HMD 311

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S T Y L E S
INTRODUCTION

•E v e r y o n e h a s a
unique way of
interacting and
exchanging
information with
others.
COMMUNICATION STYLES
•Different approaches
are used to express
thoughts, feelings,
and opinions. It is
c r u c i a l t o
understand these
styles and reasons
for their use.
PASSIVE COMMUNICATION
•Individuals who use passive communication
typica lly a g ree with/ to wha t o thers
say/want. Even when they do not really
a g re e , t h e y ke e p t h e i r o p i n i o n s t o
themselves. They act as though they are
indifferent and simply yield to others. They
allow others express themselves (feelings,
needs, etc) while they fail to do the same.
PASSIVE COMMUNICATION
• This type of communication style (lack of
o u t w a r d c o m m u n i c a t i o n ) m ay l e a d t o
m isunderstanding, anger build-up, o r
resentment.
• On the other hand, it might be safer to speak
with people with this communication style
during conflicts because they would most likely
avoid confrontation or tilt towards other
people’s opinions.
PASSIVE COMMUNICATION
•Passive communicators often avoid eye
contact, display poor body posture, and are
unable to say “no”. Their actions also
suggest that they believe people don’t
consider their feelings.
•However, they are easy to get along with
because they follow others and go with
the flow.
PASSIVE COMMUNICATION
• In team work, passive communication can be
ineffective because withhoding authentic
ideas/thoughts limits the amount of
information that is shared with the rest of the
team.
• Agreeing with the majority does not always
m e a n t h a t m a j o r i t y ’s i d e a i s t h e m o s t
appropriate...it’s simply the most popular
opinion.
PASSIVE COMMUNICATION
•Passive communicators use phrases like:
AGGRESSIVE COMMUNICATION
• As opposed to the passive communicator, and
aggressive communicator will express their
feelings/thoughts/opinions without hesitation,
and usually done in a loud, dominant,
controlling, demanding, or even hostile voice.
• Aggressive communicators blame, intimidate,
crititicize, threaten, attack others.
AGGRESSIVE COMMUNICATION
• A g g re s s i ve c o m m u n i c a t o r s a re u s u a l l y
insensitive to others’ feelings and rights. They
push people away by their disrespectful
approach.
• They issue commands, ask rude questions, and
do not listen to others.
• However, they tend to command respect and
are considered leaders by others (in some
cases).
AGGRESSIVE COMMUNICATION
•Because aggressive communicators tend to
intimidate others and have their way
(mainly because othes fear to speak up
against them), aggressive communication
does not give room for honest
conversation that is meant to be an open
dialogue where everyone concerned has a
chance of expressing their ideas.
AGGRESSIVE COMMUNICATION
•Aggressive communicators use phrases
like:
PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE COMMUNICATION
•Passive-aggressive communicators often
seem passive on the surface but on the
inside, they feel powerless or stuck and as
such build up resentment, which make
them boil with intense, unexpressed anger
and act out in subtle, indirect ways.
PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE COMMUNICATION
•Rather than speak out or confront an
individual, passive-aggressive
communicators may mutter to themselves.
•They do not readily acknowledge their
anger and use facial expressions that don’t
align with how they really feel.
PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE COMMUNICATION
•They tend to communicate with body
language or give the silent treatment.
•T h ey m ay re s o r t t o s l a n d e r i n g a n d
sabotaging other people’s efforts.
•They may seem cooperative but secretly
doing the opposite.
PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE COMMUNICATION
•Passive-aggressive communicators use
phrases like:
ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION
•This is believed to be the most effective
communication style.
•Assertive communicators express their
needs, ideas, feelings, desires, etc and also
consider others’ needs.
•They usually aim for “win-win” situations
where their rights are balanced with other
people’s rights.
ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION
• They express their honest opinions and
thoughts politely and respectfully, giving
consideration to others’ feelings and opinions.
• Assertive communicators take responsibility
and stand up for themselves without infringing
on the right of others.
• They speak in a calm voice and make non-
threatening eye contact.
ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION
•Assertive communication encourages
equal, two-way conversation where parties
concerned feel free and safe to express
their feelings.
•T h e t r a s p a r e n c y i n v o l v e d i n t h i s
communication style lets people build
stronger relationships.
ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION
•Assertive communicators use phrases like: