Communication Styles PDF

COMMUNICATION STYLES COMMUNICATION STYLES Talkative and extrovert Quiet and reserved Outspoken Less likely to share their opinions in public Formal and direct Informal and like to take our...

COMMUNICATION STYLES COMMUNICATION STYLES Talkative and extrovert Quiet and reserved Outspoken Less likely to share their opinions in public Formal and direct Informal and like to take our time getting to main point  DIMENSIONS The communication style refers to the choices we tend to make when communicating others: Emotiveness Assertiveness /Expressiveness level of our level of our communication communication  ASSERTIVENESS Assertiveness is a skill regularly referred to in social and communication skills training. Being assertive means being able to stand up for your own or other people's rights in a calm and positive way, without being either aggressive, or passively accepting 'wrong'. COMMUNICATION STYLE Differences in communic ation style can lead to barriers in communic ation success COMMUNICATION STYLE Expressiveness Emotiveness  COMMUNICATION STYLES MATRIX BY DR. EILEEN RUSSO High Assertiveness Tells High Expressiveness Low Expressiveness Displays Emotions Direct Spirited Hides Emotions Systematic Considerate Asks Low Assertiveness  COMMUNICATION STYLES MATRIX BY DR. EILEEN RUSSO High Assertiveness Tells Spirited: Direct: Expressive, Animated, High Expressiveness Low Expressiveness Driving, Independent, Forceful, impulsive, Practical, Formal, Displays Emotions Spontaneous Values actions & results “Show me the next Hides Emotions “Get the job done now” big idea!” Systematic: Considerate: Analytical, Serious, Amiable, dependable, Logical, Facts, Open, supportive, Challenging Values relationships “let’s do it right the “let’s talk about the impact first time” Asks on our people” Low Assertiveness  DIRECT COMMUNICATION STYLE: LOW EXPRESSIVENESS +HIGH ASSERTIVENESS 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 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  DIRECT COMMUNICATION STYLE: LOW EXPRESSIVENESS +HIGH ASSERTIVENESS 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 (conceptual, notional,(unreal) intellectual, metaphysical (Overly theoretical) ideal, philosophical, academic 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  SPIRITED COMMUNICATION STYLE: HIGH EXPRESSIVENESS +HIGH ASSERTIVENESS 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 anecdotes 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  SPIRITED COMMUNICATION STYLE: HIGH EXPRESSIVENESS +HIGH ASSERTIVENESS Tips for Communicating with People Who Have a Spirited Comm. 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  SYSTEMATIC COMMUNICATION STYLE: LOW EXPRESSIVENESS +LOW ASSERTIVENESS Tips for Communicating if You have a Systematic Comm.. Style: Recognize that not everyone follows linear thought process and decision-making Realize that for good working relationships, consideration for others’ feeling is important Learn to ask qualifying questions that will help you get the information you need 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  SYSTEMATIC COMMUNICATION STYLE: LOW EXPRESSIVENESS +LOW ASSERTIVENESS Tips for Communicating with People with a Systematic Comm.. Style: Focus on the facts of the situation rather than individuals’ opinion Speak with precision and accuracy rather than generalization Be organized, on time, and on topic when you communicate with them Give logical reasons for your actions and for what you ask for them Allow them time for research and analysis before decision-making Avoid personal topics unless they open the conversation  SYSTEMATIC COMMUNICATION STYLE: HIGH EXPRESSIVENESS +LOW ASSERTIVENESS Tips for Communicating if You have a Considerate Comm.. Style: Recognize that other people’s opinion about a topic are separate from their opinions about you Realize that not everyone is comfortable discussing personal topics with work colleagues; allow others to open personal topics before asking questions Respect your own opinion as you respect others opinions Recognize that you don’t have to be friends with everyone, but you should treat others and be treated professionally  SYSTEMATIC COMMUNICATION STYLE: HIGH EXPRESSIVENESS +LOW ASSERTIVENESS Tips for Communicating with People with a Considerate Comm.. 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  COMMUNICATION STYLES MATRIX BY DR. EILEEN RUSSO High Assertiveness Tells High Expressiveness Low Expressiveness Displays Emotions Direct Spirited Hides Emotions Systematic Considerate Asks Low Assertiveness  COMMUNICATION STYLES MATRIX BY DR. EILEEN RUSSO High Assertiveness Tells High Expressiveness Low Expressiveness Displays Emotions Hides Emotions Direct Spirited SystematicConsiderate Asks Low Assertiveness