"Imam Muda" Reality Show: An Analysis Of Non-verbal Communication Of Young Imam

This research seeks to examine the nonverbal communication of an influential leader to change mind and behaviour of others, particularly in the field of dakwah. The portrayal of young Imam in the Malaysian reality show “Imam Muda” brings new landscape of muslim socialization process and implies significant values of dakwah. The definition of young Imam and its role as a progressive leader in a modern, multiracial society are described and illustrated in this 10-episode show. The researchers give special attention to nonverbal communication of the winner as this aspect is a determining factor of being a good and influential leader. The contestants may have more or less the same quality in terms of Islamic knowledge, but to gain social influence as an Imam, obviously nonverbal communication talks louder than verbal communication. The silent messages displayed by an individual are more countable and reliable in the eyes of people, as concluded in Mehrabian’s 7%-38%-55% Rule. Five episodes of Imam Muda have been selected and five elements of nonverbal communication have been analysed – kinesics, paralanguage, haptics, appearance and proxemics. A thorough analysis of the top Imam is carried out to see to what extent he uses the nonverbal communication in interpersonal or mass setting that promote him as the most eligible young Imam.