Demonstrative Behavior BCOM/275

It is said that communication is two thirds nonverbal and one third verbal; unde rstanding of demonstrative communication can aid in the delivery and recipe of t hese messages. Delivery speed, use of hands, tone of voice, and eye contact are a few of the nonverbal elements that go into the delivery of a message. Knowing how to use these elements in the delivery can increase the effectiveness and imp ortance of a message. On the other hand if the receiver is cannot translate the nonverbal message, the message will be viewed as unimportant or ineffective. To ensure messages are sent and received properly parties must be aware of all the elements of the message sent and received. The first type of demonstrative communication is chronemics, which is el ement of time (Cheesebro, 2010). Through the use of time the communicator can u se the speed of their delivery to control the effectiveness of their message. A short, smooth, and slow message may communicate a message that is unimportant an d does not show urgency. On the other hand a message that is rushed may translat e the need for urgency or may communicate nervousness and a messenger that lacks confidence. Often times the receiver can use the time of the delivery paired wi th the space used in the delivery to aid in the translation of the message. Proxemics is the distance the sender uses when communicating their messa ge (Cheesebro, 2010). This distance between messenger and receiver can indicate the type of message; 18 inches to 4 feet indicates personal message, 4-12 feet social, and12 or more feet indicates a public message (Cheesebro, 2010). With t he increase of the space between the messenger and the receiver the more public the message becomes. In addition to space and message speed the use of site can aid in the delivery or reception of a message. Oculesics, or the use of eye contact can have different meanings dependi ng on what region the messenger is from but always has bearing on the message be ing sent. In the United States it is custom to look the receiver in the eyes whi le diverting the eyes away occasionally, this shows that the person is engaging in the communication and understands that the sender is communicating a message (Cheesebro, 2010). However, in some Asian countries it is a sign of disrespect t o look each other in the eye and in the Middle East looking someone in the eye g ives the viewer a look into what the messenger is trying to say (Cheesebro, 2010 ). Just as important as eye contact, body positioning or kinesics can relay a nu mber of nonverbal messages. Posture, gestures, and facial expressions all transl ate what one is thinking during the transmission or reception of the message (Ch eesebro, 2010). If the message is given with the sender slouching with their hea d down the receiver is more likely not going to receive the message fully. In re lation if the receiver gives a frown and has a look of dislike the sender knows the message was not well received. Hand gestures and touch paired with one s vocal method can help the receiver transmit their message as well as the receiver communicate how and what parts o f the message they have received. A hand on the back and slow rate and low-pitch ed message could represent the personal nature of the message. At the same time a touch to the shoulder or for arm could be a sign to move to the side or to be

silent during the delivery of a message (Cheesebro, 2010). The final element of demonstrative communication is personal style. This refers to a persons clothes, accessories, body hair, and hairstyle. These features of a person can communica te whether a person can be taken seriously. One should be carful on judging on p ersonal style to avoid a stereotype; for instance a potential employer may view someone with earrings and long hair as someone unwilling to work hard and contri bute to the furthering of the company. In relation an applicant might show up dr essed as a professional with no intention of working hard or making a significan t contribution to the organization. If used properly the use of demonstrative communication can mean the dif ference between a recovered message and a miscommunicated one. Effective demonst rative communication is as an aid to assist in effective message delivery. For e xample a traffic director using appropriate hand signals to guide traffic to tur n, stop, or continue through can keep traffic flowing smoothly. On the other han d if the director were to stand with their hands to his or her side traffic coul d come to a halt and possibly cause accidents to occur. The use of facial expres sions can also be effective in the communication of a sender s message. If the sende r uses eye contact and welcoming expressions like a smile, the receiver is more likely to understand and retain the message. On the other hand ineffective facia l expressions, such as frowns, pinched lips, and dark eyes may cause the receive r to shut down and not receive the message being sent. Just as demonstrative communication can be effective or ineffective it c an also be positive or negative. Take for instance the use of touch can communic ate a comforting communication; for instance, a pat of the back or a professiona l handshake can communicate the receiver or sender is welcome. One s tone of voice can also mean the difference between a positive or negative message. Upbeat cade nce with soothing tones can communicate positive reinforcement or a positive rea ction to an important message. On the other hand a dark tone with sharp words an d yelling may conveyed a negative message and have a negative effect on the rece ption of the message communicated. To understand the messages sent through demonstrative communication there are a few techniques to use to translate the communication. First, observe all nonverb al messages being sent by the message sender and repeat back to the send what wa s observed (Cheesebro, 2010). This includes speech, facial expressions, and eye contact. Second, if any of these communications change during the message or on e is unclear or confused with the verbal and nonverbal message, communicate what was seen or heard and ask for clarification. The third technique one can use to ensure proper translation is to be carful when translating nonverbal communicat ion to ensure that the message one is receiving is the message the sender intend s the receiver to receive (Cheesebro, 2010). It is also important for the sender to be cognoscente of the message the y are sending. One strategy is to ensure that verbal message being sent matches the nonverbal message. Second, be sure that the message one is sending communicates the right amount of social or business importance one possesses taking care not to over or under state ones importance or position (Cheesebro, 2010). In closing, the proper use of demonstrative communication is imperative to ensure the proper message is received. Eye contact, speed of delivery, touch, and space all play a part in the nonverbal delivery of one s message. With the righ t combination of these elements a message can be positive and effective. However if the messenger receives a miscommunicated nonverbal message the verbal messag e may become negative or ineffective. Translation of demonstrative communication can also mean the right or work message conveyed or received; the sender and re ceiver should always be aware of all nonverbal communication transmitted and bri ng all the information together to understand the whole message. Communicating t he right message can be difficult but, with the right demonstrative elements the right message can be received.