How can you use your communication style to build trust with someone who is less patient than you?

1 What are communication styles?

Communication styles are the patterns of behavior and preferences that influence how you interact with others. They are based on various factors, such as personality, culture, values, and emotions. There are many ways to categorize communication styles, but one common model is the DISC model, which stands for Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Each style has its own strengths and weaknesses, and no one style is better or worse than another.

2 How to identify your communication style?

To identify your communication style, you can take a self-assessment test, such as the DISC test, or simply reflect on how you tend to communicate in different situations. Generally speaking, those who are dominant are direct, confident, and results-oriented, valuing efficiency, competence, and action. Those who are influential are outgoing, enthusiastic, and persuasive, valuing recognition, relationships, and fun. Those who are steady are calm, supportive, and reliable, valuing stability, harmony, and loyalty. Lastly, those who are conscientious are careful, analytical, and accurate; they value quality, logic and consistency. Each style may come across differently to others: dominance may be seen as impatient or demanding; influence as impulsive or emotional; steadiness as passive or indecisive; conscientiousness as cautious or critical.

3 How to identify others' communication styles?

To identify others' communication styles, you can observe their verbal and non-verbal cues, such as their tone of voice, body language, facial expressions, and word choice. Additionally, asking open-ended questions, listening actively, and giving feedback can all be useful. When looking for clues of each style, a dominance communication style might be characterized by speaking fast, loud, and assertively with short sentences and facts. They might gesture confidently and maintain eye contact while focusing on the bottom line and results. An influence communication style may involve speaking warmly, expressively, and enthusiastically with stories and anecdotes. They may gesture openly and smile frequently while focusing on the big picture and people. For a steadiness communication style, speaking softly, gently, and politely with questions, feedback, and appreciation is key. They might gesture modestly and nod agreeably while focusing on the process and team. Lastly, conscientiousness communication style might involve speaking clearly, precisely, and objectively with details and evidence. They might gesture minimally and avoid eye contact while focusing on the facts and quality.

4 How to adapt your communication style?

To adapt your communication style, it's important to be aware of your own and others' preferences, and adjust your communication accordingly. You don't have to change who you are, but you can modify how you express yourself to better connect with the person you are talking to. For example, if you're communicating with someone who is less patient than you, it's important to be concise and clear when using a Dominance style. You can use facts, data, and examples to support your points. When using an Influence style, focus on being relevant and professional. Use stories, anecdotes, and humor to engage them. For a Steadiness style, be confident, assertive, and proactive. Ask questions, provide feedback, and show appreciation. And for a Conscientiousness style, be efficient, accurate, and respectful. Use details, evidence, and logic to explain your points. Acknowledging the other person's authority or enthusiasm can help build rapport and show them how your communication benefits them and their goals or relationships.

5 Why is it important to adapt your communication style?

Adapting your communication style is important because it shows that you respect and value the person you are talking to, and that you are willing to listen and understand their perspective. It also helps you to avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and frustrations that may arise from different communication styles. By adapting your communication style, you can build trust, rapport, and cooperation with others, and achieve better outcomes for yourself and others.

6 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?