Demonstrative communication: nonverbal cues, examples, and effectiveness

Nonverbal / Demonstrative Communication

Nonverbal Communication

The functions of nonverbal communication, according to Professor Mark Frank, include: a) nonverbal communication actually defines communication by "providing the backdrop for communication" (for example, a dimly lit room means communication should be subdued but a brightly lit room with cheerful colors offers a chance for loud talking, laughter and even frivolity); b) nonverbal communication can "regulate" how verbal communication takes place (when the listener nods that he has understood what the speaker has said, it is a cue for the speaker to continue talking); c) nonverbal communication "can be the message itself" because a simple smile indicates acceptance or happiness; a wave means goodbye; raising an index finger suggests "we're number one" and raising a finger to lips means please be quiet (Frank, 2012, pp. 6-7).

Professor Frank (Director of the Communication Science Center at the University of Buffalo) points out that there are social rules governing the nonverbal communication of touching. Teachers don't hug students but if a student has just been granted an important scholarship that rule can be violated and a congratulatory hug is appropriate. A male instructor would not ethically touch a female student on her back, but he might touch her on her "forearm" when making a point on an essay she turned in that needed additional editing (Frank, 2012, 8).

Facial expressions give a person away who is trying to be calm "and mature" about the recent death of a pet; the voice tone and facial expression "…often unintentionally communicate sadness," Frank explains (8). Nonverbal communication is "…less controllable" than verbal communication because, for example, the beginning of a smile can appear on a person's face (in a situation that definitely does not call for overt laughter) giving that person away to those who caught the smile (Frank, 9).

Effective and ineffective nonverbal communication

Effective nonverbal communication entails the proper use of facial expressions, body language, hands and arms, nodding of the head and good listening patterns. A speaker that makes good eye contact is utilizing good nonverbal communication skills. However, nonverbal communication can be "ambiguous" and in that context it may not be effective. For example, first impressions are not always correct and judging people based on a first impression -- using another person's nonverbal communication that was shown at the first glance -- can be short-sighted. The meaning of nonverbal communication must be judged "…from the total context" (Fielding, 2006, p. 119). Silence can be misunderstood; if a person is listening to another speak but says nothing purely out of shyness, the speaker can mistake that for rudeness, boredom or lack of respect; and in this case silence is an ineffective nonverbal communication (Fielding, 121). Not making eye contact is also an example of ineffective nonverbal communication; the person is speaking to an audience but looking at his notes and looking everywhere but at his audience; that's another example of ineffective use of nonverbal communication, Fielding continues (124).

The physical appearance of a person is a form of nonverbal communication. A student giving a final presentation in a university speech class -- wearing cut-off jeans, a t-shirt with a beer logo on the front, and flip flops -- is showing a classic example of ineffective nonverbal skills. Speaking in front of others with sloppy attire makes it difficult for that person "…to be taken seriously," according to Krizan, et al.

Meanwhile when a student is in front of a class but doesn't use any gestures (just stands stiffly, arms at the side or shuffling papers), "…may be perceived as boring, uncomfortable or nervous," and this is ineffective use of nonverbal communication (Krizan, 2010, p. 456).

The importance of listening

In the healthcare field -- and of course in other industries and situations -- nonverbal behaviors give strong clues as to the emotional state of the individual offering those clues. When a patient is nervously "wringing…hands" that certainly communicates anxiety to the nurse or doctor. But there are specific listening skills that a healthcare professional (and others that work closely with people) needs to acquire. Author Phil Burnard lists three important listening skills: "linguistic aspects" (the words and phrases uses); "Paralinguistic aspects" (timing, pitch, accent, fluency, volume, "ums and ers"); and "Non-Verbal aspects" (facial expressions, gestures, touch, body position, body movement and eye contact) (Burnard, 1997, p. 89).