Demonstrative Communication

Demonstrative communication is nonverbal communication. This type of communication includes four principals, and seven variations; chromatics, proxemics, oculesics, kinesics, haptics, vocalics, and personal style (Cheesebro, O'Connor, & Rios, 2010). Demonstrative communication can prove to be both effective and ineffective to the sender and the receiver. Reactions to demonstrative communication may be either positive or negative as well.

In most any communication between people, nonverbal communication is present. In fact, two thirds of all communication is nonverbal, while verbal communication consists of one third of communication. Even so, the majority of people does not understand or learn from nonverbal communication, so the meaning goes unnoticed or misunderstood much of the time. Nonverbal communications are usually sent before the verbal message is sent, by facial expressions, appearance, and posture. Emotions and relationships are identifiable through demonstrative communication. Matching verbal and nonverbal communications can help to develop trust, just as mismatching verbal and nonverbal communications can break trust. Also, many cultures differ in their customs and mannerisms. This can cause miscommunications between people from different backgrounds and cultures (Cheesebro, O'Connor, & Rios, 2010).

It is important to understand nonverbal communications in order to make sure everyone is on the same page and understands one another. When talking to a peer, noticing a particular facial expression can lead into what they are thinking. Often this can be misinterpreted though. Asking the receiver to confirm the suspicions of a miscommunication, or even a negative reaction, can help to ensure effective and positive communication (Cheesebro, O'Connor, & Rios, 2010).

Confusion can easily be created by not being aware of nonverbal messages that you send out yourself. Often this can lead to mixed signals, causing miscommunication and sometimes damaging trust or the relationship between the sender and receiver. Being conscious of your emotions, and the nonverbal messages that my give them away to the receiver, can go a long way towards preventing confusion while communicating (Cheesebro, O'Connor, & Rios, 2010).

Those that are in a position of authority or high status affect nonverbal communication as well. People act different around others of different authority

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