Words, Camera, Action! How Body Language, Tone & Words Affect Communication

This instructional video on communication skills uses a framing device—a local acting troupe needs help polishing its techniques—as three high-school-age actors play out short scenes intended to demonstrate the importance of body language, tone, and words in communication. The first scenario is set in a zombie-ridden graveyard at night (a young woman faces down the walking dead with flirty, playful mannerisms), the second in a locker room before a big game (a coach gives his team a pep talk in a slow-paced monotone), and the third at a talk show (an interviewer questions an important scientist using slangy teen-speak). After each vignette, the teens' older “instructor” explains briefly why it didn't work, and the scene is replayed in a more appropriate manner. The teacher reviews the changes made and ends each segment with a short list of applicable behaviors while the kids engage in flat, scripted attempts at humorous banter. Words, Camera, Action! falls short in several ways: each of the skills presented actually involve pacing, facial expressions, and attitudes far beyond what is described here; some of the performances are too poor to be able to convey subtle changes in stance or focus; and the follow-ups leave some points unaddressed. Not recommended. Aud: I, J, H, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)