Communication

In some of the meetings I have experienced the past few months, I have seen people grooming themselves. Checking their teeth, brushing or pinning or unpinning their hair, applying lipstick, you name it! The shift in moving to screen-based communication has led us to spend a lot more time actually looking at ourselves. In the months since the major shift, the interactions we have been engaged in have given us a mirrored view of ourselves. Although this has undoubtedly allowed for some self-consciousness, it is also quite possible for us to have an opportunity for self-awareness. Much research is available around the power of body language in communication. Oftentimes, we communicate things with our expressions unintentionally. Raised eyebrows arched in curiosity may be perceived as skepticism. A resting face with drawn down lips may erroneously communicate dissatisfaction. But the truth is that in that window where your reflection is captured, it is now possible for the participant to see themselves and make adjustments. It made me think of what we know about Johari’s Window. There is the quadrant titled Unknown to Self but Known to Others. Perhaps this new camera-dependent communication will allow us a bit more insight about how we communicate nonverbally with others. Seeing is believing, so in the spirit of the selfie, be reflective about what and how you are communicating through your computer camera.