UNDERSTANDING COMMUNICATION STYLES:Modeling communication style, Sociability continuum

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Human Relations MGMT611

Lesson 14

UNDERSTANDING COMMUNICATION STYLES

Communication style

The patterns of behaviors that others can observe can be called communication style.

· By knowing our own communication style, we get to know ourselves better. And we get along with

others better as we develop the ability to recognize and respond to -- their styles. Paul Mok and

Dudley Lynch

· Men and women belong to different species, and communication between them is a science still in

its infancy. Bill Cosby

· We shall never be able to remove suspicion and fear as potential causes of war until communication

is permitted to flow, free and open, across international boundaries. Harry S. Truman

Each person has a unique communication style. Your awareness about your own communication style can

help you communicate better and thereby improve human or interpersonal relations. Communication style

is a dimension of personality it is a way of relating with other people (at home, in public or work

place).Understanding other people's CS help improve relations. It is the acceptance of different ways off

doing things.

Fundamental concepts supporting, communication styles

o Individual differences and their importance (typecasting of individuals-aggressive, supportive,

cooperative etc)

o Individual style differences tend to be stable.

o There are a limited number of styles.

o People make judgments about others based on their communication styles.

o (First few minutes are important for knowing the CS) Style flexing is a great capability.

Learning to cope with communication style bias

Almost everyone experiences communication style bias from time to time. (Concept of being on the same

wavelength)Self-awareness or learning about personal CS is very important. Through this ability you learn

about others.

Modeling communication style

· Learning about communication style model describes your preferences, not your skills or abilities.

On a continuum of dominance, people tend to be either low dominating or high dominating.

· Low dominance: tend to be cooperative and eager to assist others. They are less assertive.

· High dominance: Frequently initiate demands. They are assertive and tend to control others.

Assessing your communication style

· Cooperative .................................................. Competitive

· Submissive ................................................... Authoritative

· Accommodative ............................................. Domineering

· Hesitant .................................................. ......Decisive

· Reserved .................................................. .....Outgoing

· Compromising ................................................insistent

· Cautious .................................................. ......Risk taking

· Patient .................................................. ......... Hurried

· Complacent .................................................. ....Influential

· Quiet .................................................. ............Talkative

· Shy .................................................. ...............Bold

· Supportive .................................................. ......Demanding

· Relaxed .................................................. ..........Tense

Human Relations MGMT611

· Restrained .................................................. ......Assertive

Where should you be on dominance continuum? Anywhere People are successful being at any place on the

continuum. Just need to know where you stand on the continuum and knowing the strategy to use your

strengths.

Sociability continuum

· Low sociability ......................High sociability

· Sociability: Tendency to seek and enjoy social relationships with others.

Assessing sociability

· Disciplined .................................................. Easygoing

· Controlled .................................................. .Expressive

· Serious .................................................. ......Lighthearted

· Methodical ...................................................Unstructured

· Calculating .................................................. ..Spontaneous

· Guarded.................................................. ......Open

· Introverted .................................................. ..Extroverted

· Aloof.................................................. .........Friendly

· Formal.................................................. ........Casual

· Reserved .................................................. .....Attention seeking

· Conforming .................................................. .Unconventional

· Reticent .................................................. ......Dramatic

· Restrained ..................................................... impulsive

· Where should you on a sociability continuum?

Basic communication styles

Emotive: Tends to express high emotional opinions. Outspoken, use gestures and facial expressions.

Directing: Determined to come to the top. Tend not to accept mistakes. Cold and have no feelings. Use

always, never, don't.

Reflective: Tends to avoid making a decision. Interested in detail. Formal and avoid displaying emotions.

Supportive: Attempts to win approval by agreeing with everyone. Seeks reassurance, refuses to take stand is

apologetic.(Situational demands are important and one could be flexible to change style).

Versatility :when we speak of interpersonal relationships (an interaction involving at least two people), we

contend that no one can do much about what another person says or does, but each of us can do something

about what we say and do. And because dealing with others is such a major aspect of our lives, if we can

control what we say and do to make others more comfortable, we can realistically expect our relationships

to be more positive, or effective. David W Merril and Roger H Reid (Authors of Personal Styles and

Performance).

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