How can you identify a volunteer's communication style?

1 Observe and listen

The first step to identify a volunteer's communication style is to observe and listen to how they express themselves, both verbally and non-verbally. Pay attention to their tone, pace, volume, gestures, eye contact, and body language. Do they speak fast or slow, loud or soft, direct or indirect, formal or casual, emotional or logical? Do they use a lot of words or keep it concise, ask questions or make statements, give feedback or avoid conflict, show enthusiasm or restraint? Do they prefer face-to-face, phone, email, or text communication? These clues can help you determine their communication style and preferences.

2 Use a framework

Another way to identify a volunteer's communication style is to use a framework that categorizes different communication styles based on certain characteristics. For example, one popular framework is the DISC model, which stands for Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. According to this model, people with a dominant communication style are assertive, confident, and results-oriented; people with an influential communication style are outgoing, friendly, and persuasive; people with a steady communication style are calm, supportive, and cooperative; and people with a conscientious communication style are careful, analytical, and quality-oriented. By using a framework like this, you can assess your volunteer's communication style and tailor your own accordingly.

3 Ask and confirm

A third way to identify a volunteer's communication style is to ask and confirm. This means that you ask your volunteer about their communication style and preferences, and then confirm that you understand them correctly. For example, you can ask your volunteer how they like to receive information, feedback, recognition, or instructions; what motivates them or frustrates them; what their goals and expectations are; and how they prefer to communicate with you and others. Then, you can repeat back what you heard and ask them to clarify or correct anything that you missed or misunderstood. This way, you can show your volunteer that you respect and value their communication style and preferences.

4 Adapt and match

The final way to identify a volunteer's communication style is to adapt and match. This means that you adjust your own communication style and preferences to match those of your volunteer, as much as possible and appropriate. For example, if your volunteer has a dominant communication style, you can communicate with them in a clear, concise, and direct way, focusing on the outcomes and actions; if your volunteer has an influential communication style, you can communicate with them in a warm, enthusiastic, and positive way, highlighting the benefits and opportunities; if your volunteer has a steady communication style, you can communicate with them in a gentle, respectful, and supportive way, emphasizing the relationships and cooperation; and if your volunteer has a conscientious communication style, you can communicate with them in a precise, logical, and structured way, providing the details and evidence. By adapting and matching your communication style, you can enhance your rapport, trust, and engagement with your volunteer.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?