Types of Communication Styles & Actionable Steps to Achieve Healthier Communication
How often are you able to communicate effectively? Does information sometimes get lost somewhere along the communication funnel? While most people consider themselves good communicators, research shows that nearly 75% of communications received are often misinterpreted. There's a telling disconnect, mainly because every individual has a different communication style.
We all have unique communication styles, but there are primarily four major ones you will encounter in your day-to-day life. Accurately understanding each type better equips you to effectively interact and establish a good relationship with any person you come across. Also, mastering how you like to communicate can help you improve your communication habits and prevent conflicts and misunderstandings.
With that in mind, this article will explore the different communication styles and steps to achieve healthier communication. That will come in handy in creating a positive environment in your workplace and setting solid foundations in your relationships.
Assertive
Undoubtedly, assertive communication is considered the most persuasive and productive form. Typically, anyone using this type of communication is confident with what they believe in. But at the same doesn't belittle others in the conversation. More importantly, assertive communicators have a high level of self-esteem and will likely never veer into aggressive or passive communication.
These communicators know how to express their own needs, desires, feelings, and ideas while considering the feelings and needs of others. An excellent way to identify an assertive communicator is knowing when to say 'no' and always taking ownership. Such communicators also confidently voice their needs and desires.
How to Achieve Healthier Communication as an Assertive Communicator
Unfortunately, being an assertive communicator could easily make everyone in the conversation feel small. If you don't really know you are an assertive communicator, you could easily step on others' needs and feelings. Take your time and find the signs that show you are an assertive communicator. And once you've figured that out, learn to give others a voice in your conversations.
Aggressive
Being an aggressive communicator is the most misunderstood form of communication. That's because this type of communication tends to be hostile and threatening, but it comes from the point of wanting to always become the victor.
Typically, an aggressive communicator makes every conversation seem like a do-or-die situation. They always believe their ideologies in the conversation are much more relevant than everyone else's. More often than not, their delivery tone causes the message's content to be lost in the conversation.
Additionally, this type of communication style could easily belittle, steamroll and intimidate others. On top of that, most people tend to avoid aggressive communicators and will always keep quiet around them. However, some people will 'fight back' at these types of communicators not because you are incorrect but because of the unpleasant delivery. As an aggressive communicator, people will tell you to avoid talking in essential conversations at all costs. But sometimes, that's not an option. So how do you better your communication as an aggressive communicator?
How to Achieve Healthier Communication as an Aggressive Communicator
Aggressive communication is relatively close to assertive communication. The most significant difference between assertive and aggressive is that assertive communicators consider other people's feelings while aggressive communicators do not. With that in mind, the easiest way to better your communications is by minding other people's feelings and needs in the conversation.
Additionally, take a moment and look at your body language. Aggressive communicators use a tone of voice, gestures, and physical proximity to establish their dominance in the conversation. That will, unfortunately, not help your communication to succeed. Therefore, it would help to tone down and step back a little. Chances are, people will feel much better if you make these changes in your conversation style.
Passive
Another way to describe this type of communication is submissive. These types of communicators are typically nick-named people-pleasers. Passive communicators are always conflict-avoidant, self-effacing, and easy to talk to. However, that doesn't necessarily mean passive communicators are happy- no siree!
This type of communication can lead to resentment build-up, primarily if you cannot clearly communicate your opinions, needs, and wants. Generally, passive communicators will always take a step back and give the assertive and aggressive ones a chance to take the lead. But this will lead to their contributions getting lost and never being heard. So, what do you do to become a better communicator?
How to Achieve Healthier Communication as a Passive Communicator
One of the biggest challenges as a passive communicator is not knowing the value of your contribution to a conversation. We all add value in most discussions we're in, so you always have to ensure your idea is heard, even if it's going to be disapproved. Most times, passive communicators are plagued with a lack of self-confidence, which you need to overcome.
Additionally, you should also learn the art of saying 'no.' There's a breaking point for you as an individual. And you should set those boundaries so that everyone in the conversation understands that. Typically, passive communicators are exceptionally good at compromises. However, always ensure you are not compromising all your values to please others.
Passive-Aggressive
On the surface level, passive-aggressive communicators may come across as passive, but often they have aggressive intentions hidden beneath. Their words might sound sweet and agreeable, but their actions tell a different tale. If you keenly look at their actions, you can tell they are coming from the point of resentment and anger.
Therefore, passive-aggressive communicators will easily manipulate a situation into one that benefits them. Such an individual may feel manipulated or powerless in the situation, even though that's not the case. Therefore, they will use sarcasm, start rumors, gossip, and even patronize others to express their frustration.
This type of communication style has never been appropriate in any setting. In fact, this type of communication can be very toxic and potentially ruin relationships in your personal life and workplace. So, if you are such a communicator, work towards readjusting to a communication style that is less disruptive.
How to Achieve Healthier Communication as a Passive-Aggressive Communicator
The first step to bettering your communications as a passive-aggressive communicator is pinpointing what triggers your anger. If you feel that no one hears you or your contributions to the conversations are often overlooked, communicate with the people in your life.
On top of that, always check your motives when communicating. Readjust your approach towards conversations and focus on providing solutions instead of lashing out. Changing your communication style will significantly better your relationships.
In Summary
While everyone has a unique communication style, we can easily fall on either side of the spectrum. Often, people will rarely communicate with one style 100% of the time. They tend to switch up their styles based on the current situation and the person they are engaging with, among other factors. Ultimately, keep in mind that communication is a skill. Therefore, there's always room for improvement.
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