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Remember, this is only to serve as a guide
You should not COPY any of this material
When you complete your analysis, compare your
write up to this example
Ask yourself: “Did I tie multiple concepts together?
Did I provide examples? Did I use terminology from
the textbook?”
Make sure you are focusing on INTERPERSONL
COMMUNICATION; can also mention impersonal
communication if you explain WHY it is impersonal
› So, do not look for/use examples of mass comm., public
comm., small group comm., etc. Remember, you are
always welcomed to stop by my office to ask questions
The film Crash serves as an effective
guidepost by illustrating how individuals
should not behave when communicating
with one another. Although there are
several examples, I will begin by focusing
on the relationship between Christine
Thayer and Officer Ryan.
 Note: Because you have seen this film as a
class and because this is a brief example, I
do not explain each scene. You would
need to briefly explain the scene to help
with your explanations.
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During the car crash scene, Christine
communicates both nonverbally and verbally
that she does not wish to be saved by Officer
Ryan. Her tears, screaming, and arm gestures
pushing him off help communicate this clearly.
She is communicating that she is fearful, yet
upset.
Having seen earlier parts of the movie and by
reading Officer Ryan’s facial expressions (e.g.
a look of surprise), viewers understand that
Christine’s response is influenced heavily by the
historical context (since I haven’t seen your film, you’d elaborate here to tell me
what the historical context was) of the situation and the
beginning relational history (and you’d elaborate here…)that
she has with Officer Ryan.
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While they do engage in impersonal communication
earlier in the film, the unpleasant experience they
shared served as relational history and also causes
Christine to read Officer Ryan’s attempt to help as an
inappropriate, sexual advance.
Thus, at this point, the movie illustrates how using
communication to cause harm to others (the dark
side of communication) can impact future
encounters and the way in which messages are
decoded. the way she decodes his verbal and
nonverbal behaviors is impacted by their previous
encounter.
Perhaps if Officer Ryan had not sexually assaulted
Christine earlier in the film, she would not have read
his current attempts to help as another inappropriate
sexual advance.
The encounter between Christine and
Officer Ryan also illustrates examples of
emotions and the way in which they are
communicated verbally and nonverbally.
 Reflecting back to Christine’s reaction to
Officer Ryan as her “rescuer”, one can see
how she communicates her disdain for him
by communicating emotionally. Her crying
and yelling communicated her anger, as
well as her pain from their previous
encounter.
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In addition, we also see how communicating with
others can lead to a change in perceptions and selfconcept. For example, you can tell from Officer
Ryan’s nonverbal behavior (e.g. facial expressions)
that Christine’s emotional outburst caused him to feel
shame. Here, we have an example of emotional
effect: Christine's rage caused Officer Ryan’s shame.
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Her emotional outburst explained her perception of
the officer. This resulting shame, in turn, caused him to
re-evaluate his own self-concept. Thus, the film
illustrates how our negative actions can impact
future communication encounters. In addition, it
illustrates how communicating our emotions can
have large impacts on others.
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Additional examples of interpersonal
communication can be found within the
interactions between Officer Hansen
and Cameron…..
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Section on Culture
› Discuss Farhad and shop owner
› Discuss Jean and maid
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Section on Perceptions
› Discuss Cameron and Anthony
› Discuss Christine and Cameron
› Discuss Cameron and Producer