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A Case Study in Non-Verbal Communication
The Meeting:
Vanessa has worked as a market analyst for Widgets Inc. for six months; this morning she’s scheduled to present a proposal for a new marketing strategy to her supervisor, Rod Zoeller. Although the work atmosphere at Widgets Ins. is fairly informal, today Vanessa has replaced her usual office attire of slacks, casual jacket and penny loafers with a navy pinstripe suit, crisp white blouse, and moderately high-heeled shoes.
As Vanessa waits out Mr. Zoeller’s office ,she clutches her briefcase in her lap ,her hands gripping the handle tightly. She takes several deep breaths as she mentally rehearses the points she plans to make in her meeting .Rod opens his office door and sticks his head out . “Vanessa,you can come in now.” Vanessa stands quickly, nearly dropping her briefcase, and teeters for just a second as she adjusts her balance .She swallows, takes a deep breath, and walks purposefully to Rod’s Office. Rod extends his hand and say’s, Hope you haven’t been waiting too long out there .I had a couple of fires to put out, but I think things are okay now.” Vanessa grips his hand loosely in hers, conscious that her palms are perspiring.
Rod says, “Have a seat, Vanessa.” Vanessa sits and places her briefcase on the floor beside the chair. Rod remains standing only a foot away from Vanessa, directly in front of her. He crosses his arms. Vanessa shifts in the chair ,crosses her legs ,uncrosses them ,tugs at the collar of her blouse to pull it away from neck ,looks up at the Rod, then looks down at the edge of the desk.
“ You said you had an idea you wanted to run by me ? Rod inclines his head forward slightly.
“I think I’ve come up with a new strategy that will really boost Widget Sales,Mr .Zoeller.” She looks him in the eye now. “ That’s what I want to talk to you about .” Vanessa picks up the briefcase ,places it flat on the desk in front of her and snaps open the latch .She pulls out a folder
The Meeting:
Vanessa has worked as a market analyst for Widgets Inc. for six months; this morning she’s scheduled to present a proposal for a new marketing strategy to her supervisor, Rod Zoeller. Although the work atmosphere at Widgets Ins. is fairly informal, today Vanessa has replaced her usual office attire of slacks, casual jacket and penny loafers with a navy pinstripe suit, crisp white blouse, and moderately high-heeled shoes.
As Vanessa waits out Mr. Zoeller’s office ,she clutches her briefcase in her lap ,her hands gripping the handle tightly. She takes several deep breaths as she mentally rehearses the points she plans to make in her meeting .Rod opens his office door and sticks his head out . “Vanessa,you can come in now.” Vanessa stands quickly, nearly dropping her briefcase, and teeters for just a second as she adjusts her balance .She swallows, takes a deep breath, and walks purposefully to Rod’s Office. Rod extends his hand and say’s, Hope you haven’t been waiting too long out there .I had a couple of fires to put out, but I think things are okay now.” Vanessa grips his hand loosely in hers, conscious that her palms are perspiring.
Rod says, “Have a seat, Vanessa.” Vanessa sits and places her briefcase on the floor beside the chair. Rod remains standing only a foot away from Vanessa, directly in front of her. He crosses his arms. Vanessa shifts in the chair ,crosses her legs ,uncrosses them ,tugs at the collar of her blouse to pull it away from neck ,looks up at the Rod, then looks down at the edge of the desk.
“ You said you had an idea you wanted to run by me ? Rod inclines his head forward slightly.
“I think I’ve come up with a new strategy that will really boost Widget Sales,Mr .Zoeller.” She looks him in the eye now. “ That’s what I want to talk to you about .” Vanessa picks up the briefcase ,places it flat on the desk in front of her and snaps open the latch .She pulls out a folder