Assignment: Demonstrative Communication
From what I have understood so far, demonstrative communication refers to the way a person uses his or her non-verbal communication skills when delivering or receiving a message. The concept centers around all the different ways a person can attach feelings, or meanings to a message without actually saying a word. This can include their body language, the way they dress, the facial expressions used, and even the presence of silence during the communication process. These types of cues can be very effective when used in conjunction with the verbal message (Cheesebro, O'Connor & Rios, 2010).
For example, paying full attention to each other by maintaining eye-contact, using an empathetic tone, and showing concern simply by displaying certain facial expressions can help both the sender and the receiver build a better trust element when involved in a conversation. The ineffective or the negative ways that this same example can illustrate include doing the complete opposite. By not maintaining eye contact, or showing a sense of interest, the receiver and the sender give off the impression that the message is not that important.
Another example of effectiveness or positive attributes for a sender and receiver include the way one presents themselves to others. Meaning, how they dress, their posture, even the way they smell for instance. The example most often viewed in society, in my opinion, deals with the way people judge others based on their clothing, the fact that they have piercings, tattoos, and even whether or not their hair is brushed. This perception principle can be ineffective, effective, positive, and negative for both parties. To expand, some receivers, such as a job interviewer, can take a look at a person and within a few seconds determine whether or not they will hire the individual. In some cases,