Demonstrative Communication - Essay Example

Demonstrative Communication The objective of the paper is to present a of demonstrative communication which includes nonverbal and unwritten communication and involves such things as facial expressions, tone of voice, body language, and so forth. Likewise, the following elements would be included in the paper: (1) a provision of examples showing how demonstrative communication can be effective and ineffective, positive and negative, for the sender and receiver; and (2) an explanation as to how demonstrative communication involves listening and responding.

Demonstrative Communication Description of Demonstrative Communication One tried to search for an accurate definition of the term ‘demonstrative communication’ without due success. For terms that are generally understood in separate and distinct form, when placed together, the ease or complexity in defining its cope is thereby magnified. To address this seemingly tenuous predicament, the terms would be taken in their disparate nature for the purpose of soliciting an appropriate definition.

Demonstrative has been defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “inclined to display feelings openly” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2011, p. 3b). Clark (2010) defines communication, on the other hand, as the “the exchange and flow of information and ideas from one person to another; it involves a sender transmitting an idea, information, or feeling to a receiver (U.S. Army, 1983). Effective communication occurs only if the receiver understands the exact information or idea that the sender intended to transmit” (Clark, 2010).

Epey and Diffang (2009) have clearly classified demonstrative communication as one of the six modes of traditional communication, where “traditional communication is a mixture of social conventions and practices which have become sharpened and blended into veritable communication modes and systems” (Epey & Diffang, 2009, p. 1). In this regard, one could deduce that demonstrative communication is the social process of exchanging information and ideas from sender to receiver with an open display of feelings and nonverbal modes to assist in greater understanding of the accuracy of the message originally intended to be relayed.

The pertinent elements that are included under demonstrative communication are as follows: (1) effective display of feelings; (2) inclusion of both verbal and non-verbal communication cues; (3) non-verbal communication cues include “body language, expression, personal space and other nonverbal tools… (where) voice tone, sounds and a variety of devices such as kinetics (movement), haptics (touch), oculesics (eye-contact), proxemics (space) and chronomics (time) as well as posture, sound symbols and silence, which either replace or accompany words” (Darn, 2005, p. 1) are also included; and (4) giving feedback by intently listening and responding appropriately.

Effective and Ineffective Demonstrative Communication The degree of effectiveness in demonstrative communication could be gauged in terms of defining the clarity and accuracy by which the recipient acknowledged the message being understood, as intended. Usually, misunderstanding in communication patterns are caused either by external factors (noise, distructions) and internal influences (cultural, demographic factors). For example, if two communicating parties are familiar with each other (friends, acquaintances, sharing the same demographic factors as age, gender, educational background), effectiveness in manifesting demonstrative communication is enhanced and therefore, the effectiveness in messages being received and send are increased.

On the other hand, if two communicating parties come from different cultural backgrounds (Western versus Eastern culture), come from different generations (one very young, say 15 years old and one, 60 years old), trying to solicit an appropriate response to any ordinary everyday communication could be difficult: if a Korean wants to ask for directions in going to a particular medical professional specializing in podiatry, one doubts that verbal communication is effective if the Korean does not know how to speak in English.

Nonverbal cues could assist like using gestures, body language, eye contact, and other modes to assist in the process. Positive and Negative Demonstrative Communication Examples for positive and negative demonstrative communication would also depend on familiarity of communication parties. Positive demonstrative communication could be manifested by openly displaying positive expression of feelings of love, caring, support and listening intently to the sender of messages. Negative demonstrative cues include lack of interest, utter showing of indifference, reacting through verbal abuse (shouting, responding by expressing vindictive words).

For parties with diverse cultural backgrounds, positive demonstrative communication would be exemplified by the use of nonverbal cues such as nodding (signifying understanding), smiling, giving a soft pat, and responding correctly for giving the right information to the inquiry or message being relayed. On the other hand, a negative demonstrative communication between parties from different cultures include utter disregard to the person sending the message, indifference, lack of interest, shouting, and dismissing the person by not going out of one’s way to try and understand the message being relayed.

Listening and Responding The abovementioned examples confirm that effectiveness in demonstrative communication is measure by the accuracy of the feedback and reaction relayed to the sender of the message through listening intently and responding appropriately. The communication process is deemed ineffective and negative when the actions manifested focus on lack of interest, indifference and not trying to listen or understand the message being relayed. On the other hand, the process is considered effective and positive when the recipient of the message shows and acknowledges genuine concern and interest through listening intently and as a result, respond accurately and appropriately.

The essay has successfully achieved its aim of describing demonstrative communication by defining it and providing examples of how it could be effective and positive through intently listening and responding accordingly. References Clark, D. (2010, May 10). Communication and Leadership. Retrieved October 17, 2011, from Big Dog & Little Dog's Performance Juxtaposition: http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/leadcom.html Darn, S. (2005, February). Aspects of Nonverbal Communication. Retrieved October 17, 2011, from The Internet TESL Journal: http://iteslj.

org/Articles/Darn-Nonverbal/ Epey, B., & Diffang, F. (2009). Communication in the extra-mundane. International Journal of Communication, 1-6. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (2011). Demonstrative. Retrieved October 17, 2011, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demonstrative U.S. Army. (1983). Military Leadership. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.