Describing and Analyzing a Transaction

Describing and Analyzing a Transaction

IPC 461 Communication in Leadership

A. Introduction

This essay is written from an observer's point of view. By trying to be as objective as possible, the onlooker tells the story about a particular situation that has been run through his imagination and delivered as a personal account of events. For the scene to capture readers' minds, words have to be chosen carefully enough to be descriptive, detailed, and concrete. A descriptive writing exercise is an experience in which anyone can be immersed. Being a witness is to be an inquisitive observer, rather than a participant. We incorporate attention to close detail; observe spatial relationships (color, form, size, shape, and texture); use appropriate transitions; order description in a logical sequence; enliven the five senses, trying to negotiate and manipulate language. The situation of unfolding family interchanges are dialogues that have been chosen for detailed portrayal is in part based on one episode from the Family Album USA series (Episode 24. Parting Friends. Act I). Explicit notes to each dialogue will help us rebuild a viewer's recollection so that we can replay the episode in our imagination without actually watching it.

Most of us experience a communication transaction that has its consequences as feelings of disturbance, confusion, resentment, displeasure, etc. Recalling such a transaction with such an experience, we describe it, and then consider and analyze it using the recently gained perspectives on verbal transactions while studying leadership and communication.

1. Description of a Transcript

The Stewarts is an ordinary American family. Robbie is a high school student. His mother's name is Ellen. She is a housewife. Robbie's father Philip is a medical doctor.

Robbie: "Hi, Mom." (Robbie comes home.)

Mother: "Hi, Robbie. You're home from school early?"

Robbie: "Yeah, they're getting the assembly hall ready for the graduation ceremony, so we've all got to go home early. Too noisy to study."

Mother: "Well, now that you're here, you can help me with dinner. I need those potatoes peeled and sliced."

Robbie: "Mom, give me a break Alexandra's coming over to help me study for my math final." (His upper lip rises to his nose, the bridge of which gets really creased. His intent and beseeching look tells us of his juvenile frustration as if a thunderstorm cloud scudded across his forehead wreathed with a lot of uneven furrows. There are a lot of wrinkles coming out at the corners of his half-open eyes, which give the impression of two dark red cherries. These uneven lines are extended to his temples.)

Mother: "Well, in that case, you can wash the dishes and clean up after dinner." (The word "after" is stressed.)

Robbie: "Can I invite Alexandra to stay for dinner?"

Mother: "Of course."

Robbie: "Thanks, Mom."

Mother: "You and Alexandra have become good friends, haven't you?"

Robbie: "Yes." (Robbie answers with a happy voice.) "I like her. She's a terrific person." (Suddenly he grows cheerless) "I'm going to miss her when she goes back to Greece."

Mother: "Would you like to give her a little farewell party?"

Robbie: "Mom," (Robbie shouts in amazement), "that would be terrific!" (There is a glimmer in his eyes as if they were two sparkling dewdrops. His eyes are burning with excitement, his cheeks turns ruddy, and the mouth tips are up into the beautiful curve of a cheerful smile. His eyebrows are slightly raised, with the dimples on his cheeks and his cute grin on his face.) "Maybe we could make it a surprise."

Mother: "Oh, I don't know. Surprise parties don't always work out."

Robbie: "Well, we could tell her it's a graduation party for me. When Alexandra arrives, we'll surprise her."

Mother: "Well, I suppose that might work."

Robbie: "I'd like to give her a nice going-away present."

Mother: "Fine." (Ellen says with a warm encouragement.)

Robbie: "There's only one problem." (The two big spheres of his eyes are wide open and he looks reflectively on something aside as if there is something at the height above the floor. His eyebrows are rounded like the arches of a cathedral dome. There are no wrinkles on his face whatsoever. His entire complexion is a little bit pallid. His boyish skin looks as smooth as does a still lake surface, as if it were never touched by any stirring emotion a moment ago.)

Mother: "What's that?"

Robbie: "I'm broke. I should have saved some money."

Mother: "I'm sure Alexandra would be happy with something simple, Robbie."

Robbie: "I know. But, well, I'd like to give her something nice to remember me by. Maybe I could borrow some money from you and Dad."

Mother: "It's all right with me if it's all right with your dad."

Robbie: "Thanks, Mom. I'll talk to him. Is he still in his office?"

Mother: "Robbie!" (His mother cries out in reply.) "Good luck!"

2. Analysis of the Transcript

Entering his house, Robbie greets his mother. As Robbie is back from school at an earlier time than usual, his mother begins to wonder why he is so early. In line, she makes an affirmative statement that does sound interrogative given his unexpected early return. Robbie explains. So she asks him to give her a hand with dinner. With his chin turned up, he rejects her request motivated by the need to have some rest before his friend Alexandra comes round to help him with his math exam. It