Formative Assessment 5

As the COVID-19 hits the country, a nationwide protocol was enforced by the

government to avoid the spread of the virus. This includes closing of many business building,

social distancing, quarantine at home, and bunch of precautionary measure that prohibits people

from having any physical contact with each other. During such enforcement, the government still

prioritized the front lines during the pandemic, such as people who works on the food, security,

and health industry. Which are the necessities of the nation and can aid the economy of the

country.

With many businesses being closed, a lot of Filipino people have become unemployed,

which led to a lot of families being unable to support/fed themselves. With that, various projects

and food donation drive has been started since the start of the quarantine, to support such

families. However, many issues and corruption regarding about the funds and supply has

surfaced for the past few months. With that, Dismay and comments are being constantly

displayed by the nation’s people on various platforms. Such as Social media platforms and

rally/protest.

With this, on April 1, 2020 President Rodrigo Duterte addresses the nation regarding

about the events and warns the Filipino people to be wary and to not start any riot, trouble, or

mess. If the warning is disobeyed/ignored, Duterte stated that he will order his men to shoot or

detain any people who will start one. Duterte’s speech main content is the warning towards the

Filipino people to not make any unnecessary or movements that is hot to the eyes of the

government, because for him, the Filipino people will never win towards his government.
 As Duterte starts his speech, many Non-Verbal communication cues can be observed,

although small, it is visible within sharp observance. The cues can be mainly observed in his

arms and head, as this is the only visible area during the Nation’s Address Broadcast.

In his head, it can be observed that Duterte started his speech with his head being tilted,

which according to Joe Navarro this could indicate that the speaker is relaxed. But that could just

be the President’s default pose. As there are multiple addresses video where his head is tilted on

one side. As Pres. Duterte progresses in his speech he has this Rapid eye blinks movements from

time to time, which could indicate his displeasure towards the topic. As he is addressing the

turmoil and unpleasant events in the nations. Or he is just having trouble expressing his thoughts,

which can be observe as there are moments where his eyes would wander around the area and

there will be some pauses/ prolonged “uhm” in between his speech, as if he is attempting to

remember and organize his thoughts.

Instances such as, both eyebrows being high/raised is also seen during his address, which

according to the article of Joe Navarro, indicates the person’s confidence throughout the

conversation. Which could mean that Pres. Duterte is confident that his words and warning are

being heard by the Filipino people. Furrowed forehead is visible in his face, which could indicate

his frustration, concern, and anger towards the subject. Anger can be observed as there will be

some intonation and voice rising from time to time.

The last non-verbal cue that I observed in his head is how he would lick his lips after

giving a warning. It did not happen many times, but it can be observed on this particular

moment. Which according to Joe Navarro, indicates the person being stress and this action is an

attempt to calm oneself.

 In his arms, it can be observed that Pres. Duterte would do this hand movement from time

to time as an attempt to guide and fix his thoughts processes. But a particular non-verbal cue that

I observed in him during the speech is his hand steepling, Pres. Duterte would do this movement

as he explains some points in his speech, which could indicate his high confidence in thoughts

and his positions. Although his hands are steepling, with how lowered it is, it is said that he is

attempting to be timid about it or timid in his explanation.

All throughout the speech of the President, only few non-verbal cues were visible and

was observed by me and this is due to the fact that I seldom watch any speech videos,

specifically, Pres. Duterte’s video. Hence, I am not that adept to the President’s acts and

mannerism during his speech address. But most of the cues I observed are well connected to his

current state of emotion during his speech. Most of them being frustration, confidence, anger,

and attempt to explain properly.

All the non-verbal cues that I have observed and stated are based on the contents of the

article and video of Joe Navarro provided by my professor. Therefore, these are only

assumptions of mine base on the materials provided to me. And although materials were

provided, my observation could hardly be accurate at all.

References:

(FULL VIDEO) Duterte addresses the nation. (2020, April 1). Inquirer.net.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDT0PkERGlM

Nation Address of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Pandemic. (2020, April 1). PCOO-PND (Presidential News Desk.

https://pcoo.gov.ph/presidential-speech/nation-address-of-president-roa-duterte-on-coronavirus-

disease-2019-covid-19-pandemic/