Reality

Television Observation
Nonverbal Communication 45959
Nichole Egbert
Spring 2014
Assignment Project Description:
For the Reality Television Observation assignment I studied the nonverbal
communication between the cast of Duck Dynasty. I mainly focused on Willie Robertson
and his everyday nonverbal communication. For the completion of this assignment I had
to study nonverbal communication on a reality television show and use scholarly
journals to describe the actions I observed. The scholarly journals validated what I was
watching and how it affected the reality show and the various cast members. I identified
how Willies nonverbal communication enhanced his character and how his
characteristics were significant to the show.

Assignment Project Description:

This assignment was unique because I was able to watch one of my favorite reality
television shows and analyze the nonverbal communication of the main character,
Willie. I learned how significant nonverbal communication is and how it enhances the
show and overall authenticity of the Robertson family. This assignment was completed
at the end of the semester; therefore I was able to incorporate various elements of
nonverbal communication. I also utilized an additional five scholarly sources to validate
my observations.
Studying reality television was an eye-opening experience. By learning the different
mechanisms that are involved with reality television, I can better analyze characters and
what makes them stand out. This is a transferable skill because by observing ones
nonverbal communication I can learn hobbies, interests, and values of a person. This
project will benefit my future success and overall understanding of nonverbal
communication.

DUCK DYNASTY OBSERVATION

Duck Dynasty Observation

Taylor Winter
Kent State University

DUCK DYNASTY OBSERVATION

Introduction
Duck Dynasty has been extremely successful in portraying the ideal American Dream.
With its family-style setting and emphasis on all things American, Duck Dynasty brings a new
side of entertainment to society. The idea is unconventional, but it works. Who knew that beards
and duck calls would be a multi-million dollar business? Willie Robertson is the CEO of his
fathers patented duck call manufacturing company. Willie and his family are the stars of the
show, and during this observation of Willies nonverbal cues I have observed his habits of
nonverbal communication patterns. The study goes further into detail about Willies
environment, his gender, his physical appearance, his power, and dominance. There are articles
from various areas of communication research that support the main points of this observation of
Willie Robertson
Analyzing Willie Robertsons nonverbal cues within his environment as a male, physical
appearance, power, and dominance has given a more enriched view of his character. By looking
farther into his communication skills, one can understand why he might be so successful.

Show Summary
Duck Dynasty is a reality show that follows the lives of the Robertson Family. The
Robertson family invented and built and empire off of hunting duck calls. Phil Robertson
patented his duck call product, and it has grown into a huge success. Due to his age and desire
for retirement, Phil passed the business to his first-born son, Willie. Willie is the CEO of Duck
Commander and oversees the entire company. Having that kind of authority is a large
responsibility, but he works amongst his family members that support and love Willie
unconditionally.

DUCK DYNASTY OBSERVATION

The Robertson Family has been through the trenches when it comes to business; they
were not always successful. The family shares stories of their past and how they could barely
make ends meet. The invention of Phils duck calls is a true success story. To most people, the
rag to riches phenomenon depicts the idea of the American Dream. Starting from nothing and
with hard work becoming overly successful is the ideal dream that attracts a large viewing
audience.
The audience gets a glimpse of what it is like to be a Robertson family member. We see
inside their homes, town, and work environment. We interact and engage with the characters as
they go through their daily lives. Willies character does the most for his company, and we learn
his different roles.

Body
One element of environment that is seen in the show includes the display of religious and
family values. Religion in a television show can be controversial and appealing. However, it
adds to the Robertson family authenticity. When people envision America, they expect family,
religion, hunting, food and fellowship. All of these traits are seen consistently throughout the
show. People enjoy shows about the typical well-rounded American family. This being said, it
sets the tone for Willies environment.
Willies environment plays an important factor in his nonverbal cues. Willie and his
family are born and raised in North America. Semnani-Azad and Adair (2011), states that the
North American culture tends to take up more space. Culturally, Willies environment pertains to
how he sets his body. When Willie is seen working at his desk or within the office he is spread
out. Due to his title and position as a CEO, he has high expectations when it comes to room for

DUCK DYNASTY OBSERVATION

movement and space to animate his actions. Willies workspace also correlates with his passion.
Waldeck, Durante, Helmuth, and Marcia (2012), found that to be successful, the workstation
must connect to what the person is conducting or preforming. Willies desk is decorated with
camo-pattern objects, family photos, hunting photographs, and Duck Dynasty merchandise,
proving this theory to be true.
The other employees of Duck Dynasty work at a large production warehouse. The
workers office has an open floor plan. This area is where all the work gets completed. When
Willie gives the employees tasks or projects, this space allows open conversation.
Communication amongst superior and subordinates in an open environment allows for persistent
productivity (Waldeck, Durante, Helmuth, & Marcia, 2012). Willie has his own personal, main
office. Willies main office is secluded and private from all the other workers. Having privacy is
an important factor for Willies work ethic. Not having enough privacy hinders the amount of
work that gets done. Viewers see that when Willie gets work done, he is in his private office.
Work does not get done in the open office space because of constant communication amongst
workers. Acting in such a manner can appear as unprofessional, as a CEO Willie must have his
own work area.
As seen in Willies household there is order, cleanliness, and structure. Willies home and
is spotless, neat, and tidy. Dion, Sabri, and Guillard (2014), find that messy homes add stress and
destruction to the family atmosphere. By keeping a clean space one can avoid conflict within the
home. To stay successful, the core environments must stay clean.
Another important element of environment is the family dinner setting. The ending
dinner scene is a substantial nonverbal cue. At the end of every Duck Dynasty episode, the
Robertsons are seen praying and eating around a large table. The family has made this a

DUCK DYNASTY OBSERVATION

reoccurring tradition. When a tradition is being preformed, in this case prayer (head bow,
holding hands, and reciting a message), it depicts the kind of nonverbal atmosphere the directors
are trying to display (Mason & Muir, 2012). The atmosphere sets the mood of the show. The
nonverbal cues allow viewers see that there are established rituals based on strong family morals.
Willies everyday living space plays a key roll in his nonverbal communication amongst
his home life and work life. His workspace, and home environment allow for success. It gives
viewers an insight of what his daily life is like and makes him more relatable. It establishes his
character and his family background.

Gender roles are monumental nonverbal cues for Willies character. Semnani-Azad and

Adair (2011), found that men are often portrayed as being demanding, sociable, and
fundamental. Willie does act in such a way because he is a man and the examples are as follows.
Viewers observe his male tendencies when he converses with everyone he comes in contact with
on a regular basis. As a male, he is conversational. As well as a boss, Willie demands that his
workers get the job done, and completed in a timely manner. When dividing up the task amongst
workers, he is standing up or reporting from behind his desk. Men are sturdy and forceful,
therefore the employees respond to Willies tasks (Semnani-Azad & Adiar, 2011).
Women that appear on Duck Dynasty are treated differently then the men. Semnani-Azad
and Adiar (2011), says that women are more humble. In Duck Dynasty, the women rarely give
commands or take control. The women often have the men doing the work as they supervise
from afar. One can see the differences amongst the different genders in Duck Dynasty.
The women rarely raise their voices unless upset. In the show, and according to the inclass lecture about voice, the women in Duck Dynasty have a higher expression rate, whereas the
men disclose little information unless needed (Vocal Cues, Nov. 11, 2014). The men talk slower

DUCK DYNASTY OBSERVATION

and articulate their words (Vocal Cues, Nov. 11, 2014). Willies accent is prevalent, yet it adds
to his manliness.
Another difference seen amongst Willie and the women is where one sees the characters.
Kory, Willies wife is seen in the kitchen or relaxing on the patio. Willie is seen at work or
outside. A woman in the kitchen is a common stereotype when depicting the female character.
Men are seen outdoors and acting as the breadwinner, which is yet another historical typecast.
Gender roles within Duck Dynasty emphasize American traditionalism. What society has
been accustomed to over the years is shown within the various episodes. The gender roles can
assist the production when promoting Duck Dynastys overarching theme of a typical American
setting.
Willies physical appearance shapes his overall character. Willies attire exemplifies the
purpose of the show. It is important that he fits his character because the show will be more
cohesive and the audience can better follow his motives (Semnani-Azad & Adiar, 2011). The
down-home feel of jeans and a t-shirt with a bandana adds to his rugged appearance. Willie also
has matching beards and long hair with all of his male family members. The family business
revolves around hunting and out door sports, while the facial and long hair portrays the males as
mountain men. Therefore, hunting being such an iconic industry, the Duck Dynasty men must
depict the values of being countrymen in order to sell their ideas (Waldeck, Durante, Helmuth, &
Marcia, 2012).
Willies physical stance also alters as he is communicating. He readjusts his body
language to enhance himself. Semnani-Azad and Adjar (2011), found that North Americans
change their posture more often as opposed to other countries. Therefore, Willie falls to cultural
norms; posture movement change is very common for viewers to see. Movement also adds to his

DUCK DYNASTY OBSERVATION

animation and draws peoples attention (Semnani-Azad & Adiar, 2011). The gestures command
a room and help convince other characters Willies message. Some examples of posture shift are
as he is standing, he might point his finger at his workers, and he might sway back and forth
when conversing. When the audience watches Willie lean back or move backwards in his posture
or position, he might feel constricted (Cesario & Higgins, 2008). One will see him move back or
lean away if something going wrong at work or amongst his home life. When a crisis occurs in
the show, it adds humor to the episode.
Willies physical appearance helps sell the show and make it authentic. More people can
relate to how he presents himself. The more common he appears, the more the audience will
appreciate him and his values, thus making the show and his character more relatable and
successful.
Willies power and dominance behavior contributes a large part of the nonverbal
messages of his character. Willies position as a CEO defines that he is the main person in
charge. Therefore, Willie will act accordingly to his fit title (Semnani-Azad & Adiar, 2011). For
example, he is always the one seen giving commands and setting the tone of the workplace. As
well as, in the introduction to the show, Willie is standing in front of everyone else. Being in
front, he will be the one giving orders and commands. This asserts himself in front of everyone
else. His title has made him above everyone else in the show, including his father.
His role as CEO requires him to give orders and communicate with a diverse group of
men. Semnani-Azad and Adiar (2011), said those with superior roles are more likely to socialize
and act more confident. One can assume his confidence in his approach and how he speaks to
others. His loudness, rate, and annunciation relay the message of confidence. Willie does not
have a problem telling others what to do in a projected manner. He will also assure those that

DUCK DYNASTY OBSERVATION

question his power, he assures them that he is the boss and the one in charge. He holds his body
straight up and down, asserting dominance.
As a CEO, or someone of power it is beneficial that he is timely and has good time
management skills (Waldeck, Durante, & Helmuth, 2012). The audience sees Willie the most,
considering he is one of the main characters. The more present he is, the more control he seems
to have on the show. He is also responsible of all things time; therefore he must always be
responsive. He makes himself available in order to be the most effective boss.
Willies dominance and power help in describing his character. If Willie were to act any
other way, it would not feel right to the audience; nor will it send the desired message (Cesario &
Higgins, 2008). His assertiveness helps viewers better understand the purpose of the show and
how it is successful.
Conclusion
By understanding and analyzing Willie Robertson, we are able to better appreciate his
role on Duck Dynasty. Nonverbal communication is crucial to the success of Willie and Duck
Dynasty. Willies character is judged off of his environment, gender, personal appearance,
power, and dominance. These are the main ways viewers can identify his nonverbal cues and
how the cues impact his communication skills.
Other ideas of interest from this observation are what it would be like to study the family
unit as a whole, and how each member has their own contributing role. The Robertson bloodline
is strong and closely connected, and I would be curious to study the perspective of Willies
adopted children. Lastly, without the camo and beards, would the family be as successful? These
are both ideas that are capable of examining and it would be significant to study.

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DUCK DYNASTY OBSERVATION

Reference

Cesario, J., & Higgins, E. T. (2008). Making Message Recipients Feel Right: How Nonverbal
Cues Can Increase Persuasion. Psychological Science (Wiley-Blackwell), 19(5), 415-420.
doi:10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02102.x
DION, D., SABRI, O., & GUILLARD, V. (2014). Home Sweet Messy Home: Managing
Symbolic Pollution. Journal Of Consumer Research, 41(3), 565-589.
Semnani-Azad, Z., & Adair, W. L. (2011). The Display of 'Dominant' Nonverbal Cues in
Negotiation: The Role of Culture and Gender. International Negotiation, 16(3), 451-479.
doi:10.1163/157180611X592950
Waldeck, J., Durante, C., Helmuth, B., & Marcia, B. (2012). Communication in a Changing
World: Contemporary Perspectives on Business Communication Competence. Journal Of
Education For Business,87(4), 230-240. doi:10.1080/08832323.2011.608388
Voices. (November 11, 2014). In class lecture