Understanding Your Communication Style

Do you know the style of communication you use when speaking to someone? Have you thought about the other person’s style and how you should interact with them? According to Toastmasters International, “communication is a two-way process for reaching mutual understanding through verbal, non-verbal, and written messages. Communication style is defined as the way in which individuals interact with one another and the messages they send, intentionally or not, through their behaviors.”

 

Understanding the best way to communicate with someone helps both of you to share information in a way that each of you walks away with a proper understanding of the discussion. I completed a Toastmasters “Discover Your Communication Style” Questionnaire to understand my style and to identify the style of others. I can improve relationships by tailoring my style and tone to match the situation.

There are four communication styles. Each style has value, and the highest score that you receive tells you the style with which you are comfortable. Here are high-level views of each style:

1. Direct. The person with this style is decisive, competitive, independent and confident. They are focused, results-oriented, and impatient when bored. Others might perceive them as strong-willed.
2. Supportive. A supportive communicator is seen as patient, cooperative, and sympathetic. That personality is an active listener and anticipates the needs of others. Calm and steady, an intimate and relaxed environment is desired. To others, people with a supportive style might seem indecisive.
3. Analytic. The analytical communicator is cautious, precise, and disciplined – a deliberate and methodical problem-solver. Conscientious and careful, diplomacy is often in their interactions. An analytic may be perceived as a perfectionist. Socializing with others will allow the team to realize analytics are also diplomatic.
4. Initiating. The initiating communicator is sociable, enthusiastic, and persuasive. He/she communicates easily and fluently with others and has a spontaneous and fun-loving nature. Relationships are important, and they respond strongly to praise and approval. Due to their energetic and expressive nature, others may feel you talk more than listen.

Which style am I? Anyone who knows me can tell that I’m a direct communicator. I feel the need to defend this style – it’s not wrong to be a direct communicator; I must know how to re-direct my style when speaking to someone with a different style. For example, when speaking to an analytic giving a report, I need to be patient and wait until the report is completed before interrupting with any questions.

I hope you will take a test or questionnaire to identify your style. Once you do, it will make it much better to have conversations.