Proxemics is explained as the study of how we use space to communicate with one another (Gass & Seiter, 2007). The way we communicate is important, as well as the space that we create in order for that communication to be done in a successful matter. If you stand too close to someone during a conversation, or are in their personal space, it is obvious that the communication will turn awkward and uncomfortable. The text explains a method of using an "invisible boundary" during conversation. This invisible boundary can be larger or small depending on your relationships with the people you are communicating with. An example of proxemics that I remember is when I was at work. I work at a restaurant, so it's inevitable that I am constantly communicating with each and every one of my customers. There was one time when my customer came up to me regarding a free desert for his girlfriend. Not only did he intrude my personal space by walking over to the server station (an area that is blocked off for customers), but what he didn't know was that I could smell the garlic edamame he had just eaten (I would know, I ordered it for them!). It was incredibly awkward when he came up to my face to discuss what he wanted and what time he wanted me to bring out the special cake. This made our conversation extremely awkward because his face was extremely close to mine (probably to be secretive and whisper so his girlfriend wouldn't hear) and the fact that he was in an area of the restaurant he wasn't supposed to be in. Regardless of his garlic breath that made the situation even more awkward, but the space he didn't give me made me extremely uncomfortable. I think all of us have been in situations where we don't want to continue a conversation because we don't want the other person to continue speaking. Even though I felt bad for the guy, I don't think it was his breath that really bothered me. It was more of the personal space that he invaded that caused me to end the conversation as soon as possible.
Chronemics is explained as the study of the use of time that western cultures oriented towards clock-based time as an organizing principle in the work world (Dobkin & Pace, 2006). In western culture, they believed that all time is money which is completely understandable in today's culture as well. Many people should know that all of our time is valuable and because we all have different schedules, group work is hard to do because not all of us live the same lifestyles as each other. This quote from the text put chronemics in a more understandable way "Promptness is important but is also negotiable" (105, Sherblom). This quote explains the importance of time, yet, it can be worked around. An example of this is when your interacting in group work. If someone doesn't show up to a scheduled meeting or doesn't meet his/her obligations, they create negative outcomes. They waste the rest of the members' time just because he/she decided not to show up. This has happened multiple times when I was placed into group projects here at SJSU. There's always that one person who doesn't show up because they can't accommodate to our schedules. However, what this person may not realize is that we all had to bend over backwards in some kind of way in order to make our availabilities match. These types of individuals who aren't willing to pull in their own share of work is what makes a group's process fail. In order for a group's communication to be successful, time orientation must be present and respected within all members from the group.
Hi, Hope!
ReplyDeleteI think your perspective of this topic as a restaurant employee is really interesting! I'm not sure about the value of personal space around the world, but as your example demonstrates, it is a huge part of communication in western culture. I think we've all been in situations where someone is standing too close for comfort when they are talking to us, and it can definitely impact the way we receive a message. Just like the third principle of nonverbal communication says, our culture has assigned a negative connotation to close proximity and invasion of personal space.
And I like the quote you gave about time being important and negotiable. I think when people show that they are willing to rearrange their schedules and manage time for the betterment of the group, that shows the group that you care and it communicates commitment to the group.
Cheers!
Thank you for sharing. I see the you grasped the understanding of Proxemics and Chronemics. I loved how you mentioned about the invisible boundary, and it plays a role in proximity. I agree that proximity does have something to do with the level comfortably and and effective communication. The example you shared about the customer invading your personal space was a great, and I could really relate to it, because I use to be a waitress as well. You also did very well in explaining chronemics. I agree with your remarks on promptness and the importance of time. In the real world time is money and if you aren't on time there are always consequences. I feel you did a great job on you blog. You explained the concepts well and gave great examples. Thank you again for sharing and great job!
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