Communication Styles in Physical Therapy PDF

‫رب زدين علما﴿‪﴾114‬‬ ‫وقل ِّ‬ ‫سورة طــــه‬  Communication styles Presended by: Dr. Samar Salem Lecturer in Department of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, O6U University, Egypt.  Definition  Communic...

‫رب زدين علما﴿‪﴾114‬‬ ‫وقل ِّ‬ ‫سورة طــــه‬  Communication styles Presended by: Dr. Samar Salem Lecturer in Department of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, O6U University, Egypt.  Definition  Communication style refers to the choices we tend to make when communicating to others. It involves two basic dimensions:  the assertiveness level of our communication  the expressiveness level of our communication.  We also use different styles depending on with whom we are communicating.  Differences in communication style can lead to barriers in communication success.  Each one of us has a style of communicating that is unique. Some of us are talkative and extroverted while others are quiet and reserved. Some of us are outspoken while others are less likely to share their opinions in public. Still others of us are formal and direct while others are informal and like to take our time getting to the main point.  The Communication Styles Matrix There are many different models that describe the ways in which we communicate. But one very useful model is based on the work of Dr. Eileen Russo It shows that there are two different dimensions in communication styles: the level of expressiveness and the level of assertiveness. Each quadrant in this model represents a different communication style. People can fall anywhere within each quadrant, becoming more uniformly one style over the others as they move further from the center. The assertive communication styles tell others what to do while the less assertive styles ask others what should be done. The more expressive styles show emotion while the less expressive styles refrain from showing it. The Four Basic Communication Styles 1. Low Expressiveness + Low Assertiveness = Systematic 2. Low Expressiveness + High Assertiveness = Direct 3. High Expressiveness + High Assertiveness = Spirited 4. High Expressiveness + Low Assertiveness = Considerate 1- Systematic Communication Style Low Expressiveness + Low Assertiveness  Those with a systematic communication style like to focus on facts and details rather than opinions and possibilities.  Expect to use and appreciate logic when you communicate with a systematic.  They will appreciate facts and analysis rather than the ‘big picture’ ideas that have not yet been proved useful..  They may be slower to respond to your communication, as they are probably analyzing the situation and constructing a logical, well thought-out response.  Charts, graphs and trends are all useful tools for communicating with systematic as well.  Those with a systematic communication style are uncomfortable with expressing their feelings about things and do not like conflict.  The more information you can give them, the happier they will be – as long as the information is relevant to the current discussion or is relevant background information. Tips for Communicating if You Have a Systematic Communication Style  Recognize that not everyone follows linear thought processes and decision-making  Realize that for good working relationships, consideration for others’ feelings is important  Learn to ask qualifying questions that will help you get the information you need   Ask others questions about themselves if you want to build rapport  Make sure you understand the scope of a project so that you don’t waste time collecting information that is not going to be needed  If you need to ask for more time for analysis, be able to explain the benefit of the information you are working on Tips for Communicating with People with a Systematic Communication Style  Focus on the facts of the situation rather than individuals’ opinions  Speak with precision and accuracy rather than generalizations  Be organized, on time, and on topic when you communicate with them  Give logical reasons for your actions and for what you ask of them  Allow them time for research and analysis before decision-making  Avoid personal topics unless they open the conversation to communicate with someone of a systematic style as well. You could also avoid phrases like: It’s my opinion that… I believe that… I feel that… Instead, try using phrases like: The data shows that… The trends show that… The results of the test show… 2- Direct Communication Style Low Expressiveness + High Assertiveness  They tend to tell others what to do instead of asking others what they think should be done.  They will not easily show emotions in their communications with others.  Their communication style is meant to be expedient, though others may not always see it that way.  They may appear terse and cold to others, who might take their style of communicating personally.  Direct communicators will try to tell you as little as possible before moving on to the next topic – not because they are trying to be evasive, but because they are trying to save time.  They won’t always stop to listen to others, even if the others have something valuable to contribute.  They may seem impatient and overbearing at times, but it’s not meant to be personal.  They are attempting to focus on results rather than emotions.  They don’t back down from conflict, and at times could be seen as being aggressive rather than assertive in the way that they express their opinions. Tips for Communicating if You Have a Direct Communication Style Make an effort to listen fully to others and avoid interrupting Allow time for ‘chatting’ at the beginning of a meeting Recognize that others may feel the need to express their emotions about topics Recognize that brainstorming can be helpful and not just a ‘time waster’  Try to communicate your expectations for how a meeting will go – the length of time, the topics to be covered, and the expected results – before a meeting occurs  Take the time to show your appreciation for others’ contributions  Don’t use email for sensitive or complicated topics  Allow time in your schedule for questions and feedback Tips for Communicating with People with a Direct Communication Style  Ask if they have time to talk before jumping in  Get to the point quickly – don’t bore them with lots of background information  Limit ‘chatting’ or conversation that is off-topic  Use short, direct sentences  Ask for a specific call to action or make a specific request  Do not speak in the abstract  Only promise what you are certain you can deliver  Don’t give or ask for information about personal issues unless they initiate it  Don’t sugar coat things – speak plainly 3- Direct Communication Style High Expressiveness + High Assertiveness  People with the spirited communication style are very interested in the ‘big picture’. They are the dreamers, the inventors, and the innovators in the group.  Their communication may be full of grand ideas and hyperboles that tend to be very persuasive to others at first.  However, they are not always very good at discussing the details or the exact steps in the process.  They will tend to go off on tangents in their conversations, and like to interject stories into their dialogues in order to demonstrate or drive home a point.  Keeping to an agenda is sometimes a challenge for those with the spirited communication style since both time management and remaining focused are challenges for this group.  Their written or verbal communication may tend towards the dramatic. While they can be very entertaining, getting them to communicate clearly on specific topics may take the assistance of someone else to guide them through a conversation and keep them on track by bringing them back to the subject at hand.. Tips for Communicating if You Have a spirited Communication Style When considering new ideas to share, also consider whether or not you have suggestions on how to put those ideas into action Respect agreed-upon agendas and time limits when in meetings Try to limit your sharing of personal stories that take the group off-topic  Make sure you are allowing others to contribute their ideas and suggestions – and that you are listening Be certain any requests you make are clear and that you convey the reason for asking Communicate your appreciation for others’ work and input  Tips for Communicating with People Who Have a Spirited Communication Style Use an agenda with time limits listed for each topic Praise them in front of other people Learn to gently redirect the conversation back to the topic at hand Understand that they may exaggerate  Challenge them to break down their ‘big ideas’ into specific outcomes and steps Reaffirm with them what they have agreed to do Use check-lists or other written reminders as a way to help communicate what needs to be done 2- Considerate Communication Style High Expressiveness + low Assertiveness  Those with the considerate communication style are very concerned about the feelings of others. They want to please other people and to be included in their peer group.  They like to work with others, help others, and connect to others on a personal level. If there is conflict in your group, they will be the ones to attempt to mediate it. They want everyone to have the chance to speak their minds, have their turns, and receive recognition for their contribution. They are natural trainers and counselors, and enjoy helping others to succeed. They will encourage group collaboration and communication, though they are not always inclined to speak their own minds. This is the major communication challenge for those with the considerate personality style – they may refuse to share an opposing opinion, even if it’s important information, because they are concerned about keeping the peace and being liked. They are also inclined to take direct communication as a personal matter. It’s difficult for them to separate other peoples’ opinions about a topic from their opinions about them, and so may feel that an opposing opinion is due to not liking them. There is also the possibility that they will be talked into something in order to preserve the peace rather than standing their ground. Tips for Communicating if You Have a Considerate Communication Style Recognize that other people’s opinions about a topic are separate from their opinions about you Realize that not everyone is comfortable discussing personal topics with work colleagues Tips for Communicating if You Have a Considerate Communication Style Respect your own opinion as you respect others’ opinions Recognize that you don’t have to be friend with everyone, but you should treat others and be treated professionally  Tips for Communicating with People Who Have a Spirited Communication Style When possible, reassure them that your opinions are not personal Express a sincere interest in their feelings, thoughts, and personal life Encourage them to ask questions and share their opinions Let them know that you appreciate their help Resolve any conflicts quickly DR: Mostafa S. 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