In this blog post, we discuss identifying different communication styles. Your communication style can say a lot about who you are and how you connect to other people.  While no two people communicate exactly alike, there are four main categories of communication styles.  These include passive communication, aggressive communication, passive aggressive communication, and assertive communication.  As you gain a better understanding of each communication style, you may find that you don’t necessarily fall into one category but instead are a mix of categories.  Gaining a better understanding of your communication style will help you to understand why others may perceive you in a certain way and vice versa.

Passive Communication Style

Those who connect with others through the passive communication style are often held back by the fear of speaking up.  This lack of forward and up-front communication can lead to misunderstandings. The communicator will often avoid expressing their own thoughts and opinions, choosing to prioritize others.  This can lead to resentment as those with a passive communication style may feel unheard, even if the reason is because they were unable or unwilling to speak their mind.

Aggressive Communication Style

These communicators often choose more aggressive forms of getting their point across such as shouting, yelling, and demanding from others.  They have strong feelings and opinions and do not hold back when expressing them to those around them.  This communication style can create a hostile environment as they can be verbally abusive and critical when communicating with others.

Passive Aggressive Communication Style

Communicators utilizing the passive aggressive style do not directly communicate their feelings.  They may seem to be passive to those around them, but their communication also has a subtle hint of indirect anger.  Their words often do not match up with their feelings, making it difficult to understand their emotions.

Assertive Communication Style

This communication style is one of the healthiest ways to connect with others.  The communicator is confident and respectful of the thoughts and feelings of others.  This is the best style to minimize conflict and anger, while relaying your feelings to others in a clear and concise way.

Many people do not necessarily fall into one category of communication style, but instead are likely a mix of two or more.  The style of communication that you use with others can also vary greatly depending on your familiarity with the person and other external factors.  Your communication style is often a learned behavior, picking up on how your family and other role models communicated with you as a child.

Having a better understanding about your own communication styles, its pros and cons, and recognizing how others communicate can make it easier for you to better relate to those around you.  This can go a long way to improving how you communicate with everyone from your partner and family members to coworkers and colleagues.  By becoming aware of your communication style, you can strive to make changes that will make you a more effective communicator.  This can reduce conflict and help you to be better understood by those around you.