Demonstrative Communication

Demonstrative Communication

Demonstrative communication is exactly what it sounds like, demonstrating while trying to communicate. It can be verbal and/or non-verbal. Verbal demonstrative communication can be inflection, tone, or volume. Non-verbal demonstrative communication can include facial expressions, body movements/language, appearance, or something else that another can take in with their senses. Communication in this manner can either be effective or ineffective, positive or negative, for both the sender and receiver.

Demonstrative communication is primarily used to enhance our verbal communications. By using hand gestures during a lecture, we can keep the attention of our audience. Moving back and forth during a presentation in front or our audience adds to verbal message. However, if we move too much it becomes a distraction and received as a negative effect, causing our audience to become distracted and not receive our message. Nonverbal communication plays a large role in our communication process. “In fact, research shows that the majority of our communication is nonverbal. Nonverbal communication, or body language, includes our facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, posture, and even the tone of our voice” (Segal, 2011).

Talking to someone in a monotone, robotic voice will usually always lose your audience. Any time you communicate, you are trying to send a message to the receiver and you want that message to be received and understood in such a way the receiver gets the correct message. If you want to send someone the message that you have lots of money, you will dress and act accordingly. You will buy extravagant items and try to flaunt these things. A heated argument includes loud voices and wild gestures. A loving relationship can include softer tones and touching.

A good example of this type of communication would be a pastor/preacher in a church. During church events, the pastor is usually calm and his mannerisms will be comforting. His...