Expectancy Violation Theory

Running head: Ace Ventura’s Brilliant Use of Nonverbal Communication

Ace Ventura’s Brilliant Use of Nonverbal Communication and Expectancy Violation Theory

Angaleza Adams

Dixie State University Thesis

An analysis of the video clip from “Ace Ventura, Pet Detective,” provides a perfect example of many nonverbal communication codes and violations of expected behaviors when attending a black tie event. The violation valance is magnified and at times ambiguous messages are communicated while communicator reward is positive even though there are so many negative violations throughout the clip. Based on the interpretation of Ace Ventura’s expectancy violations, he creates plenty of distraction from his intended purpose at the party.

People observe and often follow each other when it comes to knowing what is expected and normal behavior in new and uncharted circumstance. At the party, everyone could see Ace’s behavior, but because nobody reacted negatively, not even the host of the party, everyone followed suit – as they say, “When in Rome, do as Roman’s do.” In this group, they chose to fall in line and act as if nothing was out of the ordinary with Ace. They all chose to stay within proper social expected behaviors and not step up to correct Ace by giving him negative communication rewards. This is can be compared to crab mentality. Just like crabs, when a few head for the ocean, they all

It was brilliant technique for Ace to be using as his cover for his detective work and real purpose at the party. Nobody would have guessed that he was there being snoopy and looking for the stolen mascot -- simply because they're so amused and shocked at his crazy, outlandish facial expressions, body movements and grotesque eating that even his words and conversation were almost lost in his non-verbal communication. It was all so distracting that it becomes a perfect masquerade for the real reason that he's at the mansion. Those attending didn’t want to violate their expected behavior to stop him… and so he continued. Their compliance to expected behavior enabled him to proceed with his plan. One can learn from this, to not be afraid to step outside the expected behavior, to call attention to something that may not be