Sunday, November 16, 2008

Chap 10 & Messaris Questions

Questions – Ch. 10, Messaris

1. What was a critical issue observed between Obama and McCain during their first television debate that dealt with direct eye gaze behavioral tendencies? Messaris states on pg. 23, that by appearing to look the viewer squarely in the eyes, the politician may also appear to be an aboveboard, nothing to hide kind of person. It was clear from the beginning, that Barrack Obama made an extraordinary effort to look John McCain directly in the eyes when discussing opposing issues. It became uncomfortable after many questions when John McCain did not respond with any eye contact with his fellow debater, Obama. This issue was raised by those attending the event and by those of us that waited for John McCain to glance to the right from time to time. This may have been a turning point in the McCain campaign that did not go unnoticed. The media played on it and despite McCain’s intentions, it did not prove in his favor that night.
2. What is another plus to surrealism and visual metaphor ad campaigns that Messaris did not indicate? After reading the text, I found it very interesting the effect that this type of advertising can have on a consumer. An example is the man with the Saab as his forehead. This type of ad immediately captures my interest because of the nonsensical impossibility of the picture. However, everyone loves a puzzle. And for me, this is a type of puzzle. The consumer must try and solve the puzzle by connecting to something that is oddly unusual, and we ask ourselves “What does that really mean?” I believe in a few seconds, we have already come to some conclusion before we read the subtitles below the picture. This type of advertising can become a “game” as well as a clever mode to catch our attention.
3. Messaris states of sexual appearance that can be used to attract the opposite sex. (pg. 48) What is a perfect example of this concept as it relates to what we experience at a typical Seattle Mall? He states “women’s responses to physically attractive male models to not appear to differ notably from men’s responses to females. In recent years, some advertisers seem to have made a deliberate point of emphasizing women’s sexual interest in men’s looks”. Abercrombie and Fitch. Larger than life posters of half naked young men that are fit and fiercely adorning Abercrombie apparel. Young girls and older women seem to slow significantly when approaching this store. The pictures are a big draw. What a marketing concept. If it looks that good on him, think what it’ll look like on my boyfriend? The reality is, of course, that nobody will look that good as it appears on the walls. So just buy the jeans and take home the images, because the bags are also adorned with the pictures. It is an advertising dream to have the consumer walk the mall with a bag that catches the eye of most the women shopping. Then, the bag goes home and continues to advertise until it ends up in the trash. The last to see it – the garbage collector.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Week 8 Questions

Chapter 8

1. Pg. 188 - Will the quality of your interpersonal interactions in a group forum task affect your job performance and their evaluations? This is a critical aspect of team interactions with regard to an individuals interpersonal communication techniques. It is thought that an individual will base his past positive performances and outcomes in a group setting on continued success while being a participant in a group forum. This is especially true in a college setting where we are frequently asked to participate in group projects. It is our positive and open attitude that will best be accepted by all members of the group. It is crucial that we earn the respect and trust of other group members in order to be an active and supportive participant. By including the individuals in your persuasive input, we make the decisions and outcomes a cumulative effort. Thus, creating a successful and positive outcome.

2. Pg. 203 - Are gender differences notable in the communication behaviors that develop in our life? "Women speak and hear a language of connection; men speak and hear a language of status". This statement may have been true twenty or thirty years ago, but it does not support the gender differences displayed in today's world. The recent campaigns both here in Washington State and the United States are a prime example of my point. Women have successfully entered an even playing field with men. A language of connection crosses from one gender to another in an equal and convincing manner. Status is no longer a gender statement, as the success of women has risen to an amazing and competitively equal arena in the area of politics, business, religion and personal identification. Clearly the behaviors of both genders is relavent to the situation and conditions of the communication setting.

3. Pg. 221 - Is there solid indication that an interview process is indirectly a type of sale? The interview process is "an interactional communication process between two parties, at least one of whom has a predetermined and serious purpose". In a recent situation, I was asked to participate in an interview with a prospective landlord. It was in my best interest to present myself in a positive and impressive manner, so that my goal could be achieved - to rent a property. The essential elements of a good interview are to support my application with examples of evidence of my likelihood of being a responsible and good renter. A good persuasive interview will begin by establishing a good rapport with the person asking the questions. In a situation such as this one, a general protrayal of trust and motivation are essential to reach a positive outcome. In other words, sell you self. In closing, a brief summary of the conditions of the interview and the decision met should be discussed. Define your expectations and that of the landlord in a brief and logical manner. Maintained a relaxed and confident manner. Also, provide information that may be persuasive in the event of competition. End the interview in a polite and professional manner. Then, write the check.