Communication Styles

Communication Styles

Assertive, Passive, Aggressive

Passive Communication Style

Compliant, submissive, talks little, vague non-committal communication, puts self down and others

Passive Communication Style

• Believes others are always more important, so it doesn’t matter what they think anyway.

• Avoids eye contact, looks down, teary, pleading

• Makes body smaller --stooped, leaning, hunched shoulders

•  fidgety, clammy hands

  
  

• Consequences: because they give in, they don't get what person wants/needs, miserable, self-critical

Assertive Communication Style

Actions and expressions fit with words spoken. Firm but polite and clear messages, respectful of self and others.

Assertive Communication Style

• Believes or acts as if all the individuals involved are equal

• Believes everyone deserves respect and is no more entitled than the other

• Warm, welcoming, friendly, comfortable, eye contact

• Relaxed, open, welcoming

• Open, friendly, and appropriate gestures

• Consequences: Good relationships with others, happy with outcome and to compromise

Aggressive Communication Style

Sarcastic, harsh, always right, superior, know it all, interrupts, talks over others, critical, put-downs, disrespectful of others.

Aggressive Communication Style

• Believes they are entitled to have things done their way, the way they want it to be done, because they are right and other (and their needs) are less important. 

• Narrow, emotionless, staring, expressionless

• Makes body bigger-- upright, head high, shoulders out, hands on hips, feet apart

• Pointing fingers, making fists, clenched, hands on hips

• Consequences: Make enemies, upset others and self, feel angry and resentful

Multiple Choice

“That's a good idea, and how about if we did this too…

• Passive

• Aggressive

• Assertive

Multiple Choice

“I don’t mind…. That’s fine…. Yes alright “

• Aggressive

• Passive

• Assertive

Multiple Choice

“I can see that, but I’d really like….”

• Assertive

• Passive

• Aggressive

Multiple Choice

“This is what we’re doing if you don’t like it, tough”

• Passive

• Aggressive

• Assertive

Fill in the Blank

This communication style is often unwilling to compromise

Fill in the Blank

This communication style does not express their needs or wants

Fill in the Blank

This communication style stands up for their own rights/beliefs

Multiple Choice

Scenario: A friend asks to borrow your car. This will be a big inconvenience for you.

Response: "I need my car that day, but I'll have time to drop it off."

• Passive

• Aggressive

• Assertive

Multiple Choice

Scenario:Your boss asks you to stay late, while everyone else leaves. You're always the one who stays late and tonight you have plans.

Response: "Could you consider someone else stay late? I have plans tonight and it would be a big help to let me attend to them."

• Assertive

• Aggressive

• Passive

Open Ended

Why is it important to effectively communicate with others? How can assertive communication affect a conversation?