Demonstrative Communication
Communication is generally defined as the process of sending and receiving messages. There are several elements in the communication process: a sender or receiver of a message, encoding and decoding the, the message itself, the channel through which the message is sent/received, and the feedback associated with the message (Cheesebro, O’Connor & Rios, 2010). There are a number of channels through which to send and receive messages, such as verbal and written communication. However, an extremely important and effective way of communicating is through demonstrative communication. Demonstrative communication is non-verbal and unwritten communication and can be tremendously powerful.
Though words are not exchanged, demonstrative communication can speak volumes through action, body language, facial expression, posture, eye contact, and physical contact. Even if someone is speaking, demonstrative communication can tell a completely different story than the words coming out of one’s mouth. For demonstrative communication to be effective, it should be in alignment with the intent of the message that is being delivered or received. When out of alignment, demonstrative communication can cause misinterpretation of messages and those messages’ intent.
Demonstrative communication often precedes verbal communication. Clothing, a particular hair style, tattoos, piercings, and face makeup can send influential messages before words are ever exchanged (Cheesebro, O’Connor & Rios, 2010). The intent of such physical attributes may be misinterpreted, but presentation itself is not something to be taken lightly and has the potential to influence one person’s opinion of another. Body language, posture, and facial expression are also formidable methods of demonstrative communication. If someone is slumped over in a chair with head in hands, frustration or stress is a potential interpretation of that person’s mood or attitude. Someone looking off into the distance with a blank
Though words are not exchanged, demonstrative communication can speak volumes through action, body language, facial expression, posture, eye contact, and physical contact. Even if someone is speaking, demonstrative communication can tell a completely different story than the words coming out of one’s mouth. For demonstrative communication to be effective, it should be in alignment with the intent of the message that is being delivered or received. When out of alignment, demonstrative communication can cause misinterpretation of messages and those messages’ intent.
Demonstrative communication often precedes verbal communication. Clothing, a particular hair style, tattoos, piercings, and face makeup can send influential messages before words are ever exchanged (Cheesebro, O’Connor & Rios, 2010). The intent of such physical attributes may be misinterpreted, but presentation itself is not something to be taken lightly and has the potential to influence one person’s opinion of another. Body language, posture, and facial expression are also formidable methods of demonstrative communication. If someone is slumped over in a chair with head in hands, frustration or stress is a potential interpretation of that person’s mood or attitude. Someone looking off into the distance with a blank
References: Cheesebro, T., O 'Connor, L., & Rios., F.(2010). Communicating in the workplace. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.