Demonstrative Communication - Essay Example

Demonstrative Communication Demonstrative Communication Introduction Communication remains a vital part of human life. There are different definitions used to explain what communication is. However, the most basic definition is that communication is a process through which information is transmitted from the sender to the receiver through a given mode. Basically, there are two types of communication: verbal and non-verbal. Verbal communication involves oral and written information whereas non-verbal utilises gestures as well as images to deliver specific information. Effective communication entails reciprocation of messages and ideas. Each day people use and reciprocate numerous nonverbal cues as well as behaviours ranging from facial expression to tonal variation. This paper explores demonstrative communication, its effectiveness and ineffectiveness, positive and negative for both the sender and the receiver among others. Demonstrative Communication Defined Nonverbal communication constitutes a significant portion of everyday communication. Despite the fact that thousands of languages exist across the world, people do not absolutely rely on words to convey their ideas to each other. Demonstrative communication can be referred to as the process of exchanging information between the sender and the receiver through nonverbal means. It happens outside the boundaries of verbal form of communication (Sonneborn, 2012). Demonstrative communication entails expression of feelings and messages in an organised manner. It is an effective way through which people understand and express their feelings or ideas to others. Demonstrative communication is made up of body physiology as well as nonverbal. Components of Demonstrative Communication Body Communication Body communication involves space and appearance. Space can be crucial in delivering information. For example, while talking to someone and he tries to move closer to you or touch you, by retreating or taking a few steps backward is a show that you do not want the person to come closer to you or to have any body contact with him or her. Moving back will show the other party that he or she is occupying your space. Similarly, appearance plays a significant role in conveying information from the sender to the receiver. The mode of dressing, hairstyle, or even makeup application will send certain signals that convey particular information about an individual (Sonneborn, 2012). Physiology as a Component of Demonstrative Communication The body language of individuals is perhaps the most understood form of demonstrative communication. Body language includes the use of posture, gestures and facial expression. As concerns posture, the manner in which a person sits or stands tells much about one’s feeling about others (Sonneborn, 2012). When a person turns his or her back against another, it sends a clear signal that he or she does not want anything related to the other party. Similarly, thumping one’s chest might mean that one is boastful or sitting in an office chair with legs resting over the table might indicate high level of confidence (Fielding, 2005). Gestures also constitute everyday communication, not only for those with impaired hearing, but also individuals with normal hearing ability. Gestures can be used for greetings, bidding farewell or even as a show of approval, for example raising the thumb. Facial expression such as smile, frown, twisting nose or twitching the lips often send crucial information to the receiver about the feelings of the sender. Nonverbal Communication This includes communicating through eye contact, emotion, tonal variation and even touch (Esposito, 2007). By looking at someone sternly, a warning is sent. Lovers may communicate how they feel towards each other by gazing into one another’s eyes. Certain things such as fear, anxiety, joy or remorse are better expressed through emotions than words. The receiver will often read these emotions through the sender’s facial expression (Sonneborn, 2012; Fielding, 2005). Variation of the voice tone expresses ones feelings about a situation or an idea, for example, one can scream to show disappointment, smooth and soft tone can be judged as sexy, while mumbling might show the one is unconfident. Finally, touch can also be used to send information. One can wrap the other in arms for comfort, grip a friend for fear or give a pat on the back for congratulation. Handshake can also tell what one feels towards another (Esposito, 2007). Effectiveness and Ineffectiveness of Demonstrative Communication Demonstrative communication can prove effective or futile in some occasions. Demonstrative communication involves face-to-face communication, which is regarded as the most effective communication type. There are certain aspects of communication such as happiness, sorrow or fear that can only be best expressed through demonstrative communication. The effectiveness of demonstrative communication relies on the nature of communication environment (Knapp, Hall & Horgan, 2013). In certain circumstances, one can send inconsistent nonverbal and verbal communications. Verbal and non verbal communications often conflict when the actions of the sender or the receiver are totally contradictory to his or her spoken word about the same thing (Fielding, 2005). There is usually a big problem when one fails to be keen and attentive to nonverbal signs used in the process of communication (Sonneborn, 2012). As such, demonstrative communication demands both great listening and responding skills for it to be effective. The reaction of the sender or receiver of message will often show positive or negative impact on the sender or receiver. Conclusion Demonstrative communication can be referred to as conveying of information from sender to receiver in other forms other than the use of words. It entails body, physiological and nonverbal communication forms. Despite the fact that people speak thousands of languages across the world, demonstrative communication constitute the highest portion of most communication process. Effective communication occurs when the message is successfully sent to the receiver who then appropriately responds. In most cases, communication process usually breaks down because of misunderstandings between the sender and the receiver. This trend is often common in demonstrative communication. One needs to be a keen listener and must be in a position to respond effectively. There are usually conflicts in the communication process when the actions of the information sender contradict the spoken word. The effectiveness of demonstrative communication depends on the ability of an individual to listen and respond carefully. Further, the environment of communication also influences the outcome of the communication process. Therefore, demonstrative communication can prove to be effective and ineffective depending on the nature of the environment in which the communication takes place as well as the nature of the sender and the receiver of the information. Demonstrative communication can be judged positive or negative for the sender or receiver depending on the reaction or signals observed in the process of communication. References Esposito, A. (2007). Fundamentals of verbal and nonverbal communication and the biometric issue. Amsterdam: IOS Press. Fielding, M. (2005). Effective communication in organisations: preparing messages that communicate. Cape Town: Juta Academic. Knapp, M.L., Hall, J.A. & Horgan, T.G. (2013).Nonverbal communication in human interaction. Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Sonneborn, L. (2012). Nonverbal communication: the art of body language. New York: Rosen Pub. Read More