Communication styles
Prof. Amarjeet Kaur
Dean-fcm, gurugram university
Meaning of communication
style
• Communication styles means the way one
gives and receives information.
• Communication styles are denoted by our
tendency to communicate directly or
indirectly.
background
• People have different communication styles.
• Individuals are known for their style.
• A few prefer to use a lots of data.
• Others prefer to focus on feelings.
Communication styles
• New York Times bestselling author and
leadership guru Mark Murphy created four
styles of communication.
• Every person has a unique communication
style.
• There are four main communication styles one is
likely to encounter at the workplace.
Communication styles
(based on levels of emotion and linearity)
1 • Passive
2 • Aggressive
3 • Passive-aggressive
4 •Assertive
passive style
• Communicators do not make their needs, wants, or
opinions known to readers/receivers.
• Communicators actively avoid stating what they
think and defer to what other people want.
• It is considered a very hidden/difficult style of
communication.
Characteristics of passive style
• Inability to say no
• Poor posture
• Easy-going attitude
• Lack of eye contact
• Soft voice
• Apologetic demeanor
Dealing with passive communicators
• Take a direct approach.
• Ask for their opinions.
• Use broad language.
aggressive style
• A communication style where one expresses one’s
own feelings, needs, and rights without regard or
respect for the needs, rights, and feelings of
others.
• Tend to dominate conversations. Reaction before
thinking.
• PS: It's my way or the highway.
Characteristics of aggressive style
• Interrupting people
• Invading personal spaces
• Exhibiting an overbearing posture
• Showing aggressive gestures
• Keeping Intense eye contact
Dealing with aggressive communicators
• Be calm and assertive.
• Keep conversations professional.
• Know when to walk away.
Passive-aggressive style
• Passive-aggressive communicators appear
passive on the surface but mostly will have more
aggressive motivations driving their actions.
• They sound agreeable; their actions don’t.
• PS: They are considered Manipulative.
Characteristics of Passive-aggressive
communicators
• Using sarcasm
• Exhibiting denial
• Presenting a happy face when they’re clearly
upset
• Giving a silent treatment
Dealing with Passive-aggressive communicators
• Make clear requests.
• Confront negative behavior.
• Ask for their feedback.
assertive style
• This is considered the most respectful and
productive type of communication in the
workplace.
• Focuses on communicating thoughts, feelings, and
opinions very clearly understood-able by others,
without putting down thoughts/feelings, of others.
assertive style
• They share their thoughts and ideas confidently,
but they’re always respectful and polite.
• They know how to say “no” when it’s required.
• They understand their own limits and protect their
boundaries without acting overly aggressive or
defensive.
Characteristics of assertive style
• Expansive gestures
• Collaborative and sharing tendencies
• Healthy expression of ideas and feelings
• Good posture & A clear voice
• Friendly eye contact
Thank you
Communication styles
Prof. Amarjeet Kaur
Dean-fcm, gurugram university
Professions & Communication
style
• There is an association between a type of
personality adopting a particular profession
and consequently the communication style.
• Thus, we should expect that different professions
will adopt to different communication styles.
Functional area and Communication style
• If one is speaking with a group of finance
leaders, he/she may want to focus the Analytical
or Intuitive communication styles.
• However, if that audience are from HR or
Marketing area, then one might prefer a
Personal style.
Communication styles
(based on corporate Functions)
1 • Analytical
2 • Functional
3 • Intuitive
4 •Personal
Analytical style
• Where's your data from?
• Are we sure that's correct?
• How do we know?
PS: Analytical style is an aggressive style. They have
just a quest for hard data rather than feelings.
functional style
• What's the process?
• What happens first?
• Who does what?
PS: Functional style is process oriented because
these individuals are very straight and concerned
to the process.
Intuitive style
• What's the bottom line?
• Can you give me the short version of this?
• Can we throw some ideas around?
PS: Intuitive style is more aggressive style, simply
because these individuals are less patient.
personal style
• Who will be involved?
• How do they/you feel?
• PS: Personal style focuses more on feelings and
emotional intelligence than data.
How to become assertive communicator
• Express your needs and ideas with confidence
with "I" statements.
• Practice active listening.
• Encourage others to share their ideas.
• Practice emotional intelligence.
How to become An assertive communicator
• Be open to feedback on your communication
strengths as well as areas for improvement.
• Learn how to say “no”
• Explore professional development courses.
• Seek opportunities to practice public speaking.
conclusion
• To conclude, would say that having a great
communication skill requires interacting and
speaking all the four communication styles.
• One needs to assess audience to determine
which of the four styles of communication one is
dealing with.
conclusion
• While there are four major types of
communication styles, most people naturally
combine two or more into their own personal
style.
• Thus, no one will have an exclusive style.
Thank you
References
• https://www.leadershipiq.com/blogs/leadershipiq/3984140
9-quiz-whats-your-communication-style#Communication%
20Styles%20Grouped%20By%20Function
• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-
development/communication-styles
