Demonstrative Communication

Demonstrative Communication

Jacquelyn Valdez

BCOM/275

March 15, 2014

Rodney Thirion/ Dr. Tim Glaid

What is demonstrative communication? Is it a look of disdain as your child walks through the grocery store with his or her arms crossed, brows furrowed, and pouting because you did not buy them their favorite sweet treat? Is it the look of disapproval on the face of the elderly woman watching you and your child interact? It could be both actually, because demonstrative is defined as the process of sending and receiving messages and involves, exchanging thoughts, messages or information. We all react differently to different stimulus, but one of the most common, non-audible ways to communicate is with our body language and facial expressions. For example, when someone is tired, he or she may yawn or flutter their eye lids. Someone unfamiliar with another person’s regular mannerisms may think they are tired. Demonstrative communication, or non-verbal cues and/or facial expressions also allow us to receive negative or positive feedback from others.

Demonstrative communication can be effective and ineffective. It can be positive and negative for both the sender and receiver. The environment in which communication takes place plays an important role in its effectiveness. Communication may take place directly or indirectly. Most of the time, face-to-face communication is more effective than other forms of communication. Indirect communication takes place through text messages, emails, and instant messages. These messages are also accompanied by facial expressions. In verbal communication, the participants talk directly. It is because of this reason that verbal communication is more effective than non-verbal (Nielsen, 2008).

In our everyday life, we use the non-verbal communication more than verbal communication. Demonstrative communication can be perceived by the listener as both positive and negative. The perception of participants is largely...