Manufacture Your Day by THINKING ABOUT YOUR COMMUNICATION STYLE
Have you ever reflected on how your communication style may hold you back?
From an early age, the influence of our environment, through parents, teachers, peers, religion, and culture, plays a critical role in shaping both our verbal and non-verbal behavioural patterns. Over time, they become ingrained and determine how we communicate with others.
There are many different ways how we communicate but the majority of people use one of the following four styles:
- Passive
- Aggressive
- Passive-aggressive
- Assertive
Let’s have a closer look at every single one, shall we?
1. Passive Communication Style
This is the type of people who can almost never make eye contact, are indirect, and very apologetic. The biggest challenge that passive communicators face is that they have a hard time expressing themselves and they have a difficult time saying “no.” These people simply don’t stand up for themselves. They suffer in silence and this can lead to frustration and miscommunication.
2. Aggressive Communication Style
These individuals tend to dominate conversations, often rudely interrupting others as they speak. From their perspective, it is always a matter of “I am right and you’re wrong.” Moreover, they consistently listen poorly, while simultaneously criticizing, attacking, and bullying others. Consequently, aggressive communicators can escalate to verbal and even physical abuse. Undoubtedly, all of you have encountered at least one such person at some point.
3. Passive-Aggressive Communication Style
This style may look passive, but it quickly reveals its dark side. Passive-aggressiveness deliberately seeks to control or hurt others. You can easily recognize them. They tend to express hostile feelings in non-aggressive ways, and they usually don’t walk the talk. Passive-aggressive people can be sarcastic and their facial expressions are not in alignment with their words.
4. Assertive Communication Style
Assertive communicators have style, they express themselves clearly, listen well, show empathy, and take responsibility for their actions. They rarely complain, and people naturally enjoy being around them.
By contrast, the other three communication styles often block meaningful connections because they lack social skills and the ability to build rapport.
That’s why assertiveness works. Its confidence, authenticity, and openness are contagious, inspiring others to engage in the same way.
Remember, it’s never about what we say, it’s about how we say it.
The good news is that communication is a skill you can learn and improve. Have you discovered your own style yet?
Personal growth is what determines whether people become better, or bitter over time.
Food for Thought:
How are you working on your personal growth and understanding your communication patterns? Have you tried finding simpler, more effective ways to convey your message?
Read the following Forbes article:
15 Ways Leaders Can Be More Mindful of Their Communication Styles
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