What Your Communication Style Says About You

Communication styles are a part of your nonverbal behavior. They indicate how each of us sends messages verbally and how those verbal messages should be interpreted by others. In other words, this gives content to the messages you send.

Verbal and nonverbal cues vary amongst each communication style which means that each of them has completely different ways of sending messages to one another. Different styles can be used in different situations but one will usually be used more than the others.

Understanding communication styles can not only help you better understand yourself but also understand others. When you have knowledge of others' communication styles it can make it easier to have a conversation with them.

In the case that you are dealing with someone who may have a dominant or contentious style (described below), it will help to know that their behavior is not necessarily personal.

There are eight major types of communication styles. While reading them, see if you know anyone who uses that style!

Dramatic style

People who communicate with a dramatic style are masters of exaggeration. They are great storytellers and have an interesting rhythm to their voice that keeps you intrigued. You may see dramatics moving in big motions back and forth across the room or using their hands to illustrate some type of picture.

Dominant style

Those who work with this style make others feel submissive in conversations. They use big expansive body postures and movements to take up all the space and quickly approach others they are interacting with. Many people who have a dominant style are perceived as confident, conceited, self-assured, competitive, enthusiastic, forceful, and active. However, that usually isn’t the case deep inside.

Animated style

In the animated style individuals also use exaggerated motions and gestures actively while talking. However, the difference is these individuals also use frequent and repetitive head nods and smiles. As opposed to the dramatic style, the animated style is seen most in the face.

Relaxed style

Relaxed stylists remain calm in anxiety-provoking situations, especially in conversations. You can tell someone has a relaxed style when they have a relaxed posture, movement, and gestures when talking to them. When you are with them they give off calmness, serenity, peace, confidence, and comfortable.

Attentive style

This style can be classified as more of a listening style but that is still an important part of communication! Those with the attentive style lean forward, uses head nodding, and direct their body towards you to indicate they are listening. They use many cues that signal interest and empathy to the speaker.

Open style

In the open style, individuals' bodies are expansive, unreserved, and approach-oriented. Many people who use the open style are extraverted, friendly, conversational, honest, and not very secretive.

Friendly style

In this style, individuals approach others with ease, lean in during the conversation, and use affectionate touch in a stroking manner to keep confirming what the other person is saying. Those who use the friendly style usually are not hostile and have the capacity for great intimacy.

Contentious style

This style is characterized by aggressive dominance, assertiveness, negative arm-waving, and is very argumentative. It may sound like they want to fight instead of having a conversation.

After reading through each style try to guess which three are being shown in the picture at the top. Leave a public or private comment with your answers or message me on Instagram!

Sincerely,

Skylar Rae❤️🌻

Follow my Instagram for more soul enlightenment, mental health, and personal development — @skylarraeblog