Using The Information From The Week 4 Lecture You Will Analy

Using The Information From The Week 4 Lecture You Will Analize The Fi

Using the information from the Week 4 lecture, you will analyze the film 12 Angry Men and its characters from a communications perspective. You must watch the film in its entirety, take notes, and answer the specific questions posted in the Week 5 Discussion Board forum. The film is available for rent, and you should focus on the plot and characters, paying attention to group communication methods, respect, professionalism, and the goal of the jury. The setting, although in a jury room in 1957, provides insights into effective and ineffective communication within group environments. The film depicts strangers working together with common purpose, illustrating communication dynamics applicable in professional and group settings.

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The film "12 Angry Men" revolves around a jury deliberating the guilt or innocence of a young man accused of murder. The plot concerns a seemingly straightforward case that becomes an intense exploration of jury deliberation, prejudice, and the process of arriving at a verdict. The primary goal of the jury is to determine whether the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, based on the evidence presented during the trial. Throughout the film, the jurors' communication styles, biases, and reasoning are scrutinized as they work toward a unanimous decision, illustrating the critical role of effective communication in group decision-making (Sidney Lumet, 1957).

In the film, the jury foreman acts as the initial coordinator of proceedings but does not necessarily assume leadership beyond administrative roles. The actual leader emerges through persuasive communication, most notably Juror #8, who challenges the prevailing opinion of guilt. The foreman's mistake is in simply managing rather than guiding the process, allowing personal biases to influence the group's dynamics and possibly delaying the verdict.

Juror #8, the dissenting juror, initially doubts the certainty of the young man's guilt, despite his suspicion that the defendant may have killed his father. He argues for the importance of reasonable doubt, emphasizing the necessity of thorough deliberation and critical thinking. Juror #8 stands out because he questions the evidence, encourages others to rethink their initial judgments, and models calm, logical communication. His approach is characterized by respectful debate, presentation of factual evidence, and the use of reasoning to evoke doubt among the other jurors.

Juror #8’s effectiveness lies in his skillful blend of factual analysis and opinion-based reasoning. He points out inconsistencies in the evidence, such as the improbability of the timing and the reliability of eyewitness testimonies, subtly planting doubt. His opinions are grounded in a logical assessment, which makes his arguments compelling and influences others to reconsider their stance.

Another juror, Juror #3, is deeply influenced by personal experiences and emotions, which affect his communication. Juror #3's hostility and bias stem from a difficult relationship with his own son, projecting his frustrations onto the defendant. This personal background fosters a more hostile attitude towards the defendant and hinders objective judgment, demonstrating how personal lives can color communication and decision-making within group settings.

The characters’ personalities, biases, and emotional states shape their communication styles, making some more empathetic or hostile. For example, Juror #10 exhibits prejudice and condescension, openly prejudging the defendant, which stokes hostility. Conversely, Juror #8 remains calm and respectful, encouraging a more empathetic understanding. Non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, gestures, and posture reveal feelings—Juror #3's anger, Juror #4’s confidence, Juror #8’s calmness—all influence the group’s dynamics and decisions.

Non-verbal communication plays a significant role in the jury's decision-making process. For instance, eye contact, body language, and facial expressions can reinforce or undermine spoken words. Jurors often observe these cues to gauge sincerity, confidence, and bias, which influence votes and group consensus (Burgoon & Guerrero, 2011). Juror #8’s composed demeanor, even under pressure, helps sway opinions by demonstrating conviction and respect.

Among the jurors, Juror #8’s communication style—calm, logical, respectful—most closely resembles an effective, professional communication approach. His method involves listening actively, presenting evidence thoughtfully, and engaging others without hostility. This style fosters trust, encourages open dialogue, and ultimately contributes to the group's ability to reach a just verdict.

References

  • Burgoon, J. K., & Guerrero, L. K. (2011). Nonverbal communication. Routledge.
  • Lumet, S. (Director). (1957). 12 Angry Men [Film]. Orion-Nova Productions.
  • Perloff, R. M. (2010). The dynamics of persuasion. Routledge.
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