Communication Analysis

Martha Randall White

Introduction to Speech Communication

Professor Rachel Dunnahoe

April 28, 2013

The Blind Side Communication Analysis

Part One

(1) Interdependency

a. Relatively Michael wasn't too dependent on the family much so from a financial standpoint, but was interdependent on the family for love, support, and guidance. Proving him with a home, clothing, and most importantly a future.

(2) Friendship of Association

a. It was assumed that the entire family would be supportive of their mother/wife taking on such a responsibility therefore being a friend because another family member is acting as a friend. However, the daughter saw this differently becoming hesitant in receiving Michael as a potential family member. An example is when they were at school and she practically ignored his presence. Another example was when the daughter during Thanksgiving dinner finally took the chance to overcome her personal difference with Michael and hold his hand during prayer.

(3) Agape Love

a. The pure nature of love from Leigh Ann directed towards Michael from the beginning when she saw him walking down the street and asks to give him a ride home or even risking her safety traveling to his home in a dangerous neighborhood to show concern was pure and not intentional for a selfish purpose.

(4) Dialogue

a. The dialogue between Michael and his "new" family was very sympathetic. As I watching the movie the dialogue seemed to be very humble. When the family was at the dinner table, the conversational topics were quite, but non-verbally strong.

(5) Communication

a. Michael sitting at the dinner table eating while the family were watching television, encouraged Leigh Ann to bring together her family turning off the television and sitting her family for dinner at the table introducing prayer.

(6) Relationship Repair

a. The perfect example to illustrate relationship repair would be the accident that occurred with Michael driving to purchase a game with the son in the passenger seat. In order for their relationship to move further from this incident, the family along with Michael had to address the accident and further instill trust between one another. Although some had their doubts Leigh Ann still pulled forward.

(7) Rules Theory

a. In the setting of the story, it was perceived that it was "socially" incorrect to have another male, specifically an African American male accepted into a different way of life; in fact rather unusual and morally unacceptable. However, they defied these "rules" by offering Michael a better life and home especially after losing his family.

(8) Social Penetration Theory

a. The entire theme of the movie relates to this term. We have Michael a homeless bound individual in need of support who meets a woman who sees potential. Although some resentment was present, the family began to learn and understand Michael slowly, but surely and at the end did indeed become a true family regardless of previous circumstances.

(9) Friendship of Receptivity

a. The relationship between Michael and the football team were based on equality and sharing; eventually once the team became positively receptive to Michael. An example was during the game the referee were calling false claims against Michael, such as excessive blocking, and the coach defended him stating he will defend him as if he were his own son. Another would be Leigh Ann telling Michael that the team is his family and he can protect them as they would do in return.

(10) Social Exchange

a. I would definitely agree that there was a social exchange present between Michael and Leigh Ann. When she first saw Michael walking down the street, she saw potential in him regardless of where he was from or what he did in the past. In return Michael saw potential in Leigh Ann and her husband. The purchase of the truck for Michael was definitely a sign of acceptance into