David Goffman

Goffman starts his original work by describing what individuals commonly want to know when they first meet another person. One’s socioeconomic status, conception of self, attitude toward them competence, trustworthiness, etc. Acquiring this information helps us define the situation. It is essential that we define the situation at hand so that we know the setting and power differentials and how to appropriately act. In each situation, this information can become available through sign vehicles which transport a message. There are two kinds of sign vehicle. First, is the expression you give which is part of the act. Second, is what you give off which is unconscious and unintended. From these, we can make inferences about the person and situation and know how to appropriately act.

Regardless of his particular objective, the actor must focus on giving off the expression that will make the impression he wants on others. He uses the example of Preedy to explain this idea. Because he knew people were watching, Preedy acted a certain way so others would see him as he wanted. In other words, he adopted a social face. According to Goffman, adopting a social face is necessary in a social situation if you want to make a good impression. For example, putting on a smile even when you don’t want to be at a party. The performance will be spoiled if you don't. Goffman also talks about the information game which he says is “a potentially infinite cycle of concealment,discovery, false revelation, and rediscovery” (Goffman, 1959). In other words, I give you some information and you give me some information but we don’t give away everything. We withhold