Observations of Communication

For this week’s blog post, I chose to casually observe others in church for thirty minutes while taking mental note of the forms of communication taking place.

When I arrived at church, my first encounter with communication was when one of the volunteers greeted my friend and me by opening the door, smiling, and welcoming us inside. Although I had never spoken to this person before, my first impression led me to believe that she was very friendly, kind, and inviting. Once we sat down in our seats, we saw that the large projector at the front of the church had an attention note asking anyone in the congregation who was a Eucharistic Minister to come forward to the sacristy before Mass began because they were in need of additional help. The St. Thomas More Newman Center buzzed with the voices of families and friends catching up on what they had missed out on in each other’s lives within the last week. As people continued to arrive and the seats filled more and more, I noticed the latecomers gesturing at open spots near the middle politely asking those at the ends of the rows to let them pass.

The priest started Mass by requesting that everyone introduce themselves to their neighbors. I turned to those around me, smiled, shook their hands, and told them my name. In fact, I actually discovered that I recognized the two girls in the row behind me from being in the same nursing classes together. While shaking hands with others, I found that those whose voices were loud and clear and made strong eye contact communicated to me that they were confident and very engaged in our interaction.

Throughout Mass I observed numerous changes in nonverbal communication and body language. Many bowed their heads in reverence voluntarily and when prompted during special prayers and blessings. Others lifted their arms offering up their worries and sins yet still showing

signs of vulnerability and acceptance. Various types of technology were utilized for communication during the Mass. The priest wore a microphone so that the entire congregation could hear him preach. Additionally, there were many microphones in front of the choir and band as they sang and played the worship music. The music director had the lyrics posted on the projector allowing those gathered to join in. Also, announcements were posted on the screen during the end of Mass so that all of us could follow along as the priest described upcoming events in the Newman Center during the next couple weeks.

When the final song ended at the conclusion of the Mass, those present all joined in applause celebrating and showing appreciation. People kneeled as they exited their seats and headed out of the church again showing a sign of respect. My friend and I shook hands with the priest on our way out as he wished us a good week ahead. We then waited to cross the street back to campus until one car gently beeped then waved at us urging to go ahead.