In The Clip From Anchorman

According to Judee Burgoon, Expectancy Violations Theory explains the influences that non-verbal communication has on our behavior. Burgoon claims that, “nonverbal cues are an inherent and essential part of message creation (production) and interpretation (processing).” Non-verbal communication is when an individual communicates using wordless cues. The theory suggests that we as humans make assumptions about non-verbal behavior of our peers. EVT is a theory that can be thought of as a bubble. Essentially, it’s as if each person has an imaginary bubble surrounding him or her. This bubble creates the distance they prefer to keep when interacting with other people. This theory can be put into application when an individual’s personal space is

unexpectedly invaded. Recently, I watched the movie Anchorman, starring Will Ferrell, and found a particular scene that was a perfect example of EVT. The theory helped me understand what was truly happening.
In the clip from Anchorman, the character Ron Burgundy violates Ms.

Corningstone’s expectations of a normal office meeting by being half naked on his desk and working out when she arrives. Burgundy’s actions violate the social norms within the work place, which shifts Ms. Corningstone’s previous admiration for him into a Negative Reward Valence. Negative Reward Valence, is when an individual positive or negative expectations and is dissatisfied with the interaction, they will attach a negative reward to that person. As Ms. Corningstone states in the clip, she expected an attempt of “pickup lines” from her other coworkers, but not from Mr. Burgundy. This violated her expectations of Mr. Burgundy causing her to become

angry.
The major concepts of EVT helped me better understand the relationship between Mr.

Burgundy and Ms. Corningstone. Expectancy is what we predict will happen, not always what we desire to happen. There are three main factors that influence our expectations. Context refers to the place of conversation. This refers the work place where Mr. Burgundy is unusually naked and working out in the middle of his office. Relationship, refers to the overall liking and familiarity of the individuals. This may also depend on the social ranking. Ms. Corningstone’s relationship with Mr. Burgundy is strictly professional. Conversation between the two on a daily basis is expected. However, wearing proper attire in the work place is expected as well. Communicator characteristics, which includes the communicator’s age, gender, personality, appearance, and many other things that may influence your expectation. Ms. Corningstone expects her boss to be dressed accordingly for the work place, and in the clip, is violating that expectation. Violation occurs anytime a person acts in a way that is unexpected, regardless of who they are. This unexpected action, or violation, is processed by the person receiving the violation. They then either perceive the violation positive or negative. Proxemics refers to an individual’s personal space and what distance they prefer to interact with others. Proxemics is the social norm that is most often violated, especially in the work place. However, in the clip, Ms.

Corningstone’s personal space is not violated, as she keeps a far distance from Mr. Burgundy, standing close to the door as she communicates with him.
Griffin discusses that Burgoon’s theory is imperfect when predicting outcomes in situations. However, in the Anchorman clip, the theory was executed excellently. The conversation between the sender (Mr. Burgundy) and the receiver (Ms. Corningstone) show social norms being violated in the work place and how it can violate the receiver’s expectations. EVT can be applied in daily situations throughout many individuals’ lives. Our “bubble” is often violated causing us to have a negative reward valence about an individual. The clip analyzed provides a valid example of Burgoon’s theory, giving myself and hopefully many others a better understanding of Expectancy Violations Theory.