Demonstrative Communication

Effects of Demonstrative Communication

Effects of Demonstrative Communication

Communication, whether done verbally or nonverbally is imperative when relaying thoughts, views, or how we are feeling to others. Communication involves the exchange of ideas and messages from senders to receivers. While verbal communication can only relay words with a tone, communicating nonverbally allows the sender and receiver to, whether they mean to or not, send messages that can relay mood, feelings and even identities.

Nonverbal communication involves facial-expressions, body-language, and posture to name a few, to send messages from the sender to receiver. These cues are important to observe and identify as they can either agree with and compliment the sender’s message or completely contradict it. Smiling and “eye constriction – with associated raising of the cheeks – has well-established role in indexing the joyfulness of adult” (Ekman, Davidson, & Friesen, 1990). Showing joy or happiness can relate to the sender that the receiver has liked or enjoyed the message and has shown it non-verbally. Other facial expressions including frowning or scowling, cringing, brow lowering, and even upper lip raising can relay to the sender that the receiver of the message is either displeased, upset and angry, or uncomprehending of the message.

Demonstrative communication also includes body language. Body language is a powerful instrument that is used in any activity that would include communicating and interacting with other individuals. One of the most important forms of body language, in my opinion, is eye contact. Although on the face, eye contact is not a facial expression and can show interest, understanding and even compliance. If an individual is looking to the floor or ceiling for an answer or the rest of the message, then it can show a lack of confidence, lack of knowledge, or even uncaring.

When demonstrating other forms of body language, the sender must be cognizant...