Demonstrative_Communication

Demonstrative Communication Nonverbal messages are unspoken and most times go unnoticed. The use of nonverbal messages can make the message more believable. One must become more aware how to interpret and send nonverbal messages. These messages are sent before a verbal message with a facial expression, tone of voice, clothing, the walk, and body posture. These messages are about people’s identity, their emotions, and their relationships with the sender/receiver. Trust is increased when the verbal and nonverbal messages complement each other. A communication could consist of various types of nonverbal messages (Pearson Education, 2010). This could be the distance they stand from another person, body posture when they are interacting with others, or the eye contact they are sending. These types of nonverbal variations could be known as chronemics, proxemics, oculesics, kinesics, haptics, vocalics, and personal style. Chronemics is how people relate to time and how they discuss about time in relation to the conversation. Understanding the distance one is from another when talking to others and respecting others personal space is called proxemics. Eye contact, is known as oculesics. This occurs with whom one is speaking with and may involve using an “inviting eye.” Body language plays a key role (kinesics), which is one’s posture, gestures, body orientation, and facial expressions. Personal style is how one appears to the sender/receiver. This would include what one are wearing, hair style, and body scent. Be aware the meaning of these kinesics can mean different things in other cultures. The use of haptics, touch can play a key role in how one feels toward the sender. A hand on the shoulder or a pat on the back can send messages of argument or support in the conversation. Finally, vocalics are the rate, pitch, quality, and volume of the voice. This can makes up the volume of the conversation and one’s intent outside of the verbal words you are used. A good example of how demonstrative communication can be both effective and ineffective is when one lies in the workplace (Papa, 2013). If a person tells a lie to a manager and pulls it off effectively, the reaction and decisions made based on the lie can affect other’s lives in a negative way. This could result in tighter company policy, which could lead to mistrust among the employees and the company, possibly destroying the organization. An example of a positive outcome is one that uses nonverbal with verbal communications to demonstrate a needed action. This could be explaining how to fix or install an appliance or any mechanic machine. The visual aids with verbal explanations compliments each other and help achieve the needed outcome that the receiver is looking for. In the listening and responding process, demonstrative communication also involves nonverbal cues to the sender. The receiver will need to be physically and mentally present by providing nonverbal cues to the sender with accurate oculesic, kinesics, and proxemics. When one listens, it is key that they be attentive or attending. This is the removing of all distractions and giving the ability to focus on the sender. While listening, one would need to provide nonverbal cues to show the sender he or she is engaged and listening. This could include a nod of the head or a facial expression that shows interest. Finally, it is good to consider following some key guidelines when using nonverbal communication. First, verbally describe the nonverbal behaviors one sees back to the sender to gain understanding. Make sure that one’s nonverbal and verbal communication work well together to avoid confusion. Consider status and power one has when delivering the message as this will influence outcome of the nonverbal communication. Most times these nonverbal cues can come in clusters and the receiver needs to do their best in reading as many of them as possible to gain full meaning of the message being sent. It is also important to be aware of culture boundaries between the sender and receiver, as a simple greeting can differ between various people and can result in an unintended meaning. References Papa, J. (2013). Effective & Ineffective Communication. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/about_6110746_effective-ineffective-communication.html Pearson Education. (2010). Communication in the workplace. Retrieved from Pearson Education, BCOM275 - Demonstrative Communication website.