Communication Styles

Shoma Mukherji 5 Sep 2012

Patterns of verbal and nonverbal behavior others can observe. Not an ability (how well someone can do something) Preferred way of using ones abilities (how someone likes to do something)

Understanding helps in managing three key relationships: with self, with another person, with members of a group.

Style Model 1
Dominance : Tendency to display a take-charge attitude. Low dominance people : cooperative and eager to assist others. Low in assertiveness, more willing to be controlled by others. High dominance people: more assertive, seek control over others, give advice freely, frequently initiate demands. Sociability : Tendency to seek and enjoy social relationships. At top of sociability continuum, people express feelings freely, are open and talkative and like personal associations. At bottom of sociability continuum, people control feelings, are more reserved and formal in social relationships.

High Sociability

High Dominance

Low Dominance

Supportive

Emotive

Reflective

Director

Low Sociability

Emotive
Displays spontaneous, uninhibited behavior Talks rapidly, expresses views with enthusiasm, uses vigorous hand gestures Displays personality dimension described as extroversion Enjoys being with people, tends to be active and upbeat, likes informality and usually operates on a first-name basis Possesses a natural persuasiveness. Finds it easy to express point of view dramatically and forcefully

Director
Projects a serious attitude Frank, assertive, and very determined Often communicates no-nonsense attitude. Gives impression that they cannot have fun

Expresses strong opinions With firm gestures and tone of voice communicating determination, projects the image of someone who wants to take control May project indifference Cannot easily communicate warm, caring attitude. Finds it hard to abandon formal approach in dealing with people

Reflective
Expresses opinions in a disciplined, deliberate manner Never in a hurry, expresses measured opinions. Emotional control is a common trait Seems to be preoccupied Is rather quiet, may seem aloof and difficult to get to know Prefers orderliness At a meeting, this person appreciates an agenda. Enjoys reviewing details and making decisions slowly

Supportive
Listens attentively Good listeners have a unique advantage in many occupational settings - loan officers, sales personnel, and supervisors Avoids the use of power Likely to rely on friendly persuasion than power when dealing with people. Likes to display warmth in their speech and written correspondence

Makes and expresses decisions in a thoughtful, deliberate manner. Appears low-key in a decision-making role

High Sociability

High Dominance

Low Dominance

Low Sociability

Excess Zone Behaviours

Emotive Style Outspoken to the point of being offensive - Unwilling to listen to the views of others. Uses exaggerated gestures and facial expressions Director Style Determined to come out on top - Will not admit to being wrong Appears cold and unfeeling when dealing with others Reflective Style Avoids making a decision - Seems overly interested in detail Stiff and formal when dealing with others - Seeks to achieve perfection

Supportive Style Agrees with everyone to win approval - Constantly seeks reassurance Refuses to take a strong stand - Tends to apologize a great deal

Versatility
Ability to create and maintain interpersonal relations with others, regardless of ones communication style

What can I do to make it easier for the other person to relate to me?

Style Flexing
A deliberate attempt to change your style to meet the needs of another person. A temporary effort to act in harmony with another persons communication style

Customizing your communication style often requires learning how to overcome your strengths

Style Model 2
Aggressive Stand up for ones own right, feel superior, violate the rights of others, ignore their feelings Stand up for ones own right while maintaining respects for others Value rights of others as more important than ones own, avoid expressing thoughts, feelings and opinions

Assertive

Passive

Being an Assertive Communicator

Refusal Assertiveness Saying No (right time and right way)

Expressing Feelings Saying how you feel

Request Assertiveness Getting information, clarification, stating

Tips for Assertive Behaviour

EYE CONTACT BODY POSTURE DISTANCE/PHYSICAL CONTACT GESTURES FACIAL EXPRESSIONS VOICE TONE, INFLECTION, and VOLUME FLUENCY TIMING

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