notably, the woman managed to end the communication in an effective and logical conclusion. It is possible to state that the woman was an active listener and managed to make the communication effective.
She tried to make the man more attentive. She tried to make him stop interrupting. However, the woman failed to do so as the man simply revealed his viewpoint. It is necessary to add that such ignorance does not persuade interlocutors to make certain decision. In fact, such behavior often has reverse effects. Thus, the man should have been more attentive. He should have been an active listener. He should have listened to the interlocutors and he should have revealed his interest. He should have used such nonverbal communication forms as gestures, body poses and eye movements. The man had to listen to his interlocutors.