1

NONVERBAL CUES IN RELATIONSHIP TO

TELEVISION SHOWS, PLOT AND
CHARACTER PERSONALITIES

Alan Gasper
Nonverbal Communication
3/19/13

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
II.

III.

IV.

V.

Introduction................................................................................3
Comedy TV Shows..................................................................3-4
a. Parks and Recreation.............................................................4
b. Big Bang Theory...................................................................5
c. Family Guy..........................................................................5-6
d. Two and a Half Men.............................................................6
e. South Park.............................................................................6
Dramatic TV Shows.................................................................6-7
a. Breaking Bad.........................................................................7
b. Mad Men................................................................................7
c. Dexter.....................................................................................8
d. 24............................................................................................8
Reality TV Shows.......................................................................9
a. Jersey Shore............................................................................9
b. Duck Dynasty........................................................................10
c. Buckwild..........................................................................10-11
d. Teen Mom 2..........................................................................11
e. Catfish: The TV Show..........................................................11
Conclusion...........................................................................11-13

I: Introduction

Television is one of the main sources of entertainment and advertising in todays world.
With hundreds television shows appearing before our eyes every year, it is important to
distinguish how the advertising affects what we decide to watch and to determine whether it is
good or not. By seeing shows over and over again may determine the popularity of the show
itself and whether we decide to watch it. Why do we constantly tune in to shows that we deem
as entertaining? Unlike movie posters however, television posters consist of programming on
TV, commercials and other memorabilia that can describe the show using nonverbal
communication. Also, television shows are uniquely different concerning posters for each
season.
The study proposed is that any character within a television show can explain the overall
storyline arc and character storyline and importance in a series. I believe that nonverbal cues by
certain characters describe the relationship they have within the storyline itself. Also depending
where the character is positioned in the poster distinguishes just how important they are to the
storyline arc. Having no previous knowledge of the characters can help people deduce how the
characters are like and form relationships with each other. Unlike in film posters, all or most of
the characters give eye contact to the viewer or purchaser die to their importance within the
storyline arc.
This study focuses on three important genres in television: comedies, dramas, and
realities. Several posters are depicted concerning nonverbal traits. Five posters are examined in
each of the comedy and reality television programs with four posters examined in dramatic
television programs.

II: Comedy Television Posters

The first chapter will examine the five comedy posters for the television shows: Parks
and Recreation, Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, Family Guy, and South Park. All of
these shows contain multiple people on the posters.
In many of the comedy posters the characters are smiling thus depicting that the audience
will enjoy the show. A smile is the major component of facial expression caused by feelings of
happiness or joy (Guerro & Hecht, p. 139). Some of the main characters are situated in the
middle of the poster and supporting characters surround them portraying the importance to the
show. With many supporting characters depicts that the show has more depth. Many comedians
use live face-to-face interaction than when observing speakers on video to enhance their own
gestures (Gullberg & Kita, 2009, p. 252).
Parks

http://serialetari.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Parks-and-Recreation-Season-5-POSTER1.jpg

and

Recreation
In the poster of season 5, Amy Poehler is clearly the central character in the series due to
her position in the backdrop. She is smiling due to achievements obtained throughout the series.
The other characters compliment her or portray as mentioned in the title she is participates in a

great
deal
of
work
in her
http://serialetari.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/The-Big-Bang-Theory-Season-1-COVER-DVD.jpg

department. Her arms are folded indicating the sense fair play and not to double cross her.
Characters such as Nick Offerman and Rob Lowe have rigid body posture indicating that they
are close to the main character but both maintain their position in the series as outspoken and
powerful to the latter. The other characters supplement each other as they are all supporting
characters to the main character, Amy Poehler.
The Big Bang Theory

In the poster of the shows first season, the characters Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, and
Jim Parsons each have different expressions. Galecki has his eyes on Cuoco and his head tilted
up signifying that he is interested in her while Parsons looks to Galecki with a droll stare
indicating he is annoyed at him. Cuoco on the other hand is looking distantly away from Galecki
and her arms around Parsons indicating that she is becoming adjusted to her environment.
Family Guy
The poster of the shows seventh season explains a lot of annoyances according to the

http://www.foxshop.com/img/product/resized/286/00254371-708286_catl_354.jpg?k=a99f9ebf&pid=254371&s=catl&sn=

expression of the characters. The startled expression of the dog, Brian establishes that his
girlfriend was taken due to it being in the scene. The excitement and flailing arms of the
character Peter suggests that he is enjoying something at the moment. Lois and Meg both have
the same expression regarding their eyes as they are clearly annoyed at Peter most likely. This
indicates that they are both that characters that seem normal at least and create order within the
family.
Two and a Half Men

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7rrJAfkRp1c/T3Y0nRcHxCI/AAAAAAAABDQ/irWB8Avs78Q/s1600/91SDO2DIkcL._AA1500_.jpg

In the poster of the shows

eighth season, the characters
expressions explain what the
characters act like. The
character Jake is smiling, but
also looks like he is laughing
http://getvideoartwork.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=75570

indicating his relationship to

the characters. Standing next to Charlie Sheen symbolizes that he enjoys him and cannot be his
father therefore it is deduced he is his uncle. The man next to Charlie Sheen is smiling forcefully
and it seems that he is miserable compared to the other two actors.
South Park
In the poster regarding the shows fourteenth season depicts the character as they were
on the original poster in season one. All of the characters are smiling with their mouths open and
waving and as the notion that they are saying goodbye. The smiles show confidence within the
characters as they struggle in their lives in town. The waving of their hands indicates that

emblems are
being used
(Guerro &
Hecht, p.
106).

http://cdn.tvwise.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Breaking-Bad-Season-4-DVD-Cover.jpg

III:

Dramatic Television Show Posters

In the second chapter I will examine the four dramatic television posters for the
television shows: Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Dexter, and 24. All of the shows contain one person
on the poster indicating the importance of the character to the story. It also emphasizes how their
character develops through their facial expressions and the background of the posters
encompasses it. The neutrality of a face may depend on the personal characteristics of the
observer. It has been shown that reactions to expressive displays can be a joint function of the
type of display and the observer's attitudes (Viekkko & Hietanen, 1998, p.23-33).
Unlike the television posters regarding the comedy shows, dramatic shows have much
more emphasis on facial expressions than posture as the glances and stares. (Television
advertising is emphasized greatly as it is perceived as extremely successful compared with its
competitors (radio, newspaper and magazine advertising) and accounts for approximately 32.2%
of all advertising expenditure (Beattie & Shovelton,2005, p. 23).
Breaking Bad

In this
poster of
season 4 the
only character
visible is
Bryan
http://www.seat42f.com/images/stories/tvshows/Dexter/Season3/Dexter-Season-3-DVD.jpg
http://goodseries.ru/images/mad_men_season_3.jpeg

Cranston and

from the looks of his appearance, it

seems like he has been through a lot. His creases in his forehead and his eyebrows pointing
down indicate that he is serious about his situation and it needs to be approached aggressively in
order for it to come to fruition. His mouth is also containing no emotion indicating that his plans
are serious and he appears to be out for revenge. His expressions suggest he is confident that he
will achieve his goal.
Mad Men
In this promotion picture of the season 3, the character portrayed by Jon Hamm
represents his relaxation. His facial expression reveals that he is confident in the situation
despite the background is clearly of water filling his office. This could signify his job and is
going under as well as the company. He is holding a cigar and his legs crossed signify that he is
trying to retain his image as a powerful employee. His expression displays a neutral view of
what he will happen to the company due to his body language. Trait framework displays his
assumption of his characters role (Raducadu & Gatica-Perez, 2010, p.209).
Dexter

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The poster of Dexter depicts season three of the show and the character displayed is of
the same name. As you can see Dexter is smiling, but you can tell it is a mischievous smile as
the way his eyebrows are raised. His nonverbal function is to mask his emotion as he is a serial
killer and must command a greater command of his facial muscles. This demonstrates a complex
or poker-face strategy to appear calm and relaxed as if the situation doesnt faze a person (Guerro
& Hecht, p. 408). His attire symbolizes that he cleans up nicely due to the letter in the being
inked in red signifying blood. His head is also tilted sideways slightly giving the appeal of a
more attractive person according to a study women participated in (Krumhaber, Manstead &
Kappas, 2006, p. 42).
24
The DVD cover of the season eight of the show 24 contains numerous cues of what is
happening this season. The movement that is portrayed is that something will unfortunate will
happen hence his posture and holding his gun. Also the movement in the background displays
cops and a shattered tax window in a city
putting a possible heist in question of
happening. His legs indicate that he is
chasing somebody indicating action as
well as the gun in his hand.

IV: Reality Television Show

Posters

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/graphics/news3/24_S8_DVD.jpg

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In this last chapter, I will discuss reality television shows and the relationship between
the characters and facial cues expressed. The shows Jersey Shore, Duck Dynasty, Buckwild, and
Catfish are discussed in depth regarding facial expressions on the characters and how the
environment interprets their behavior. The backgrounds provided in the posters of these shows
emulate what the characters act like and their facial expressions complement their behaviors.
Their facial expressions may not be what they feel at the moment as they are masking true
emotions as reality shows are not always true as they say they are. Therefore, it is important that
some facial expressions are faked so as not to give away the series storyline.
Jersey Shore
This poster of season two depicts what is just housemates living their life on a television
show. Although, their facial expression suggest that they simply seem all there for the money.
The facial expressions of
the women have a
deathly stare implicating
that they indicate haptic
behaviors. Haptic
behaviors also determine
the status of the men as
http://www.buzztab.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Jersey-Shore-Season-2.jpg

they also are perceived

as dominant. This suggests that the characters are outspoken and loud. Also since it is a poster,
simulation may be present as the actors may not feel that way at the time (Guerro & Hecht, p.
402).

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Duck

http://www.seat42f.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Duck-Dynasty-Season-2-Poster-625x833.jpg

Dynasty
This poster of the series Duck Dynasty depicts supposed real life according to duck
hunters. Many facial expressions are displayed among the four men and their beards display
different expressions as well to complement them. The most apparently different facial
expression is Si (bottom left) and Willie (top left). Willie. Willie seems more relaxes due to his
brows at a flat state and his mouth in a state of normalcy meaning neither smiling nor frowning.
This indicates that he is impressed with his life and the business he helped create. He also seems
confident of what will happen in the show. Si seems more intense and hyper from the looks of
his eyebrows and the appearance of him slightly frowning
indicating that he is thinking of an idea at the moment despite his
contortion to his face.
Buckwild
This poster is the only season so far of the show. The facial
expression on nearly all of the faces of the characters is smiling.
The smiling indicates that they are simply smiling for display

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rules such as simulation or

masking (Guerrero & Hecht,
p. 406). The crossed arms of
the character on the left
indicate that he is displaying
his emotions unlike the
remaining characters may be.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/21/Teen_Mom_2_Card.jpg

His expression contains some

confusion of where he stands and

that he does not care for the antics of
the others. According to Krumhuber
et al. (2007), minimal temporal
changes in facial displays might be
sufficient to shape the overall
impression of a person (p. 40).
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3c/CatfishTheTVShow.jpg

Teen Mom 2

This poster is the main one regarding the series. All of the characters are smiling as if
putting on faade to display their enjoyment in their life. In reality, their lives are filled with
drama, stress, and other circumstances also they all have kids and can be neglectful to them at
times. Their expressions indicate that they are masking their actual emotions as they pose for a
photo.
Catfish: The TV Show

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The poster is the only one regarding the series as it has just started. It features a person,
but according to the context of the show, the person is always disguised as somebody else.
Therefore, there is no display of emotion or facial expressions in this poster due to the title
covering the face. Although there are no facial expressions, the head is slightly cocked to the
side and there is a line down the middle of the person indicating that they always do not say who
they are.

V: Conclusion
Since television shows pertain to a large audience the ways, we decide what to watch and
when to watch it. Although, advertising in television is not just limited to the commercials we
must watch during the program, but also opening credits and other information about
advertisements. The facial expressions on every actors face personify the genre or the general
idea of a show. DVD or cover titles best explain the consequences and endeavors throughout
each season through the actors whether be eye movement, facial expressions, or such things as
attitudes.
All of the comedic television shows mentioned depicted either a smile or laughing
indicating the show is not serious but entertainment. According to Guerro and Hecht, a smile is
the major component of a facial display associated with and caused by feelings of happiness or
joy(p. 139). Comedies are usually enjoyed by people and most actors display that with many
emotions and facial expressions. The facial expressions show the strongest display of emotion as
they characterize themselves as a different person than themselves in real life and their
concentration to make themselves not laugh on scenes allows the audience to mention their
outstanding work and achievements. The plethora of smile in comedies is opposite in that of
dramas and have different meanings.

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All of the television show dramas portrayed no smiling whatsoever except in one but had
more emotion expressed in their eyes and brows and in their gestures. Dramas are meant to be
dramatic and express emotion even according to the posters of the seasons displayed. They
season posters may even hint at what is to come later in the show. Although, the expressions
explain what will happen but not how as it is difficult to view regarding the face of the actors
involved. In the one show, there was however a devious smile indicating what would happen in
the season as was also depicted by the lettering and background.
The reality shows showed different expression throughout the posters. Many of them
contained smiling faces, but others were not as enthusiastic. This may explain that in reality
shows one must act true to themselves and not somebody different. There was no clear showing
of what the show storylines were according to facial expression. This was most likely due to the
characters faking their body language to perceive other emotions. Reality shows seemed to fake
facial expressions more due to the fact that it is real or possibly scripted and the concept of
simulation occurs. Simulating an emotion drastically affects the ratings of a show if done poorly,
but if done right can benefit it.
In conclusion, television posters create the atmosphere and define the nonverbal behavior
executed in the characters. Advertising is depicted in every product as a name is on everything.
Learning how to relate and deliver the messages to the public can display great advertising.

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Works Cited (Written)

Beattie, G., & Shovelton, H. (2005). Why the spontaneous images created by the hands during
talk can help make TV advertisements more effective. British Journal of Psychology, 96, 2137. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/199592114?accountid=14709
Guerrero, L. K., & Hecht, M. L. (Eds.). (2008). The Nonverbal Communication Reader (3rd ed.).
Waveland Press.
Gullberg, M., & Kita, S. (2009). Attention to Speech-Accompanying Gestures: Eye Movements
and
Information Uptake. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 33(4), 251-277.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/
s10919-009-0073-2
Krumhuber, E., Manstead, A. S. R., & Kappas, A. (2007). Temporal aspects of facial displays in
person and expression perception: The effects of smile dynamics, head-tilt, and
gender. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 31(1), 39-56. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10919006-0019-x
Raducanu, B., & Gatica-Perez, D. (2012). Inferring competitive role patterns in reality TV show
through nonverbal analysis. Multimedia Tools and Applications, 56(1), 207-226. Retrieved
from Springer Link database.

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Veikko Surakka, Jari K Hietanen, Facial and emotional reactions to Duchenne and nonDuchenne smiles, International Journal of Psychophysiology, Volume 29, Issue 1, 1 June 1998,
Pages 23-33, ISSN 0167-8760, 10.1016/S0167-8760(97)00088-3.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167876097000883)
Keywords: Human emotions; Facial expression; Non-verbal mimicry; Emotional contagion;
Empathy; EMG