“One cannot not communicate”
-Paul Watzlawick- Communication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction. We all communicate in different ways, and understanding these communication styles can improve our relationships and interactions with others. In this article, we'll explore various communication styles and their impact on interpersonal relationships, along with relevant citations. 1. Assertive Communication Style: Assertive communication is characterised by being direct, clear, and confident in expressing one's needs, opinions, and feelings. This communication style is often viewed as the most effective approach in terms of achieving desired outcomes, as it allows individuals to express themselves without being overly aggressive or submissive. According to research by Watzlawick, Beavin, and Jackson (1967), individuals who use an assertive communication style tend to have better interpersonal relationships and are more likely to be successful in their personal and professional lives. It comes from having the facts to hand and having done the SWOT analyses on the subject matter. 2. Passive Communication Style: Passive communication is characterised by avoiding conflict and not expressing one's needs, opinions, or feelings. People who use this communication style often feel like their opinions don't matter, and they may struggle to stand up for themselves. According to research, individuals who use a passive communication style tend to experience higher levels of stress and lower levels of satisfaction in their relationships. This style of communication may also lead to feelings of resentment and anger towards others. Unspoken grievance that is internalised can lead to internalised conversations which can lead to a blow-out or explosive reaction to a perhaps seemingly unrelated issue. 3. Aggressive Communication Style: Aggressive communication is characterised by being overly forceful and domineering in expressing one's needs, opinions, and feelings. People who use this communication style may resort to name-calling, yelling, or even physical violence to get their point across. According to research, individuals who use an aggressive communication style tend to have more conflict in their relationships and are less likely to achieve desired outcomes. Be aware of people not volunteering information or opinions in your company as they may see your style as a personal attack. 4. Passive-Aggressive Communication Style: The passive-aggressive communication style is characterised by expressing one's needs, opinions, and feelings indirectly or subtly. People who use this style may make sarcastic remarks or give the silent treatment instead of directly addressing an issue. According to research by Paulhus and Williams (2002), individuals who use a passive-aggressive communication style tend to have lower levels of trust in their relationships and may struggle with expressing their emotions in a healthy way. In conclusion, understanding communication styles is crucial for building healthy relationships and effective communication. It's essential to recognise which communication style you tend to use and to work on improving your communication skills to achieve better outcomes. Remember, effective communication is not just about what you say, but also how you say it. They great thing about being human is that we can identify what we would like to change about ourselves and develop in that direction. There are phrases that may prevent you taking the first step such as”That’s just the way i am”, “a leopard can’t change its spots” or even “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. “If you don't like how things are, change it. You are not a tree.” ― Jim Rohn
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AuthorHoward Hughes Archives
November 2023
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