Is There a Need to Communicate Differently with Left and Right Brained Thinkers?

Good communication is paramount for business success. But how do you determine whether or not you are communicating effectively with a person? 

People think and speak differently. They belong to different demographics, backgrounds, cultures, religions, and societies. Most importantly, they come with a different mindset and their brains are wired differently.

In some people, the right side of the brain is more dominant than the left side, and both sides have their own strengths and weaknesses.

The left side of your brain is receptive to information that includes language, numbers, logic, reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical skills. On the other hand, the right side of your brain is more receptive to non-verbal cues, imagination, intuition, colors, and emotions.

How to Talk to a Left-Brained Thinker?

Imagine you're running a finance company and you have carved out time to attend a presentation. If the presenter wants to impress you, he or she will look at what your business is about and what your immediate needs are. You will probably be more receptive to facts, figures, and numbers because your brain thinks along those lines. This indicates that you are a left-brained thinker, which is why you are favor numbers. The presenter will talk to you based on what you seem to be passionate about. By doing this, not only will the speaker save your precious time, but he or she will also leave a great impression on you. So it is a win-win situation for both of you.

How to Talk to a Right-Brained Thinker?

A person good at marketing might be considered a right-brained thinker. Now, when talking to this person, you may want to use some high-definition visual cues and pictures because facts and figures are not enough for the marketer. In short, you have to know what the individual is receptive towards in order to grab his or her attention towards the point you are trying to make.

What Else Is Different?

Besides the facts and figures, left-brained thinkers are also capable of understanding words and thoughts. When a person stands on the stage with a script behind the podium, or in front of a PowerPoint presentation, he or she will just use words to lure the attention of the audience, especially left-brained thinkers. People with the left side of their brain more dominant than their right side are usually great at talking and making a conversation.

On the other hand, people with a more active right side of the brain are usually exceptional writers as they take the arrangement of words as a visual challenge. Thus, they could be awesome at writing emails and great at marketing and advertising.

Conclusion

You must examine the interest of your target audience in order to determine which side of their brain is more dominant. By doing so, you will be able to communicate with your audience effectively and ensure that they are as engaged in the discussion as you are. This will offer a win-win situation for both you and your audience.

You can become more of a whole-brained thinker by practicing the parts that don't seem as natural. Find out more and take the Neethling Brain Instrument (NBI) which measures your thinking and communication style.