Demonstrative Communication

Demonstrative Communication

Demonstrative communication can be defined as the process of sending and receiving messages and includes exchanging thoughts, messages, or information. This form of communication includes written or visual, verbal and nonverbal, and sending or receiving of messages.

Facial expression is a form of demonstrative communication. Communication includes tone of voice, diverse facial expressions, or body language to distribute the message. Positive facial expressions are recognized faster than negative facial expressions. A smile would be an example of a positive facial expression. A frown is viewed negatively. There are varying facial expressions that may be interpreted negatively or positively. A grin could be observed by someone as negative or positive for example. The listener or viewer's understanding may possibly be affected by the topic. Facial expressions used at some point in a business speech would depend on the subject matter. Expressions should match the theme of the speech (Chessebro, O'Connor, & Rios, 2010).

Demonstrative communication can be effective when the sender knows his audience and properly encodes his message for the receiver to decode it. The sender should use demonstrative communication to support the message he is trying to convey. Additionally, using nonverbal feedback received from the receiver the sender may obtain some useful information.

For example: Charles is trying to demonstrate a difficult task to Nancy. He is using hand gestures and mimicking parts of the process. Encouraged by her positive feedback, as she nods her head and replicates the gestures to indicate she has understood he continues. He constantly looks for her positive and negative reactions to focus on parts that she may have difficulty understanding. In the end, Charles asks if she understood the process and without hesitation Nancy nods, smiles, and winks with one eye. The instant feedback received by Charles is that Nancy is listening, interpreting, acknowledging, and understands the process.

Body language is a different form of demonstrative communication. Nonverbal communication is amid 60 - 75% of the impact of a message. The influence of body language can be utilized to become enormously successful in any action that engages interface and communication with people. In spite of what we might mean to say with our vocabulary, our body language is the superseding factor in how the message is received. Eye contact is a valuable form of body language and facial expression.

Demonstrative communication also can be ineffective when the sender does not know his audience or misuses a gesture that the receiver is not familiar with. Social, cultural, age, and gender differences are common reasons for this disconnect.

Demonstrative communication emphasizes spoken communication. For example, dressed appropriately, a friendly demeanor, and a firm handshake can speak volumes about the type of person someone is at a job interview. A person can get an idea of what others feel concerning them by the nonverbal gestures they produces. Someone can furthermore measure another person's reaction to achieve a positive or negative response and exploit it to his or her advantage. Demonstrative communication