Demonstrative Communication Paper - Essay Example

Demonstrative Communication Paper al Affiliation Demonstrative Communication Paper Introduction The communication process encompasses different components and integrates varied essential factors to determine its effectiveness. According to Martires (2004), “it is best to view communication in terms of a configuratin of interacting elements. Communication should be designed so that the various elements complement, rather than negate each other” (p. 87). As such, communication has been examined in depth through asserting different categories, classifications, levles, components, and facets that contribute to messages being received, as intended.

For the current discourse, the aim is to describe demonstrative communication, a form of communication that focuses on nonverbal cues and relying predominantly in using visual expressions to assist in enhancing understanding of the message. The essay hereby aims to provide concrete examples rendering the demonstrative communication process effective or ineffective, positive and negative, as well as determining how listening and responding affects the process. Examples showing how Demonstrative Communication can be Effective and Ineffective Effectiveness of the communication process could be gauged in terms of accuracy of receiving and understanding the message, as sent or as intended.

Therefore, one facet of measuring effective demonstrative communication is using appropriate nonverbal cues or patterns that facilitate understanding of the messages that were sent. The factors that contribute to misunderstanding or impede the flow of smooth communication include: physical barriers, social barriers, and psychological barriers (Martires, 2004). In a demonstrative communication, the barrier could stem from any of the non-verbal channels: “facial expressions, the clues in our voices ("vocal paralanguage"), hand gestures, body movements ("kinesics"), touch ("haptics"), and personal space” (Exploring Non Verbal Communication, n.d.).

Thus, an effective demonstrative communication could be deduced by exhibiting the appropriate non-verbal channels that facilitate understanding of the messages sent. For instance, in the role and responsibilities of flight stewardesses, they are expected to maintain a congenial and positive attitude at all times. Therefore, even if there are difficult passengers, flight stewardesses “have learned that you can say anything to a passenger as long as you smile” (The Human Face, n.d., p. 1). As such, even in instances of irritation or disgust, flight stewardesses should conceal the irritation with a facial expression that maintains using a smile while trying to communicate, solicit information, stressing the appropriate action and behavior from their passengers.

An example of an ineffective demonstrative communication is using a particular gesture which was totally misunderstood by the recipient due to cultural disparity. As learned from the section entitled “A World of Gestures” in the University of California, Santa Cruz site, there was a situation that shows an Iranian woman raising her right thumb, which is similar to “the American/English gesture for 'Good Luck to you.' But it is an obscene gesture, and an American traveling in Iran would outrage people there if the American performed this gesture” (The World of Gestures, n.d., p. 1). Therefore, there are tendencies to misunderstand gestures and render the demonstrative communication totally ineffective if the non-verbal cues due to cultural disparities are not clearly and accurately interpreted.

Examples showing how Demonstrative Communication can be Positive and Negative A demonstrative communication can be advantageous or positive for both the sender and receiver if the messages sent were accurately understood. For instance, in a marital situation, giving positive and appropriate non-verbal cues, symbols and signals contribute to a long, lasting and successful marital relationship. As emphasized, “a marriage in which there is effective communication fosters love, trust and respect” (Papa, 2013, par. 6). On the other hand, an example of a form of demonstrtive communication that generates negative impact or effects on either the sender and the receiver is the continued suffocating affection, for example, exhibited by a suitor to the woman she loves.

If the recipient of the amorous affective demonstration of love is not returned, there would be negative consequences to the receiver in terms of depression, anxiety, loneliness and even anger. On the other hand, on the part of the sender (the woman whose suffocating love and affection is showered), there are also negative consequences in terms of undue stress, awkward feeling, ire, uneasiness, among others. This example evidently shows that for a demonstrative communication to generate postive and beneficial effects, there are factors that must be present in the process, such as: shared experiences, similarities in interests, goal clarity, among others.

Explanation on how Demonstrative Communication involves Listening and Responding The criterion to use in determining whether demonstrative communication is successful or not is the congruence between the sender’s purpose of the message and the way it is received by the recipient. Keen listening and appropriate feedback or response is crucial in the process. Listening skills should not just be active; they should also be reflective or responsive, especially, if the message sent was vague or needs to be further clarified.

The reaction by the recipient is the main element that determines its success of failure. The sender should monitor the reaction of the recipient, and accordingly, determine if there are clarifications or further explanations that must be made. On the part of the receiver, active listening would assist in understanding the message; but if some noise or barriers to communication exists, it is also the responsibility of the recipient to ask questions, verify, and clarify to ensure that the message is accurately understood.

References Martires, C. (2004). Human Behavior in Organizations. National Bookstore. Exploring Non Verbal Communication. (n.d.). Retrieved from University of California, Santa Cruz: http://nonverbal.ucsc.edu/ The Human Face. (n.d.). Retrieved from University of California, Santa Cruz: http://nonverbal.ucsc.edu/quizfaceb.html The World of Gestures. (n.d.). Retrieved from University of California, Santa Cruz: http://nonverbal.ucsc.edu/quizgest3c.html Papa, J. (2013). Effective & Ineffective Communication.

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