Essay about Demonstrative Communication

Submitted By slushy12
Words: 688
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Demonstrative Communication
Jason Varson
BCOM/275
March 10, 2014
Donald Miller
Demonstrative Communication

Dictionary.com defines demonstrative as given to open exhibition or expression of one’s emotions, attitude, and love or affection. Demonstrative communication is expressed with facial expressions, voice inflection, and body language to name a few. Nonverbal and unwritten communication is just as important as the words that are spoken. It is the emotional or expression part of a conversation. This type of connection is important to any relationship either professionally, personal or just in everyday life. Demonstrative communication can be positive or negative, effective or ineffective for the sender and receiver. It also involves listening and acknowledging the information that is received.

Kinesics are the many expressions of the body such as posture, gestures, facial expressions, and body positioning. Culture can determine if a gesture is positive or negative. In America, thumbs up is a sign of approval, however in South America it is a very derogatory gesture. Even facial expressions can be interpreted different ways. In Middle Eastern countries, smiling at someone is only appropriate if they are familiar. Vocalic is also important to the receiver. It is the rate, pitch, quality, and volume of the vocal message. If the sender intends to demand the receiver to do something and speaks in a low monotone voice, the message will probably be ineffective (Cheesebro, O'Conner, & Rios, Chapter 4). Good posture, standing up straight with the shoulders back, along with eye contact is a way one may exude confidence.

Nonverbal communication in many ways includes listening and responding. The receiver and the discussion topic should always be taken into consideration. Listening and responding lets the sender know that receiver is engaged in the conversation. If the receiver is not listening their body language or facial expressions may be unintentionally wrong. This could send mixed signals to the sender and create confusion; so being conscious of posture, facial expressions and body language throughout a conversation can alleviate most of the miscommunication issues (Cheesebro, O'Conner, & Rios, Chapter 4). If the sender is talking about a serious subject and the receiver response with laughter, because he or she is not listening, the conversation could get very awkward. The body language should always correspond with what the sender is saying.

Acknowledging someone’s kinesics is a way to avoid or clear up some confusion. When the receiver, for example, responds by looking away it should be addressed, it could mean there are deeper issues that need to be discussed to clear up any misunderstandings. This could turn a negative message into a positive one. Standing side by side with someone rather than squaring them off (standing directly in front of them) may be