Demonstrative Communication

Demonstrative Communication

Demonstrative communication is the nonverbal and unwritten communication in which information is sent and received through such things as facial expressions, tone of voice, body language, gestures, etc. Nonverbal communication accounts for a substantial portion of our communication as we respond every day to nonverbal cues as it replaces or reinforces verbal communication. According to the College of DuPage's management department, verbal communication makes up 7 percent of your message while the remainder is composed of 38 percent tone and 55 percent nonverbal cues (Lee, 2013). These nonverbal cues are so subtle that we are not consciously aware of them; however, they can help to reveal who we are and impact how we relate to other people. When you communicate a verbal message you send a corresponding nonverbal message at the same time. For example, if you are introduced to a new person you have never met; you greet the person, and offer a handshake. Verbal and nonverbal communications are closely connected because they offer the basis for understanding.

Demonstrative communication can be effective and ineffective, positive and negative, for the reader. Effective body language must match and align with the verbal message or misinterpretations can occur. If we present limited or non-engaging body language, others may interpret it as a lack of interest which may not be an accurate perception but rather the way it is perceived. For example, if you are being interviewed by an employer for a job opening but your body language is telling the employer that you are distracted, the employer may feel you are not interested, but in reality you could just be worried about the interview. However, the use of direct eye contact and body gestures combined with the verbal message engages the interaction with the interviewer. Preconceived notions challenge your ability to communicate and can cause communication to be ineffective. Many cultural differences exist so it is important to remember that what one culture finds acceptable, another might regard that same action as uncomfortable or impolite. Both verbal and nonverbal communications are important in expressing one's feelings. For example, if I were to say I was happy but I had a frown on my face then my verbal communication does not match my facial expression to show my true feelings. The tone of the voice plays an important role in effectively or ineffectively conveying your message and expressing your feelings. If the sender is speaking in a loud voice, he is going to express his anger to others. One person doing more talking than listening or more listening than talking is an example of ineffective and negative communication. An example of effective and positive communication would be the sender delivering the message with eye contact and the receiver giving feedback that the message was clear. Demonstrative communication