Demonstrative Communication
Vera Speller
BCOM/275
September 10, 2012
Stephen Goodman

Demonstrative Communication

Demonstrative communication is a form of communication conveyed without verbally speaking or without the written word. This communication is effective for both the sender and the receiver. Body language is a powerful way to get your point across without saying a word. Tone of voice, expressions, and eye contact are a sure way to get the attention of an audience. Demonstrative communication can provide an enhancement to verbal communication; this involves listening and responding to the voice inflections of the speaker, responding to the movements of the speaker, and possibly interacting with the speaker. Speakers that just stand behind a podium and lecture can put their audiences to sleep.
Let me invite you to morning service at the Fountain of Truth Christian Church, 9809 E 42nd St Indianapolis Indiana, a lively congregation with a very young pastor. Pastor Moss has been the Senior Pastor for 15 years. Pastor Moss is a master of communication. He is speaking about Jonah, who, because of his disobedience, ended up in the belly of a whale. He demonstrated how the ship started tossing and turning at the arrival of Jonah, and the reaction of the crew to the turmoil. He demonstrated how the crew members deducted that the trouble started when they picked up Jonah. He used hand gestures, facial, and eye expressions, and then finally body movement when the crew threw Jonah off the boat! The congregation laughed and shook their heads in understanding in response to the picture that Pastor Moss had just demonstrated without words. This was positive demonstrative communication at its best.
On a daily basis, we use demonstrative communication. Facial expressions give insight of whether we are happy, sad, afraid, confused, or excited. If someone smiles, it gives the go-ahead to speak and even start a conversation with that person. On the other hand, a frowning face will certainly discourage dialogue, and label a person as unfriendly. How many remember that look your parent had that could change your behavior? A strong handshake, with good eye-contact can help form a positive opinion about someone. Crossing of arms and humping of shoulders while considered rude can be viewed as negative communication. No matter what we verbally say, our body language speaks volumes.
Former President Bill Clinton used demonstrative communication when he bowed to the current President-elect Barack Obama. His communication implied that President Obama was worthy of that type of respect. Former President Clinton is a master communicator, and uses his eyes, hands, and body movements to perfection. His speech last week at the Democratic National Convention could have been named Advanced Communications 401; his communication skills were brilliant. His body language was confident, and his tone was positive, persuasive, and informative.
The Conductor of a symphony orchestra uses demonstrative communication. The Conductor, while having the attention of the performers, will beckon a particular group when it is their time to perform. The Conductor controls the volume, and speaks with his body to the tune and tempo of the music.

Meet Patricia McKay, Indianapolis IN, my friend, and an interpreter for the deaf. Patricia has contracts city-wide at numerous different companies for her services. It does not matter whether you can sign or not, she makes everything perfectly clear. It is amazing to see her explain everything from insurance benefits to disciplinary action using demonstrative communication. If needed, she is in motion, and, other times she is very still with just her hands in action. In the 1920’s, many years before modern technology, people actually paid to watch silent movies. The actors were masters of demonstrative communication. The films were both comedies and dramas, even some with controversy. Without words, the actors used their expressions, eyes, and movement to make themselves understood. Many of these movies are being re-mastered and re-released. It would be interesting to observe their communication skills.
Before this permissive age that we live in began, television shows and movies were censored. Any kind of sexually suggestive scene was alluded to with demonstrative communication-a longing look, a slight caress (above the waist), or a very brief kiss-and then the scene would change to the next day.
Demonstrative communication can be accomplished in many ways, and is used by people in all walks of life. It is extremely effective.