Communication Styles

Every person has
a unique
communication
style, a way in
which they
interact and
exchange
information with
others.
4 TYPES OF COMMUNICATION STYLES
1. Passive
2. Aggressive
3. Passive-Aggressive
4. Assertive
PASSIVE PASSIVE COMMUNICATION
“It really doesn’t matter that much.”
“I just want everyone to be happy.”
Emotionally “I’m okay with whatever you want to do.”
Dishonest,
Indirect, Inhibited,
Self-denying
Blaming, USE WHEN:
Apologetic
You want to keep the peace
Others’ rights and
The relationship is more important than the issue
needs take
precedence over
mine.
Individuals who use the passive communication
style often act indifferently, yielding to others. Passive
communicators usually fail to express their feelings or
needs, allowing others to express themselves.
Frequently, a passive communicator’s lack of outward
communication can lead to misunderstanding, anger
build-up or resentment. At the same time, these
communicators can be safer to speak with when a
conflict arises, because they most likely will avoid a
confrontation or defer to others.
Passive communicators often display a lack of eye
contact, poor body posture and an inability to say “no.”
Passive communicators also act in a way that states
“people never consider my feelings.”
But passive communicators are also easy to get along

with as they follow others and “go with the flow.”
PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE
PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE
COMMUNICATION
I don’t want to sound mean, but
Emotionally Please reread what I wrote when you’re not so tired
Dishonest,
Indirect.
That’s fine.
Self-denying At
First. Self-
enhancing At USE WHEN:
Expense Of Others
You are dealing with an aggressive communicator.
Later.
When the risk associated with open communication is high.
You have insufficient power to disagree with demands.
I subtly make clear
that my rights and
needs prevail
Passive-aggressive communication style users appear
passive on the surface, but within he or she may feel
powerless or stuck, building up a resentment that
leads to seething or acting out in subtle, indirect or
secret ways.
Most passive-aggressive communicators will mutter to
themselves rather than confront a person or issue.
They have difficulty acknowledging their anger, use
facial expressions that don’t correlate with how they
feel and even deny there is a problem.
Passive-aggressive communicators are most likely to
communicate with body language or a lack of open
communication to another person, such as giving
someone the silent treatment, spreading rumors
behind people’s backs or sabotaging others’ efforts.
Passive-aggressive communicators may also appear
cooperative, but may silently be doing the opposite.
Ultimately, passive-aggressive communicators are
aware of their needs, but at times struggle to voice
them.
AGGRESSIVE
AGGRESSIVE COMMUNICATION
Inappropriately This is what we’re doing
Honest, Direct,
Expressive,
Get over it
Attacking, Its all your fault
Blaming,
Controlling, Self-
enhancing At
Expense Of USE WHEN:
Others.
Immediate action is necessary
Issues of safety or legality
I boldly insist that
my rights and needs The issue is more important than the relationship
prevail
It’s often apparent when someone communicates in an aggressive
manner. You’ll hear it. You’ll see it. You may even feel it.
The aggressive communication style is emphasized by speaking in a
loud and demanding voice, maintaining intense eye contact and
dominating or controlling others by blaming, intimidating, criticizing,
threatening or attacking them, among other traits.
Aggressive communicators often issue commands, ask questions rudely
and fail to listen to others. But they can also be considered leaders and
command respect from those around them.
ASSERTIVE Assertive communication
Thanks, but im not interested
Appropriately I don’t know, mind if I think about it for a while
Honest, Direct,
Self-enhancing, I disagree with you. I see the situation this way.
Expressive, Self-
confident,
Empathic To
Emotions Of All USE WHEN:
Involved.
The relationship is important
Both views are too important to compromise
I clearly express that
we both have rights Underlying issues need to be address
and needs
Thought to be the most effective form of
communication, the assertive communication style
features an open communication link while not being
overbearing.
Assertive communicators
can express their own
needs, desires, ideas and
feelings,
while also considering the needs of others. Assertive
communicators aim for both sides to win in a situation,
balancing one’s rights with the rights of others.
Assertive communicators can express their own needs, desires, ideas
and feelings, while also considering the needs of others.
One of the keys to assertive communication is using “I” statements,

such as “I feel frustrated when you are late for a meeting,” or, “I don’t
like having to explain this over and over.” It indicates ownership of
feelings and behaviors without blaming the other person.

Communication Styles

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Communication Styles

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Communication Styles

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What are the four main communication styles discussed in the text?

What characterizes a passive communication style?

Every person has

But passive communicators are also easy to get along

One of the keys to assertive communication is using “I” statements,

You might also like