COMMUNICATION STYLES

INTRODUCTION:
Communication style is the way we interact with each other. Determining your own communication style can
help you improve communicating effectively, create better understanding and better relationships.

In my toastmaster pathways, I had to take an assessment on communication style and found myself as
supportive communicator. There are basically 4 types of communication styles.

1) Supportive/ Personal – value emotions, connection/ relationships, good listener makes them
cooperative, dependable, loyal. Doesn’t like change, likes relaxed & no-tension environment. Bad habit
- might be indecisive. Analytical style communicator gets irritated with personal style communicators
because - 2) Analytical – are data driven, like hard data, real numbers, unemotional, cold.

Earn trust provide plenty of reassurance. When asking their opinions and ideas, encourage them to express
their concerns and allow them time to make decisions.
When dealing with analytical communicator - Present information to them in an organized manner and be
prepared to answer questions. Be patient while they think through and process new information.

3) Initiating – Sociable, enthusiastic, energetic, spontaneous, and fun-loving. This style is may be
perceived as someone who talks more than listens. He is often perceived as self-assured, innovative,
and persuasive. Prefers a stimulating, personal, and friendly work environment. Who do you think has
that communication style? I think Mayra has that personality.

Allow time for socializing at the beginning of meetings and create a friendly, non-threatening
environment.

4) Direct/ Intuitive - quick and to the point, avoid details, like the big picture, comfortable with big ideas, think
out of the box, enjoy challenging convention. Every CEO or big bossed must have this skills in higher
percentage.
When dealing with these communicators, be specific and avoid over-explaining or repeating yourself. Focus on
solutions and only provide details when asked.

Along with me, I understood is my direct boss is analytical – he likes number, the plant manager I worked with
is direct – his is always visionary, likes change, think out of the box all the time. And because of these, all big
bosses like him. But the company president is combination of all of these. He is direct but adapts himself as
needed when communicating to other people.

No one communication style is better than another. But picking the wrong style for a particular audience,
whether it’s one person or a thousand, shuts down listening and can create trouble. Learning to build flexibility
around your own style allows others to more successfully hear the important things you need to communicate.