Furthermore, we\u2019ll identify and define communication styles, discuss the positives and negatives of each one, and shed light on how to use that knowledge to better understand and communicate with others. This information can also help others learn how to better connect with you. <\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Understanding](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Understanding-Different-Styles-of-Communication-cover-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Communication styles are different ways in which people approach the process of communication. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They serve to teach you how to be self-aware and optimize your communication approach. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Communication styles are categorized based on the individual’s preferred way of expressing thoughts, ideas, and emotions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Psychologist Bourne recognizes 5 different styles of communication: submissive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, manipulative, and assertive. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Alessandra & Hunsaker recognize 4 types of communication styles \u2014 relators, socializers, thinkers, and directors \u2014 based on 2 dimensions: direct vs. indirect and supporting vs. controlling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Murphy acknowledges 4 communication styles: analytical, intuitive, functional, and personal. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Author and training consultant Cox outlines 4 styles of communication: action-oriented, process-oriented, people-oriented, and idea-oriented style.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Business author Dias recognizes 4 distinct styles: expresser, driver, relator, and analytical communication style.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Communication styles: Arriving at a definition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Communication styles are the different ways in which people approach the process of communication, i.e., the process of conveying and taking in ideas and opinions<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don\u2019t understand your own communication style, it\u2019s difficult to be self-aware while conversing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, if you don\u2019t understand the styles of the people you are conversing with, it isn\u2019t easy to optimize your communication approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Much like analyzing different communication models<\/a> can help us get a better understanding of different aspects<\/em> of a communication situation<\/a> and plan for more successful communication, communication styles serve to teach us more about how different styles<\/em> affect the communication process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although people usually favor a specific communication style, learning about the divisions below can aid you in picking up the best aspects of different types. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let’s see how different psychologists and authors classify communication styles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\nFree team communication app<\/h2>\n
Improve collaboration and cut down on emails by moving your team communication to Pumble.<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/pumble\/banners\/default.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n5 basic communication styles by Bourne (1995)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
According to psychologist Edmund J. Bourne Ph.D. and his book titled The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook<\/em><\/a>, there are 5 different types of communication styles: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Submissive<\/strong>, <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Aggressive<\/strong>, <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Passive-aggressive<\/strong>, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Manipulative<\/strong>, <\/strong>and <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Assertive<\/strong>. <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
According to this communication style theory, these styles of communication may be dominant or used in specific situations or with specific people.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Communication](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Communication-styles-by-Bourne-1995-min.png\")
Communication styles by Bourne (1995)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n But, why is it important that professionals know about these styles of communication? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Workplace communication is essential for the success of any project. According to research, as many as 86% of employees<\/a> feel that poor communication is the number one reason behind workplace failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The truth is \u2014 no one wants<\/em> to cause communication difficulties. They usually occur due to coworkers\u2019 clashing styles, which can lead to many challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The differences in these styles can cause miscommunication in the workplace<\/a>, resulting in costly mistakes and missed deadlines. In addition, they can obstruct company workflows, making it impossible to move on to the next stage and finish a project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Different ways in which employees communicate can also create workplace tension, confusion, and stress, due to teammates not understanding each other\u2019s motives or misinterpreting others\u2019 remarks. In some cases, people may even feel threatened, offended, or underappreciated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the long run, this can have a negative effect on a company\u2019s employee retention, customer relationships, internal processes, sales, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For any organization to function at the optimum level, its teams need to bridge these differences, understand different styles of communication, and work on finding common ground. After all, mismatched communication styles in the workplace can make or break any venture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, let\u2019s examine what each style is about in greater detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\ud83c\udf93 Pumble Pro Tip <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Understanding individual communication styles is the first step to bolstering team communication. The next is learning about different channels of communication. Read up on the subject in our guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Communication Channels in Business: Definition, Types, and 11 Essential Examples<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
#1 Submissive communication style (aka passive communication style)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The submissive style of communication is focused on pleasing other people and avoiding all conflicts. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
For submissive communicators, the needs of others are always more important than their own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They often act like other people have more rights than them and more means to contribute to conversations, meetings, discussions, and other communication situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common behavioral characteristics of submissive communicators<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to their general behavior, submissive communicators tend to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Be apologetic<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Avoid expressing their feelings<\/strong>, opinions<\/strong>, and desires<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Avoid confrontations<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Find it difficult to take on responsibility<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Have difficulties making decisions<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blame others for events and situations<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Refuse compliments<\/strong>, and <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Feel like victims<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Common non-verbal behavior of submissive communicators<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to their non-verbal behavior, submissive communicators tend to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Have a soft voice volume,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hold their heads down,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Twist and fidget,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Avoid eye contact, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Aim to take up as little space as possible to avoid having other people notice them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udf93 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Non-verbal behavior is just one out of 5 common types of communication you may encounter in a business setting. To learn more about the different types of communication, check out our extensive guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Types of Communication<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Examples of communication with submissive communicators<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
As the below examples demonstrate, talking to submissive communicators can be underwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example #1:<\/strong> <\/em>A junior and senior product designer<\/a> are discussing their latest design solution. To avoid getting herself into a deep discussion that might cause a conflict of opinions, the junior designer ends the discussion by saying: \u201cI\u2019ll let you decide what\u2019s best.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example #2: <\/strong>In a marketing meeting, an outreach specialist is given another batch of tasks by the marketing director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although the amount of her work is expected to double in the upcoming period because of this, when asked about whether such an amount of work will be too much and whether it\u2019s best to share the tasks with the rest of the outreach team, the SEO outreach specialist simply replies with: \u201cOh, it\u2019s nothing really, I can easily handle it.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example #3:<\/strong> An enterprise sales<\/a> specialist has been promoted to a new position and given a bigger salary over another specialist who objectively deserved the promotion more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When asked about this by their immediate colleagues, the enterprise sales specialist who got passed over for the promotion replies: \u201cIt\u2019s really not a problem, there\u2019s no need to cause any more trouble.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Screenshot-1-min.png\")
An example of submissive communication style example in Pumble by CAKE.com, a business communication app<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Communicate with your team in Pumble <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How people who are communicating with submissive communicators feel<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Aside from being underwhelmed, people who are communicating with submissive communicators are likely to feel:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Frustrated<\/strong> that they\u2019ve been told what they want to hear rather than facts,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Exasperated<\/strong> over their time being wasted on unproductive communication,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reluctant to help<\/strong> the submissive communicator make improvements in communication, as their efforts tend to be indirectly rejected,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Guilty<\/strong> over not knowing what the submissive communicator wants,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Like they are in a position to take advantage<\/strong> of the submissive communicator, and <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Resentful <\/strong>towards the low energy surrounding the submissive communicator.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Tips for communicating with submissive communicators<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
To get the most out of your communication with submissive communicators, you can take over the role of the <\/strong>facilitator<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to know what the submissive communicator is really<\/em> thinking, encourage them to speak by being warm, friendly, and inviting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, in group meetings that involve brainstorming sessions, you can also encourage submissive communicators to share by emphasizing: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cEveryone\u2019s input matters, and there are no stupid ideas, so feel free to share!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
How to be less submissive in communication<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
While you may be used to submissive behavior in communication and believe you\u2019re being polite and respectful of the other person\u2019s wishes, your perceived unobtrusiveness is actually causing a communication breakdown<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to become a better communicator, you need to acknowledge that you\u2019re a worthy contributor to the conversation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t be afraid to voice your opinions and respectfully express disagreement<\/a>. That way, you\u2019ll help both you and your interlocutor by enabling the communication flow and avoiding a build-up of frustration and workplace tension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You could also work on improving your non-verbal cues by: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Practicing making eye contact, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Speaking up, and <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Not fidgeting. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Studies have shown that the way you use your body language can impact your emotions<\/a>, so you can quite literally fake it until you gain more confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In case of disagreement, you can show respect to the other person by acknowledging their point of view first before expressing your concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can start in one of the following ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cI understand your point of view, but\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cI see why you might think that, but\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cYour argument makes sense, however\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
You can always soften your presentation with a smile if you\u2019re afraid you will come across as arrogant or aggressive while voicing your opinion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, you can\u2019t rely on body language in online communication, but you can use emojis to show that you mean well. Fortunately, team communication apps such as Pumble<\/a> by CAKE.com<\/a> provide myriads of emojis to help you express a range of emotions in a work-friendly manner.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Using](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Screenshot-13-added-in-v2-min.png\")
Using emojis to articulate emotions in Pumble, a team communication app<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n
\n\nEmpower team communication<\/h2>\n
Discuss, share & collaborate with Pumble by CAKE.com, a team communication app.<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/pumble\/banners\/landing-1.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n#2 Aggressive communication style<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The aggressive style of communication is focused on winning at all costs \u2014 which may often happen at the expense of others. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In contrast to submissive communicators, aggressive communicators value their own needs above everyone else\u2019s and believe their opinions to be the most important in a discussion \u2014 which is also how they behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They often act like they have more rights and more means to contribute than others. As a result, the importance of the information they are trying to convey may get overshadowed by the inconsiderate way they deliver it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common behavioral characteristics of aggressive communicators<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to their general behavior, aggressive communicators tend to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Blame others<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bully other people<\/strong><\/a>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be frightening<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be hostile<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be threatening<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be demanding<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be abrasive<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be belligerent<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be explosive<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be unpredictable<\/strong>, and <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be intimidating<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Common non-verbal behavior of aggressive communicators<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to their non-verbal behavior, aggressive communicators tend to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Use a loud voice volume to get their ideas and opinions across,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Position themselves to seem bigger than others,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use prominent, sharp, and fast gestures,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Scowl, frown, or glare at others,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Invade other people\u2019s personal space, and <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make sarcastic remarks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Examples of communication with aggressive communicators<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Aggressive communication style often leads to breaks in communication and an uncomfortable atmosphere, as shown in the examples below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example #1:<\/strong> A discussion about product analytics between 2 members of a sales team heats up as the person with an aggressive communication style lashes out at his colleague: \u201cYou are crazy! That\u2019s not what the numbers mean!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example #2:<\/strong> <\/em>A sales manager provides feedback to the new sales team member without much tact. The new sales specialist gets upset, to which the sales manager replies: \u201cStop being whiny! You make me sick!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example #3:<\/strong> <\/em>An urgent meeting among the university staff about the location for the annual education<\/a> seminar, which should be decided by vote, ends with the university dean quickly getting bored of the discussion and declaring: \u201cThat is just about enough of that! We\u2019ll do it my way!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In these examples, the aggressive communicators are addressing their subordinates. This negatively impacts team morale<\/a> and motivation, indicating that aggressiveness significantly disrupts workplace communication, especially when present in communication styles in leadership positions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\ud83c\udf93Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a leader, you’re expected to know the communication style of your employees and adapt your own to make your employees feel understood, safe and valued so they can really shine. This is especially challenging if you run a remote business. Not sure how to get there? Read all about it on our blog:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Communicate Like a Leader: Expert Tips on Becoming a Remote Manager<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
How people who are communicating with aggressive communicators feel<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The people who are communicating with aggressive communicators are likely to feel:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- They need to be defensive<\/strong> or withdraw from the discussion,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They need to be aggressive in return<\/strong> and fight back,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Resentful<\/strong> and vengeful<\/strong> for how hurt<\/strong>, humiliated<\/strong>, and even exploited<\/strong> they feel while interacting with an aggressive communicator,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Afraid<\/strong> to report mistakes and problems to avoid being blamed for them, and <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Generally less respectful<\/strong> towards someone who communicates aggressively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Tips for communicating with aggressive communicators<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
To get the most out of your communication with aggressive communicators, you can actively look out for interruptions and then aim to prevent them<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the aggressive communicator cuts you off mid-sentence, simply say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHang on, I\u2019m not finished yet.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Besides this, you should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Emphasize your boundaries<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Never respond in a similarly aggressive manner, <\/strong>and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Calmly voice your needs and feelings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How to be less aggressive in communication<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
A conversation needs to flow both ways to be successful. If you\u2019re aware that your communication style is too aggressive, you\u2019re already much closer to becoming a better communicator<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s best to start by examining your aggressive tendencies<\/strong> and what causes them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the meantime, you can make an effort to become friendlier, more approachable, and less threatening <\/strong>in many ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start by practicing <\/strong>active listening<\/strong><\/a> and truly acknowledging other people\u2019s ideas and feelings<\/strong>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Never respond in a similarly aggressive manner, <\/strong>and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They need to be aggressive in return<\/strong> and fight back,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They need to be defensive<\/strong> or withdraw from the discussion,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Communicate Like a Leader: Expert Tips on Becoming a Remote Manager<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Bully other people<\/strong><\/a>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blame others<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Exasperated<\/strong> over their time being wasted on unproductive communication,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Frustrated<\/strong> that they\u2019ve been told what they want to hear rather than facts,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Types of Communication<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Avoid expressing their feelings<\/strong>, opinions<\/strong>, and desires<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be apologetic<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Aggressive<\/strong>, <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Submissive<\/strong>, <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/pumble\/banners\/default@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/pumble\/banners\/landing-1@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Screenshot-2-min-2.png\")