First Impressions
Assignment Requirements 1. Observe three (3) strangers.
2. Make specific notes – be as thorough as possible – about their nonverbal behaviors. a. Note appearance (looks, clothes, tattoos, piercings, etc.). b. Note posture, facial expressions, eye contact. c. Note voice (if heard). d. Note the use of space. e. Note time (do they rush or are they leisurely?).
3. Write down your initial impression of this person based on the above information (this is a judgment statement). Would you engage with this person normally? Why or why not?
4. Investigate why you formed this impression.
5. Explain why you believe your impression is inaccurate or accurate.
What you will do:
1. You will type all of your notes into one document.
2. You will type an outline (1 page, bulleted).
3. You will present your impressions of three people to the class. You must identify all of the relevant elements in your presentation – and you must explain your initial impressions (honestly) – and what you thought that confirmed or disproved your impressions. 4. You must speak for a minimum of 3 minutes (with a maximum of 5 minutes). Anything over or under will result in a 25% grade reduction of the total point value. So practice it once and time yourself! Grading: The assignment is worth a total of 40 points. – 20 points will come from the written element. – 20 points will come from the spoken element. – Late work will not be accepted on this assignment. A missed presentation is a missed
