The Unspoken Language

Non Verbal Communication happens all the time. We read it everyday, and display it ourselves as often as we actually communicate verbally. Advertisements and Campaigns almost always weave this silent language into their commercials as people can relate easily to them. Take this Korean commercial for example:

For most of the clip the boxer does not even have to say anything to illustrate his emotions- the first being pain, and the latter relief. He is demonstrating what rhetoricans call 'Kinesics' - body language. Kinesics is able to transcend nationalities or any form of verbal language barriers. I might not know Korean but I can read meanings behind the boxer's facial expressions or body movements simply because I use them myself. The aim of this commercial goes a step further though. Instead of merely communicating to viewers what the boxer is going through, advertisers want viewers to purchase their product. Hence the powerful cause and effect display of "pasting plasters equals one being able to smile as widely as the boxer". Furthermore, the commercial uses a protagonist people would look up too. A fighter who is strong and undaunted. This is applying the concept of "Objectics or Artifacts" - using personal identity to influence the mass. This is possible because people tend to follow those held in higher regard. Hence there is a high chance the public will want to imitate the boxer's use of medicated plasters if they ever had a back ache.

Lets look at another example that utilises body language to aid its campaign:

This example is a little more idiot proof in the sense that it informs viewers directly what types of non verbal communication to look out for in a Terrorist:

Shifty eyes.

Agitated behavior.

A big black bag supposedly carrying a bomb.

Honestly, why can't the producers show something a little less predictable? Perhaps a pink 'Dora the Explora' bag for the bomb carrier, and a sweet innocent young boy with bambi eyes as the terrorist? Anyone can be a terrorist. And I do not think someone serious about this job will go about it that obviously. Anyhow, this video represents most accurately an example of a stereotyped threat. And we can see how the passengers' suspicions are raised based on the would be terrorist's non verbal messeges. His shifty eyes that alert the public demonstrate the use of Oculesics - study of non verbal meaning associated with the eyes. They dart around amplifying insecure behavior which rubs off on the observant lady. Kinesics also come into play again when the terrorist tries desperately to go unnoticed but this in turn backfires. Finally there is the big black bag, an environmental object that has association with terror and misfortune.

Non verbal communication is an important tool used by campaigners and advertisers because we as viewers are familiar users of it. However they tend to portray a slanted view of the unspoken language and we must be vigilant to that. Not every professional fighter might make the right decisions, and most certainly not every terrorist will be male and wear a cap.

So we have seen body languages of the painful, the joyful, and the suspicious. Now lets hear about body languages of the attractive, by Jesse McCartney feat. T Pain.

UH OH....

Well, the video does not include the discussion as promised by Rick (the CNN presenter), so I will fill in with my own thoughts.

The reason why this video grabbed public attention, was simply because we all have this common perception of an ideal President, and Barack Obama defied that perception in less than 10 seconds. Some people felt it was refreshing that finally a President has a backbone, but some might feel Obama’s comment was sloppy and improper coming from a leader. I stand with the latter group. Let us decipher exactly our cognitive processors that enabled us to be stunned by Obama’s insult.

In society we all have shared social understandings, and embedded in us is a cognitive schemata, or mental framework of how Presidents or Leaders should behave. This is known as Person Prototypes, idealized representations of certain kind of people. We might even subconsciously possess templates for how a President should speak, with scripts excluding the word “jackass” from any politician’s vocabulary. We form this knowledge due to past experiences of great leaders and how they conducted themselves.

However, such prototypes often generalize, and we may end up forming stereotyped views of Obama, criticizing him for lacking an image we have created. We also fail to realize that in the past, media excess was not as advanced as compared to modern times, and as such perhaps inappropriate behavior by past leaders were not publicized. Currently, anything can be recorded, and in a push of a button distributed to the whole world. That is the power of our media now. Obama had used the media to his advantage during campaigns, but its efficiency can backfire as seen in this video example.

Thank goodness though, that it was Obama, a black man, who aimed his insult at another black person. I can imagine if a white President had condemned Kayne, there would be media uproar on concerns regarding racism. Whether or not race is an issue, people tend to judge and interpret information based on appearances.

Another explanation why Obama’s criticism of Kayne sparked our interest was because of emotional proximity. We find ourselves identifying with celebrities or entertainers like Kayne more even if we have absolutely nada association with them. There are always so many citizens involved in debate over celebrity matters as they would normally contribute insight on country reforms.

My basis for thinking Obama’s comment was unprofessional and inappropriate, is because Presidents are role models and they have a lot of influence over people. After his remark, impressionable children might think insulting others is okay now. While we are all free to express our opinions, I think that damaging comments should still be discouraged. Obama thought this way as well, which explains why he requested for this clip to be cut (unfortunately his demand was ignored).

Watching this video, we must remember to apply mindful processing in evaluating information we get. We must be aware of how our perceptions might influence our sense of things and people. Obama probably meant his 'insult' as a casual response in an informal context and we should be wary not to jump to conclusions.

Here is a seperate clip showing how perception shapes our view of the world around us, and how that view might not be what it seems.

Naked Cowboy Drops Mayor Bid - I am not surprised

We know the Americans are famous for embracing the spirit of pioneering. And an underwear clad cowboy running for Mayor is yet another example of an American pushing boundary lines. Although near nakedness is Robert Burck's busker identity, I am still shocked at his lack of dressing while campaigning to be Mayor of New York. Running for Mayor seems to be too significant an event for so little clothes. Also, the fashion for political runners leans towards the conventional suit and tie.

Unfortunately, while his campaign lasted this poor cowboy did not realize he had to dress smartly. Robert Burck in all his naked glory does not give a convincing enough statement that he is serious about becoming Mayor of New York. I am guessing that even if he continues in his campaign, the public will not vote for him, maybe except cowboy lovers. So why do politicians need to look prim and proper? Dressing is a form of non verbal communication after all, and the image one creates does have a lot of impact on ethos. Looking at Robert Burck’s contending outfit alone, I cannot say I trust him to run a city. I sure do not want any leader of mine governing me in briefs.

Robert Burck’s dressing does some more harm to his campaign. Unknown to him his brilliantly white underwear steals most of the attention away from his stands on campaign ideals and policy. It definitely contributes to the ‘noise’ that prevents the public from hearing him out.

Nevertheless, we should at least give him some merit for being so bold and different. Some positive pointers from his campaign:
1) By using the guitar for campaigns he was seeking common ground with the masses. Music is considered a universal language and Robert Burck might have been setting the stage for better interaction with the public.
2) His dressing supports his slogan “Nobody has done more with less”, or rather the slogan supports his getup.
3) Nowadays Western youths are very open minded and Robert Burck might be trying to appeal to that.

It would be difficult though if Robert Burck wanted to campaign for Mayor again and succeed. While I’m glad he has realized the importance of dressing seriously, any effort to create a new image might be futile, with such a wild past image embedded in the minds of the people. Once a message has been sent, it cannot be erased, and people will probably remember him as the naked cowboy who sang through his campaigns.

Of course, this would only be a problem if Robert Burck’s ambition is to become a Mayor. He could have other motives and campaigning might just be a tool to promote himself and gain publicity.

I am not surprised that Robert Burck has pulled the plug on his Mayor bid. Since classical times rhetoric was the major influence in politics and Robert Burck's dressing alone already does not seem to be persuading the public to support and vote him for mayor. If I had one piece of advice for Cowboy, it would be to bear in mind his campaign is completely receiver oriented. Before he does, says, or wears anything at all, he should think of how the people will interpret and judge his actions.

News Link:
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/World/Story/STIStory_426170.html

Candidate’s Website:
http://www.nakedcowboy.com/