4. COMMUNICATION
STYLES
GOALS FOR TODAY
Understand different communication
styles and how they affect others.
Adopt an assertive style of
communication.
COMMUNICATION
STYLES
7. Let us look at an interaction between aggressive Andy and passive Paula…
8.
9.
10. Can’t speak up
Loud
Firm
Don’t know my rights
Direct
Bossy
Honest
Pushy
Respect rights of others
Get stepped on
Meek
Dominating
Intimidating
Too accommodating
Talks softly
Must get my way
Don’t stand up for my rights
React instantly
Avoid conflicts
Realize I have choices
Effective communicator
People take advantage of me
Can express my needs
Make good eye contact
11. PASSIVE ASSERTIVE AGGRESSIVE
Can’t speak up LoudFirm
Don’t know my rights Direct Bossy
Honest Pushy
Respect rights of
others
Get stepped on
Meek Dominating
IntimidatingToo accommodating
Talks softly Must get my way
Don’t stand up for
my rights
React instantly
Avoid conflicts
Realize I have choices
Effective communicator
People take
advantage of me
Can express my needs
Make good eye
contact
16. Here’s an example of how the formula
works:
You’re home waiting for your friend to
pick you up. She said she would pick
you up at 8 to go out to dinner
together, but it’s now 8:30 and you
haven’t seen or heard from her. You’ve
been working up steam since
8, because she’s been late like this
several times before. By the time she
arrives at 8:45, you’ve had plenty of
time to plan what you will say to
her, and to calm yourself with deep
breathing.
17. Your difficult person
What communication style do they use?
How does it make you feel?
How will you change your reaction to them?
18. Let’s summarize…
Most of our stress today comes from interpersonal
difficulties.
Many of these stresses involve failure to communicate
effectively.
Communication styles that can lead to problems are: the
aggressive style, the passive style, and the passive-
aggressive style.
Assertiveness is the only style that allows both parties to
compromise in order to get something each wants.
Assertiveness involves regarding your own rights as well as
the rights of others, seeking compromise, and clearly
communicating your feelings and desires.