In the world of information, the success of verbal and non-verbal communication approaches usually predetermines the success of all life initiatives. Be it in the workplace environment, in a home setting, or in the street, effective communication is a crucial element of people’s daily routines. The process of communication encompasses numerous ingredients, factors, and meanings. It implies that one speaker is able to transfer information to another speaker or listener in ways, which guarantee that the recipient understands the message and its intent. Given that communication always takes place in a context and numerous factors influence its effectiveness, it comes as no surprise that the risks of misunderstanding remain quite high. At times, non-verbal communication becomes a more reliable means to transfer the message than verbal cues. Demonstrative communication is a unique form of non-verbal, unwritten communication, which is intended to demonstrate the speaker’s purpose. The goal of this paper is to review the basic principles of demonstrative communication, its effectiveness, and roles of listening and responding in it.
It should be noted that modern technologies offer vast opportunities for verbal and non-verbal communication. Due to the development of video communication technologies, individuals no longer need to invent complex verbal strategies to transmit non-verbal information. Today, demonstrative communication opens new venues for non-verbal cues, based on facial expressions, voice tones, and body language. These are just some of the many media that can be used by individuals for demonstrative communication. Yet, according to Smith and Mounter (2008), facial expressions remain the most relevant, effective, and widely used instrument of demonstrative communication. Certainly, facial expression by itself is influenced by numerous factors. Apparently, demonstrative communication happens in a context, and this context should be considered, when the meaning of the non-verbal message is interpreted and understood.
Demonstrative communication can be effective and ineffective; it can also be negative or positive. Again, the context in which communication takes place plays a huge role in demonstrative communication, since the same facial expression or gesture can be perceived as either positive or negative, depending on the setting in which it is used. The same relates to the effectiveness of demonstrative messages, which can vary considerably, depending on the situation. For instance, in a hospital setting, a grimace showed by a patient can indicate pain, suffering, or dissatisfaction with being admitted to the hospital. The same grimace demonstrated by a young woman while watching a violent movie can be a positive sign that she does not like violence (which, in most societies, is normal and even desirable). Demonstrative communication can be regarded as effective, when the non-verbal sent to the recipient is received and understood in the way it was intended by the sender. For example, a touch can send an effective message of caring and support, when used towards a family member or close relative in a difficult emotional situation. The family member may be complaining that the conditions of his/her work have become too tough to justify the salary he/she receives for his/her efforts, and a friendly touch will be definitely interpreted as the sign of attention, understanding, and support. This same gesture can be interpreted as undesirable, aggressive, and irritating, if the individual thinks that his family member or relative touches him simply to silence him. In this situation, demonstrative communication will not be effective, as far as the sender fails to demonstrate the intent of his nonverbal message and confirm that the message sent to the recipient is properly understood.
The effectiveness of demonstrative communication is often easier to achieve than the effectiveness of nonverbal messages. In verbal communication, the sender can use repetition, substitution, or persuasion to ensure that the target message is understandable and clear. With demonstrative communication, many things are about guessing. For instance, how will a young man interpret his girlfriend’s looking at a wonderful wedding dress in a showroom, as they are passing by? It is just a matter of interest or a demonstration of the girl’s desire to get married? These are the questions, which can be answered only in a specific communication context. At the same time, in all contexts, listening and responding will shape the basis for quality demonstrative communication.
While listening is essential for effective demonstrative communication, demonstrative communication can also serve as an important aspect of listening. In other words, demonstrative communication can be synonymous to active listening, when the recipient of the message uses nonverbal cues, gestures, facial expressions, and body language to show his/her appreciation of the speaker and his/her message (Bostrom, 1996). Responding to the demonstrative message sent through nonverbal means can also take place in a nonverbal form. Here, Pease (2000) describes mirroring as the use of the same body language by both the speaker and the listener, as the sign that both are actively involved in demonstrative communication. At the same time, it is a manner of responding to the demonstrative message that can become a criterion of its effectiveness. The nature of the response (positive or negative) will suggest whether the demonstrative message sent by the speaker is properly understood. In demonstrative communication, listening and responding come together to create a favorable setting for the emergence of effective communication ties.
To conclude, demonstrative communication is nonverbal, unwritten form of communication that has its strengths and weaknesses. Context plays one of the crucial roles in the quality and effectiveness of demonstrative communication. The same facial expression or gesture can be perceived as positive or negative, depending on the situation, in which it is used. Listening and responding come together to create a favorable environment for effective demonstrative communication.
- Bostrom, R.N. (1996). Human Communication Research. Thousand Oaks: SAGE.
- Hess, U., Banse, R. & Kappas, A. (1995). The intensity of facial expression is determined by underlying affective state and social situation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 69(2), 280-288.
- Pease, A. (2000). Questions and answers. London: Griffin Press.
- Smith, L. & Mounter, P. (2008). Effective internal communication. NY: Kogan Page.
