J. Lewis Blog 5

J. Lewis Blog 5

Affleck’s character is immediately in control of the situation when he walks into the room, dressed to the hilt in a dark suit with a blue shirt and dark silk tie (Artifacts). He walks tall but casually with hand in pocket, softly claps his hands (Immediacy) to get everyone moving and slightly smiles (Kinesics). He establishes his territory with politeness. As he dismisses the first person with words and hand gestures (Emblems), he shows no remorse, starts to talk softly while still standing, and leaning forward as he does so, which results in the group leaning toward him. With the statement, “I’m not here to waste your time,” he reminds the group he is in control of their time (Chronemics). Working the room as he moves around the seated group, he keeps the attention of the crowd with hand gestures and eye contact, while at the same time leaning into the person to emphasize a point (Proxemics). He sells the group on wanting to work for the company with his use of gestures, artifacts (keys to the Ferrari) and tone of voice, raising his voice to emphasize a point (Paralinguistics) Then he hits the group with the downside. But before he tells the group the bad news, he stops, drinks water (artifacts) and then clears his throat (Paralinguistics). He wants them to want to work for $150.00 per week, so the water drinking and throat clearing serve to offer as an apology. His closing is soft, “if you really want this, then call me on Monday…but don’t waste my F*** time,” serves to remind them that he is the one in control, and entice them at the same time.