Different Types of Communication Style

We choose, speak, and use one of the all basic communication styles every time. There are four basic communication styles, like assertive, aggressive, passive and passive aggressive.

Assertive Communication

Assertive style is the most healthiest and effective form of communication style. It helps us to express ourselves when our self respect is intact, by giving us confidence to communicate without manipulation.

We work hard to generate mutually gratifying solutions, when we are being assertive. We communicate our desires visibly and frankly. We know our restrictions and reject to be pressed beyond them just because someone else wants something from us. We care about the relationship and do our best for a win/win situation. Unexpectedly, assertive is the style most people use least.

Aggressive Communication

Manipulation is always involved in aggressive communication. In this type of communication style, we effort to make our wants or wishes be done by people by inducing hurt or anger or threats. There is small area where aggressive behavior is called for, like war or sports. This type of communication style never works in a relationship.

Passive Communication

Passive communication is based on acquiescence and hopes to stay away from confrontation at all expenditure. We do not talk much, question even less, and actually do very little, in this mode. We just do not want to swing the boat. Passives have learned that it is safer not to react and better to disappear than to stand up and be noticed.

Passive aggressive Communication

Passive aggressive communication is a combination of Passive and aggressive styles, which avoids direct confrontation, but attempts to get through manipulation. When you think about someone who needs to be taught one or two things endure, you have stepped pretty close to the conniving and sneaky world of the passive aggressive. This style of communication often leads to office politics and rumor-mongering.

Obviously, assertive communication is the only healthy communication for many reasons. Generally we use a combination of these four styles; it all depends on the situation and person. Actually our past experience helps us in choosing the right style of communication. We have to use each throughout our life time to make our good look at our self.

After knowing the four basic types of communication, we have a choice to use a specific kind of communication style so we have to practice being more assertive to take control on our life. It will help us in reduce guilt, diffuse anger and build relationships - both professionally and personally.

More information about communication style.