Communication Is Defined as Both, the Imparting

Communication is defined as both, the imparting or exchanging of information or news, and it is the successful conveying or sharing of ideas and feelings. The methods of communication can be verbal or non-verbal. In particular, the latter is known as demonstrative communication, which includes, the use of facial expression, body language, appearance, and various gestures to convey how he or she feels.

Non-verbal communication is might be used to reinforce verbal communication or as a form of communication on its own. For example, when introducing oneself to other, it might not be enough to just say hello but he or she may add to it a facial expression like a smile or a certain positive and friendly demeanor. As a sender of such demonstrative manner, the receiver will then be able to gauge how to react, which in such situation is positive. In addition, the way a person looks and presents him or herself is another method of non-verbal communication. For example, the way an individual puts his or her hair, or whether they are wearing a power suit or stiletto heels vs. someone who is in relaxed jeans and sneakers. The former individual is sending out a message of dominance and authority while the latter is communicating to the receiver or onlookers a sense of ease.

Aside from facial expressions, body language is important, too, especially when the sender is interested in someone and wants the receiver to acknowledge such romantic notion. For example, the sender may want to be close to the receiver and the latter, if interested, may respond in the same positive way. The way the sender tilts his or her head means she or he is interested, especially when smiling so the receiver may take notice. Eye contact is significant since if the receiver is interested in the sender, he or she will stare back but if he or she is shy, the individual may look away. However, should the receiver look elsewhere and seem unfocused, the sender will also know he or she is not interested. Arm gestures are another way of seeing whether a person is interested. For example, if he or she has their arms crossed, it may be a sign of discomfort or authority but if the receiver rests their arms behind their neck or head, he or she is communicating that they are relaxed in the presence of the sender. Both parties may be nervous in the presence of each other if they keep brushing their hair or otherwise known as preening, raising his or her eyebrows, or pushing the glasses back. Moreover, if the receiver is interested in the sender, his or her feet will turn to the direction of the other.

Although verbal communication is the primary form of communicating with the use of words, it is the manner in which such messages are expressed that are significant. Therefore, without non-verbal skills, the meanings and tones attached to such words are meaningless. It is determined by social scientists that verbal communication only accounts for "7% of the communication process" (Stewart, 2005) while demonstrative communication makes up for the rest of the 93%, specifically in the form of listening. Listening is the most significant kind of communication without being vocal, which involves "five elements: hearing, attending, understanding, responding, and remembering" (Stewart, 2005). Hearing is the physiology of listening once sound waves hit the ear at various intervals of frequency. Attending is the act of filtering out certain things and focusing on other messages, and understanding means comprehending such messages. Responding is giving feedback to the receiver, not necessarily in the form of words but through facial expression and eye contact. Remembering is being able to recollect information or messages that were previously communicated.