4 Styles of Communication to Succeed in Professional and Personal Spaces

Have you ever had a moment in your life when you can tell that your boss or coworker’s attention was somewhere else or perhaps was not showing much interest in what you were communicating? There is a possibility that the style of communication you were using was not suitable for the situation.

Studies have shown that there are four different ways of communication to use when interacting with others. These communication styles are known by various names, such as Direct/Driver, Analytical/Systematic, Supportive/Considerate, and Initiating/Spirited; they all are meant to support communication and involve certain elements.

People who you are communicating with may have a different communication style than yours. Understanding your own communication style, as well as recognizing and adapting to others', is essential.

Most researchers claim that communication is an effort to convey information, idea, or emotion across an individual or group. This requires transmitting a message via verbal (oral or written), para verbal (tone, pitch, and speed of voice) and non-verbal (facial expressions/hand gestures) forms.

On the other hand, communication style is the behavior that you show while sending that message to the other person. Understanding your communication style and learning how to use different styles allows you to connect well with others and improve your interpersonal skills.

It is also said that no single style is superior to the other as all four communication styles have their own importance. Your primary style is the one that you are most comfortable using; however, it does not mean that you always use that form of communication. You should adjust your communication style to others for an impactful interaction.

Many studies have shown that communication styles center around two different elements—Assertiveness and Expressiveness. The degree of assertiveness and expressiveness differentiates one style from another.

The first element of your style is the degree of your assertiveness. Assertiveness is the attempt that an individual makes to influence or control the thoughts or the actions of others. Such assertive individuals tell other people how things should be. They are task-oriented, active, and confident. Whereas people who are less assertive ask others how things should work. They are process-oriented and attentive.

The second element of your style is expressiveness. Expressiveness is the effort that an individual makes to control his or her emotions when relating to others. For instance, people who are expressive display their emotions and they tend to be versatile, vibrant, sociable, and demonstrative. On the other hand, people who are less expressive control their emotions and they tend to be reserved, focused, or independent.

Now, let’s find out exactly what the four communication styles are, with real-world examples.

Direct Style of Communication (Results-driven)

Who Direct communicators are: These individuals are highly assertive but less expressive when they communicate with others. They tell others what to do, and they believe that’s the best way to get things done, so they don’t bother to seek others’ opinion before delegating tasks to them.

Direct Communicator’s strong points: They are focused, result-oriented, decision-makers and impersonal. They do not share their personal feelings with others easily.

Direct Communicator’s trouble points:  They display more concern for results than relationships, so they are rigid on their terms and conditions. They get impatient when bored, and most often they have a hard time listening others and seeking recommendations from others.

Direct Communicator in real example: A manager exhibited direct style to his team members to complete some tasks by a certain date when a project deadline was approaching. He would not prefer to consult or seek other members’ advice to reassure if they found the deadline realistic or if they needed any support to get the work done.

Accommodate to Direct Communicator’s Style: When you are dealing with these communicators, get to the point—cut right to the chase, provide solutions, and be specific in your conversion. Do not waste time by repeating or over-clarifying yourself.

Analytical Style of Communication (Data-driven)

Who Analytical communicators are: These individuals are both less assertive and less expressive while communicating with others. They follow processes and have an eye for details. They like to talk in terms of hard data, and they appreciate people who back their statements with real numbers.

Analytical Communicator’s strong points: They are detail-oriented, focused, organized, and appreciate facts and figures over ideas and opinions. They take things to completion, like Direct communicators, they do not share their personal feelings with others easily.

Analytical Communicator’s trouble points:  They are slow and cautious before making any decision. They look for evidence to draw conclusion without caring of other’s feelings.

Analytical Communicator in real example: One of my friends had an analytical style who would mostly prefer creating a business case for presenting any idea or a new proposal to his manager. One such example would be to improve bidding of a software solution to new clients. He would support his point with the proven techniques that he used in his previous company. He showcased the data with its analysis of how he hiked the sales by 45 percent in just 3 months. He organized all the details well and answered all the questions of his boss convincingly. The manager appreciated his work and took his proposal forward to the leadership.

Accommodate to Analytical Communicator’s Style: Show them real data while presenting any information. This is inevitable to seek their attention and to build their trust. Be thoughtful and structured in your approach and be persistent with them while they process the given information. They believe in accuracy, so they may take their time before making decisions.

Supporting Style of Communication (Compassionate-driven)

Who Supporting communicators are: They are less assertive as most of the time they ask for opinions or recommendations but are highly expressive when it comes to displaying emotions and caring for others’ concerns.

Supporting Communicator’s strong points: They are great listeners, considerate, helpful, and therefore build trust among others quickly. Such people are approachable, sincere, and gentle.

Supporting Communicator’s trouble points:  The downside of this style is they dislike change and may appear indecisive to risky and unknown situations. They have a difficult time of saying “No” to others, so some people may take advantage of them.

Supporting Communicator in real example: My team member had to adapt to the Supportive style when one of the candidates reached the final stage of interview, but she could not offer the job due to the cancellation of the project. The candidate was in between jobs and was in dire need of money. As she was in constant touch with the candidate from the start, she developed a great rapport with her. My team member talked to her and tried to help by referring her to the HR network, and luckily, one of her friends was looking for someone with the candidate’s skills to join their team. She got interviewed and was hired. She was very thankful to my coworker for doing the favor.

Accommodate to Supporting Communicator’s Style: They appreciate a calm, steady approach. Earn their trust by providing them with plenty of hope. When seeking their opinions and ideas, encourage them to express their concerns and allow them time to make decisions.

Initiating Style of Communication (Energy-driven)

Who Initiating communicators are: These individuals are both highly assertive and expressive when communicating with others.

Initiating Communicator’s strong points: They are sociable, energetic, fun-loving, and impulsive.

Initiating Communicator’s trouble points:  The low sides for this style are that they get involved in too many things and are impatient.

Initiating Communicator in real example: One of my coworkers, during her parents 25th wedding anniversary, was very enthusiastic, excited in throwing a surprise party for them. She, along with her older sister, managed to arrange the caterers, invited their close relatives and friends over to their home. She made a toast to her dad and mom and made them feel special. They were amazed and delighted, and she could feel the happiness in their eyes as they did not have any plans for the day.

Accommodate to Initiating Communicator’s Style: They value interacting and sharing stories with others. Allow them time for socializing at the beginning of meetings and create a friendly environment. Provide them time to express their feelings and opinions.

In short, you need to change your communication style depending on the style of the other person who you are interacting with for having a great conversation. You need to use a blend all the four communication styles to address a situation well by choosing an appropriate style. This will not only make others feel that you are speaking their language, but also you will receive a positive response.