This is a reproduction of the first blogging assignment:

The reflexive cycle uses the principle of reflexive thinking. Reflexive thinking as we have learned considers how our behavior appears and affects others. There are five steps in the reflexive cycle. They are: 1. Inventory self, 2. Change self, 3. Inventory others, 4. Transact with others, 5. Reflect, asses, and re-inventory self.

         How does this all apply to nonverbal communication? Well we can use it to change the kind of nonverbal messages we send to others. Say for instance I am constantly winking at girls to let them know I am interested in them. I keep doing it and it does not work. What I should do is inventory myself and see what behaviors it is that I have been using that do not work for me. Next I change myself and decide not to wink at girls anymore since it obviously has not been working for me. After that I start to look at others and inventory what nonverbal behaviors and messages they are sending to me. Through this I can see what does and does not work and how others are receiving and interrupting my nonverbal messages.

After the first three steps I follow up with the fourth step and begin to transact with others. I have changed my behaviors, analyzed others nonverbal cues and can now transact with others using different forms of nonverbal communication. Finally I can take a step back and see how everything worked out.

         The reflexive cycle is vital component to nonverbal communication. It has inspired many researchers into analyzing the many types of nonverbal behaviors, displays, cues, and other things. It can be used for other things rather than nonverbal communication. The reflexive cycle’s versatility and easy step-by-step procedure make it something that we should all use.