Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some engaging questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of human connection and perception. Please consider the following:
- How do you form opinions about people you meet for the first time?
- What do you think is the most important factor in determining whether you like someone or not?
- Have you ever noticed how quickly you can tell if someone is interested in talking to you or not?
- How do you think nonverbal behavior, such as body language and tone of voice, influences your interactions with others?
- Can you think of a time when you misjudged someone based on your initial impression?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Look at the featured image and answer the following questions:
- What do you see in the image?
- What do you think this activity will be about based on this image?
- How does the image relate to the concept of human connection and perception?
Introduction:
Please read the introduction to the activity, which discusses how people form opinions about others within a fraction of a second, influenced by nonverbal behavior, body language, and tone of voice.
Video Engagement:
Watch the video The Importance Of Being Inauthentic: Mark Bowden at TEDxToronto and pause at the following strategic points:
- Pause at 2:30 and discuss: What do you think is the most important factor in determining how others perceive us?
- Pause at 5:00 and discuss: How do you think authenticity plays a role in building connections with others?
- Pause at 8:00 and discuss: What are some ways we can go beyond our natural instincts to build deeper connections with others?
For more information, visit the original post: https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/the-importance-of-being-inauthentic-mark-bowden-at-tedxtoronto/
Vocabulary Practice:
Review the key vocabulary terms and complete the vocabulary quiz:
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Evolutionary Psychology | The study of how human behavior and cognition have evolved over time to solve problems related to survival and reproduction. | Understanding evolutionary psychology can help explain why people form opinions about others quickly, based on nonverbal cues. |
| Neural Architecture | The structure and organization of the brain, including its different regions and their functions. | The neural architecture of the brain plays a crucial role in making unconscious choices about others, based on evolutionary psychology. |
| Reptilian Brain | The most primitive part of the brain, responsible for instinctual and automatic responses, such as fight or flight. | The Reptilian Brain makes instant judgments about people, categorizing them into groups such as enemy, friend, or potential partner. |
| Neocortex | The part of the brain responsible for higher-order thinking, such as reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving. | The neocortex gathers data to support the categorizations made by the Reptilian Brain, influencing how others are perceived. |
| Attraction | The quality of being pleasing or appealing to others, often based on physical appearance, personality, or other characteristics. | Attraction plays a significant role in social interactions, with a person’s appearance signaling their genetic quality and access to resources. |
| Peacocking | A behavior where individuals display their attractive qualities, such as wealth, status, or physical appearance, to attract others. | Peacocking behaviors, such as wearing expensive clothing or jewelry, can be used to signal attractiveness and status to others. |
| Authenticity | The quality of being genuine, sincere, and true to oneself, without pretenses or manipulation. | Being truthful and authentic in delivering ideas can help individuals avoid being perceived as manipulative and build trust with others. |
| Genuine Smile | A smile that is sincere and heartfelt, often characterized by narrowed eyes and eye contact. | A genuine smile, sustained over 3 seconds, can be a universal signal to show recognition and friendliness, initiating conversations and building connections. |
| Indifference | A state of being neutral or uninterested, often the default category for new people we meet. | People are pre-programmed to be indifferent to others, but by triggering a specific response or connection, individuals can build relationships and connections. |
| Nonverbal Behavior | Communication that occurs through facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and other non-linguistic cues. | Nonverbal behavior, such as a genuine smile or eye contact, can convey friendliness and interest, helping to build connections with others. |
Vocabulary Quiz:
- What part of the brain makes instant judgments about people based on their behavior?
- A) Neocortex
- B) Cerebrum
- C) Reptilian Brain
- D) Cerebellum
- According to the text, what can a genuine smile, sustained over 3 seconds with narrowed eyes and eye contact, be a universal signal for?
- A) Attraction
- B) Friendliness and recognition
- C) Indifference
- D) Aggression
- Why is authenticity crucial in building connections with others, according to the text?
- A) It helps to manipulate others
- B) It makes individuals seem more attractive
- C) It helps individuals avoid being perceived as manipulative
- D) It is not necessary in social interactions
- What can happen when individuals go beyond their natural instincts and choose behaviors that may not come naturally to them?
- A) They may become more isolated
- B) They may discover brilliant ideas and opportunities
- C) They may lose their sense of identity
- D) They may become more aggressive
- What is the default category that people are pre-programmed to be towards others, according to the text?
- A) Friendliness
- B) Attraction
- C) Indifference
- D) Aggression
Answer Key:
- C
- B
- C
- B
- C
Grammar Focus:
The present simple and present continuous tenses are used to describe habits, routines, and ongoing actions. In the context of human connection and perception, these tenses help explain how people form opinions and interact with others.
Grammar Quiz:
- People ____________________ opinions
