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

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?