Interpersonal Communication and Movies Research Paper

Interpersonal Communication and Movies - Research Paper Example In some interpersonal dealings, communication may develop complications due to a host of factors such as in the movie â€Å"A Few Good Men†. This paper shall attempt to dissect the elements of verbal communication especially in taking orders from a superior, the value of truth and honesty and gender differences in military work depicted in the movie. Lefebvre (2008) advises that when speaking, one must also be aware of body language and tone and inflection of voice. She notes that different ideas may be conveyed by simply emphasizing different parts of the statement. Being an active listener helps one understand the message being relayed to him. As the listener, one should hold his response until the speaker is done, and keenly observe nonverbal cues expressed. It must always be remembered that communication is a give and take process. One must learn to wait his turn to be the speaker and the listener (Lefebvre, 2008). This is especially important in courtrooms where cases are tried in order to find the truth, and if ever there is a crime proven, that the perpetrator should be punished and the victim be served the justice they deserve. This has been manifested in the movie â€Å"A Few Good Men† which showed several courtroom scenes in analyzing an alleged misdemeanor by two marines that eventually killed another marine within the confines of the marine base. The court scenes were played very well, giving each party a chance to express him or herself while on trial. However, there are times when both speaker and listener talk at the same time, trying to prove their point and talk over each other. Richmond & McCroskey (2005) contend that interpersonal communication in organizations can either go horizontally, or across co-workers who are considered equals in terms of position in the organization, and vertically, indicating a hierarchy in position that either goes upward towards higher management or downward, towards rank and file. Downward communica tion from management to the employees usually involves job instruction, rationale, ideology, information and feedback. This is most common in the military, where messages are often given as orders from someone from a higher position and is expected to be followed. In the movie, the two marines who allegedly killed a colleague were presumed to be doing so under orders from their superiors. Job instruction includes directions mandated by management such as direct orders, written memos, workshops on how to do the job, and so on. An example is how a marine should behave when there is an officer approaching. Rationale is the rationalization or explanation of a duty or assignment and how it is compatible with what the personnel are already doing. An example of this is explaining why one is posted in an area during his shift. Ideology is the philosophy of the organization that managers expect their employees to share. If they do believe in the same views, then communication would flow much easier within the organization. An example is that in the military, obeying orders from superiors is a must. Information is concerned with acquainting people with general knowledge that they need to know, such as regulations, changes in benefits, and general policies. Feedback is the superior's way of giving his subordinates information about how they are doing. This is usually expressed as praise, recognition,