How do your communication preferences affect your goals?

2 Assertive communication

Assertive communication is the most effective and respectful way of communicating. It means expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly and confidently, while respecting the rights and opinions of others. Assertive communicators are honest, direct, and assertive, but not rude, demanding, or aggressive. They use "I" statements, maintain eye contact, and use a calm and firm tone of voice. They also listen actively, ask questions, and seek win-win solutions.

3 Passive communication

Passive communication is the opposite of assertive communication. It means avoiding or minimizing your own thoughts, feelings, and needs, while giving in to the demands or expectations of others. Passive communicators are timid, indecisive, and apologetic, but not assertive, confident, or respectful. They use "you" statements, avoid eye contact, and use a low and weak tone of voice. They also listen passively, agree with others, and avoid conflict.

4 Aggressive communication

Aggressive communication is the most destructive and disrespectful way of communicating. It means imposing your thoughts, feelings, and needs on others, while ignoring or violating their rights and opinions. Aggressive communicators are hostile, rude, and intimidating, but not honest, direct, or assertive. They use "you" statements, stare or glare at others, and use a loud and harsh tone of voice. They also interrupt, criticize, blame, and threaten others, and seek win-lose solutions.

5 Passive-aggressive communication

Passive-aggressive communication is a combination of passive and aggressive communication. It means expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs indirectly or subtly, while showing resentment or hostility towards others. Passive-aggressive communicators are sarcastic, manipulative, and passive-aggressive, but not honest, direct, or assertive. They use "you" statements, roll their eyes or sigh, and use a sarcastic or mocking tone of voice. They also ignore, evade, or sabotage others, and seek lose-lose solutions.

6 Identifying your communication preferences

Identifying your communication preferences can help you understand yourself better, as well as improve your communication skills and relationships. You can use self-assessment tools, such as quizzes, surveys, or tests, to discover your dominant communication style and preference. You can also ask for feedback from others, such as friends, family, or colleagues, to get a different perspective on how you communicate. You can also reflect on your own communication behaviors, such as your body language, tone of voice, word choice, and listening habits.

8 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?