Course: Career Communication

Communication Styles

Each individual has a certain communication style that impacts how they communicate with others around them. The way we communicate determines how we are understood, how others respond to us, and how also can indicate how well we will get along with others. A person’s communication style is similar to their personality type. However, a person’s communication style can change and does not always have to be just one style. It is important to understand our communication style, and those demonstrated by others, so we can become better communicators in the advanced manufacturing industry.

The three types of communication styles:

1. Passive – These types of communicators seem to lack confidence when they speak. A passive communicator puts their communication needs on the back burner and lets another person communication over them.
2. Aggressive – This type of communicator can be thought of as only thinking of themselves while communicating. An aggressive communicator has opinions that he or she wants to express without regards to how he or she is coming across to the other person or group.
3. Assertive – An assertive communicator is the type of communicator we should all strive to become. This type of communicator respects the communicator of other people while also having the confidence to express his or her opinion. This type of communicator is direct while not being offensive. An assertive communicator wants the message to be heard, but in a way that leaves all parties involved feeling respected