Nonverbal Communication - Application Entry

Speak (2004) - A film based on the novel by Laurie Halse Anderson.


Melinda Sardino's life took a sharp turn into a completely different direction after an unpleasant incident that happened at a summer party. Regardless, of what specifically happen it seemed like the rest of the study body shunned her because they thought she called off the biggest bash of the summer. As this teenage girl begins a new school year she cannot find to be her outgoing self. Inside she feels trapped with guilt, shamefulness, and loneliness. The audience will noticed that Melinda presents herself in a cold way, appearing to be precautious of her surroundings, stiff, and reserved. Whenever, she encounters the guy that did the wrongdoing at school she tries to push him off when he gets too close for comfort because he interfered with her personal space. Pushing him off and backing away are forms of nonverbal communication showing uneasiness.
Her art teacher was the only one that gained enough trust from her to have a better understanding of the emotional roller coaster she's experiencing. Other than that, her refusal to speak up then ending up screaming in a closet was just one way she let out a frustration that she had with the world around her and her own life. She eventually turned to art and it helped her become more open and expressive through painting. Art helped Melinda find her "voice" again and later let people know that she was hurt that summer and she did not want it to happen again especially to her best friends who at one point did not believe her. One could see that she was unhappy for a long period of time until she gained the courage to stand up against the guy and feel liberated.