NAME: Ces Andres

YEAR AND COURSE: BSMA - 1

CLASS CODE: 1735

UNIT 16:DOING BUSINESS ETIQUETTE AND PROTOCOL:

Now, let's look deeper into the reasoning behind these seating arrangements.

Mr. Smith: Putting him at the head of the table emphasizes his importance and establishes the
tone for the meeting. It also facilitates direct communication between you and Mr. Smith, as you
will most likely be leading the discussion and pitching your ideas to him.

Professor Jones: Sitting next to Mr. Smith recognizes her expertise and role as a trusted
advisor. This placement allows him/her to assist Mr. Smith's decision-making process and
provide valuable insights based on his/her knowledge of the subject.

Experienced Employee: By placing your most experienced employee next to you would
acknowledge their seniority and expertise. It also allows for seamless collaboration and
continuous access to their insights and advice during the meeting.

New Employee: Although the new employee may not have the same level of experience as their
counterpart, seating them next to the experienced employee allows for mentorship and
knowledge sharing. It also encourages new employees to participate actively in the discussion
and learn from their more experienced colleagues.
Assistant: Placing your assistant at the opposite end of the table ensures that they are available
to assist with meeting logistics while not directly participating in the discussion. This position
enables them to take notes, manage any documentation, and handle any administrative tasks
as needed, while remaining easily accessible if necessary.

UNIT 17: COMPARING BODY LANGUAGE AND GESTURES:

Jody Olsen's video on body language and cultural lapses beyond my cultural borders was very
insightful. In the video, Olsen explores the specifics of nonverbal communication and how it can
differ significantly across cultures. From gestures to facial expressions, every culture has its own
unique set of norms and customs that influence how people interact and express themselves.

As an Ilocano, a cultural group in the Philippines with distinct customs and traditions, I find it
fascinating to compare our body language and gestures to those described in the video. While
there may be some similarities, I believe there are significant differences that reflect the distinct
cultural context of Ilocano society.

The "mano po" gesture is one that people in my environment frequently use. This gesture
involves placing an elder's hand on one's forehead as a sign of respect. It is frequently
accompanied by a gentle bow or nod of the head. This gesture is deeply ingrained in Ilocano
culture and is typically used to greet elders or ask for their blessing. It represents humility,
reverence, and deference to authority, highlighting the importance of elder respect in Ilocano
culture.

In contrast, the video emphasizes various body language cues and gestures from different
cultures, such as handshakes, eye contact, and personal space. For example, Olsen discusses
how a firm handshake is commonly perceived as a sign of confidence and trustworthiness in
Western cultures, whereas a weak handshake may be interpreted negatively. Similarly, she
explains how maintaining eye contact can convey attentiveness and sincerity in some cultures,
but it can also be perceived as confrontational or disrespectful.

These examples demonstrate how cultural norms influence our perception and interpretation of
body language. While some gestures are universal or widely understood across cultures, others
are unique to certain cultural contexts and have different meanings.As an Ilocano, I recognize
the significance of being aware of cultural differences in nonverbal communication, particularly
in today's diverse and multicultural world, where interactions with people from various
backgrounds are becoming more common.

In addition to the "mano po" gesture, there are several other body language cues and gestures
unique to Ilocano culture. In conversations, nodding or tilting the head slightly to the side is
frequently used to indicate agreement or understanding. This subtle gesture indicates active
listening and engagement, encouraging the speaker to continue sharing their ideas or
experiences.
Another example is the use of hand gestures to emphasize or clarify points during conversation.
In Ilocano culture, hand movements are frequently used to supplement verbal communication
and convey emotions or intentions. Raising the brows or shrugging the shoulders, for example,
can convey surprise or uncertainty, whereas placing a hand over the heart can express sincerity
or gratitude.

Furthermore, Ilocanos are known for their friendly and welcoming attitude, which is frequently
reflected in their body language and gestures. A smile, a friendly nod, or a pat on the back are
common ways to demonstrate kindness and goodwill to others. These gestures contribute to a
sense of connection and camaraderie, which fosters positive interpersonal relationships in the
community.

Overall, while Ilocano body language and gestures share some similarities with those discussed
in the video, there are significant differences that reflect the Ilocano society's unique cultural
context. Understanding and respecting cultural nuances is critical for effective communication
and developing meaningful relationships across cultures. Being aware of cultural differences in
body language allows us to improve our cross-cultural competence and navigate interactions
with sensitivity and respect.