TV Show Background
For the TV show to be evaluated, the Canadian documentary “Survivorman” was chosen, and the creator, producer, and main character is Les Stroud (2005-2016). As a well-known showman and wilderness survival expert, Mr. Stroud has managed to create a project in which he is the main protagonist, often shooting from the first person.
The show’s essence is that in each episode, he finds himself in a wild place unfamiliar to him with a minimum supply of food, sometimes without it, and tries to survive for one week to ten days. Although the team accompanies Stroud, he determines the strategy of life in an unfamiliar environment, which is fascinating and allows for assessing what conditions a person can survive in.
Analysis of Communication Among the Show Characters
When evaluating the characters of “Survivorman,” one might notice that the uniqueness of this TV show lies in the fact that Les Stroud is often almost the only character that appears on the screen. Sometimes, he interacts with other people, but he often monologues directly to the viewer, bringing himself closer to the target audience. At this point, the show has already ended, but in recent seasons, the audience may have noticed that Mr. Stroud began to invite more guests into the frame.
Rating Characters’ Communication Competence
While speaking of his communication competence, the protagonist’s skills can be rated at seven or eight on a scale of ten. Stroud skillfully conveys his feelings and constantly interacts with the viewer by interpreting everything he sees and feels. However, low emotionality and expressiveness of speech do not allow for calling him an excellent communicator who can hold attention for any period.
Factors Contributing to Higher Communication Competence
At the same time, despite the similar presentation style in all show episodes, Mr. Stroud is more competent than his colleagues. Having experience of survival and being acquainted with the environment, he is well prepared, and no situation can put him into a stupor. This, in turn, is expressed in his ability to build thoughts in such a way as to convey information to the audience as accurately and clearly as possible. This manner of interacting with the public helps the presenter form his image as a balanced and self-confident person whose professional competence is not questioned. Therefore, his great professional experience and ability to convey his ideas as accurately as possible allow Mr. Stroud to be more convincing than the other members of the crew who appear periodically on the show.
Specific Skills Supporting Communication Competence
Confidence and clarity are the communication skills that Les Stroud brings to bear in his interactions with the audience. By remaining calm in any situation and conveying information to the audience in a measured manner, he manages to win the trust and loyalty of the public.
Examples of Communication Styles
In terms of his communication style, he can be described as assertive. When convincing the audience of his ideas, Mr. Stroud uses the evidence base and refers to science, not personal views and beliefs. For instance, he uses fire when making a bed for himself in the night forest. He mentions “all the heat from the rock coming up through the boughs.” Such a method may seem strange for an unprepared person, but it is effective (Stroud, 2005-2016). Thus, Stroud’s communication skills allow him to maintain authority and keep a reputation as a respected person whose words can be trusted.
Suggestions for Improving Communication Competencies
To improve his communication competencies, Mr. Stroud could have focused more on empathy as a skill for getting close to the audience. When interacting with the public in his assertive style, the presenter does not show emotionality and rarely demonstrates his feelings and impressions. Developing such skills could help Les Stroud reinforce his positive image by showing involvement and genuine interest in what is happening.
Reference
Stroud, L. (Executive producer). (2005-2016). Survivorman [TV series]. Cream Productions & Wilderness Spirit Productions.