Demonstrative Communication: The Silent Communicator

Demonstrative Communication: The Silent Communicator

Humberto Aguilar

University of Phoenix

BCOM 275

April 26, 2011

Demonstrative Communication: The Silent Communicator

While words may be a loaded pistol and a pen mightier than a sword, body language and facial expressions can be considered universal. Demonstrative communication plays an important role when a sender and a receiver exchange thoughts. Written words usually relay information, but spoken words relay the importance and urgency of the information. Scientific analysis has been found that "the different aspects of communication comprise 55% bodily movements and gestures, 38% vocal tone and only 7% words or verbal communication" (Rane, D.B.,2010).

During our everyday interaction with others, demonstrative communication occurs without give much thought to our expressions. Some examples are the rolling of eyes, shrugging of shoulders, twiddling of fingers, tapping of foot, or maybe crossing of arms. Each one of the above mentioned actions can change how a message is received. In a personal environment, these actions may be ignored. However, when communicating in a business environment, careful consideration needs to be taken to when and how we use facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. There will be times when the use of these demonstrative forms can be advantageous, but there may be disadvantages to using them. For example, on a positive note, body language can help establish good rapport with the receiver, it can help depict the seriousness and importance of a message, and it can add value to the message. On the other hand, body language can be misinterpreted, it can be ineffective if the receiver is not a good listener and is not attentive, and it can give a bad impression if it is inappropriate (Rane, D.B., 2010). Proper use of body language thus is be analyzed to get the most effect and become successful with its use.

Every facial expression, smile, eye movement, gestures, posture, body position, and even appearance and attire must be carefully used to get a positive response from the receiver.

Facial expressions may be considered the most important of form of body language since it is usually the first part of the human body that we are drawn to when communicating with one another. In face to face communication, facial expressions tend to express "the thoughts of the mind and the feelings of the heart" (Rane, D.B., 2010).

Lip movement can either help initiate communication, or it can deter it. Smiling in a natural, pleasant manner can help invite a receiver to be willing to listen. On the other hand, the lack of a smile, a smile that is not genuine, or even a frown can lead to person choosing to ignore us.

Eye movements or gestures can express different feelings