7 Dec
2011
7 Dec
'11
3:45 a.m.
Ron Nelson wrote:
The first goal of a caller should be to
"communicate" in a way that leaves
no doubt of the action he/she wants the dancers to perform. If the dancers
understand what the caller wants, and can accomplish it with reasonable
dexterity, the caller has accomplished this primary objective.
This is good. I like it. I'm not sure that the quote marks are needed
around the word "communicate."
As a speech communication major one of the cardinal principles you learn is
that "You cannot, not communicate."
Words are only one of the many ways we communicate our intentions and
expectations. And often what is *not *said communicates this more clearly
than what is spoken with words. Consequently it is almost always the
caller who uses the fewest words who makes her expectations the most clear.
And--with regard to integrating first-timers at open, public contra
dances--what if the caller wants the regular dancers to partner with
newcomers?
Hint: A direct request using words is not the answer. Asking regular
contra dancers directly is not very effective in the long run.
- Greg McKenzie