The Reflexive Cycle

         I never really noticed how important nonverbal communication is or how often it is used. I use nonverbal cues along with everyone else, but I never noticed the kind of messages I send off to people. If I make a mistake in the way I sit, look, or stand, I could be giving someone the wrong message. The Reflexive Cycle really helped me understand nonverbal communication and how I proceed with it. 

         Starting with the first phase, which is Inventory Self, I learned to become more aware of the nonverbal cues that I give off. I tend to lower my eyebrows and squint my eyes whenever I am closely paying attention to something. Some people may think that I am confused, but I am just trying to pay close attention to what I am learning or listening to. I also learned that sometimes I also learned that sometimes I hunch my back too much or am too relax during an important event. That could send off the wrong message, maybe a message saying that I do not care, when in reality I am just sitting in a relaxed way.

         The second phase is Change Self. I learned that I need to sit up straight and look more professional in the way I sit during important events because I could be sending off the wrong message and in return have a bad outcome. When paying close attention, maybe I should relax my face more, so I do not send off a message of confusion because that can give someone the wrong idea. 

         The third phase is Inventory Others. I live with four other girls so I notice nonverbal cues all the time. I can tell that my one friend is bothered when you talk to her and she keeps and straight, uninterested face the whole time during your conversation. I notice other nonverbal cues just walking around campus. People send off nonverbal cues with the clothes they wear. People get dressed up, so I think that they must have something important to do that day. When people are dressed casually or comfortable I just think that they are just having a normal day, maybe nothing too interesting going on. 

         The fourth phase is Transact With Others. My boyfriend and I communicate all the time, whether its on the phone, face to face, or through text messaging. Sometimes when I am talking to him, he will be looking at his phone or at the television. That gives me the cue that maybe he is uninterested in our conversation. It is something that I should talk to him about because he may be sending off the wrong message. He may just be watching the television, but also paying attention to what I am saying, because he does respond to me. 

         The fifth and final phase is Reflect, Asses, and Re-Inventory Self. This phase is the conclusion to all phases. It is thinking about our nonverbal cues and the messages they send off and trying to understand them and change them if needed. I have learned that I need to pay more attention to the nonverbal cues that I give off and also the other's nonverbal cues around me. It can really help you understand a message that someone may or may not want to send.