Communication is the exchange of information between two or more people or entities. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as speaking, writing, or using sign language. Even before languages came to be known, communication was always an essential part of life, an important skill to have had. Effective communication can help you in many aspects of your life, such as your career or relationships. Communication is not just about conveying information but also about understanding what the other person has said and ensuring they understand you.
The most important thing to remember is that not all people are alike. We all have different preferences and ways of communicating, and it is important to be aware of the different communication styles to avoid misinterpretations and misunderstandings. In this blog post, we will go through some of the main communication types and styles that could make you a better speaker and listener.
Communication Types
Communication is a huge part of our lives. It is how we express ourselves to each other and pour out our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Although there are various ways for us to communicate, communication can be classified into four categories:
- Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is when you use words to convey your thoughts or feelings to someone else. This form of communication entails pitch, tone, and content.
- Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication is when you use gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and body language to convey your thoughts or feelings to someone else.
- Written Communication
Written communication is when you communicate thoughts and ideas through writing. This form of communication can be seen as a form of art, in which the writer crafts their message using clarity, structure, and content to appeal to their audience.
- Visual Communication
Visual communication is when you use pictures, charts, graphs, emojis, and other symbols to convey messages. Visuals can be used to supplement or replace text-based messages, as well as to add emotional content.
Communication Styles
Communication styles are a way to categorize the different ways people communicate. The styles are based on how people prefer to receive messages, what they need to know about the message, and how they feel about the message. Below are some of the most common communication styles:
- Assertive
People who communicate in an assertive style are confident and assertive in their communications. They say what they mean and what they don’t mean, with no room for misinterpretation. Assertive communicators are not afraid to speak up or speak out when needed. They also tend to be very direct with their words and actions, which can be seen as rude or impolite by others who aren’t as assertive. The assertive communication style is the best way to get your point across when dealing with a conflict. It’s not aggressive, but it’s not passive either. It is also best used when you want to be taken seriously and treated with respect.
- Passive
The passive communication style uses language that does not demand a response from the listener or reader. It is typically used when the speaker or writer does not want to part with any information, wants to avoid confrontation, or wants to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. We often use the passive communication style when we don’t want to conflict with someone else. For example, if someone asks you what you think about a new movie they saw, and you didn’t like it at all, you might respond passively by saying, “I’m not sure.” This way, you avoid telling them their opinion is wrong and also protect your opinion.
- Aggressive
The aggressive communication style is a term that people use to describe how they communicate when angry or frustrated. It is often characterized by shouting, swearing, and other forms of emotional outbursts. This type of communication can be seen in many different settings and with many different people. It can happen at home with family members, work with coworkers, and even in public places like the grocery store. Some people naturally tend to be more aggressive than others when communicating. This may be due to their personality or upbringing, or it could just be a temporary mood swing from having a bad day. Regardless of the reason for being more aggressive when communicating, this communication style can have negative consequences for both the person doing the talking and those listening to it.
- Passive-aggressive
The passive-aggressive communication style is one in which the aggressor’s hostility is expressed indirectly, such as through procrastination, stubbornness, or sullen behavior. Passive-aggressive behavior can be difficult to identify because it may not be direct. It may also be difficult to detect because the person with passive-aggressive tendencies may not be aware of their own motives and behaviors. The passive-aggressive person might feel justified in their actions and believe they are not being aggressive but being assertive by going around the problem instead of addressing it head-on.
Wrap-up
So this is the long and short of the broader communication types and styles we use to communicate with each other. Because every person and circumstance we deal with may be different, it is essential to learn all the types and styles of communication to a fair degree. Effective communication greatly reduces stress, anxiety, and conflict while helping us get the desired response. An Online Masters in Communication helps students become best communicators and students can actually make careers out of it too. Read more here.
Like this article? There’s more from where this came! Check out our other interesting topics and what experts have to say on critical issues every student must understand. You can also look up our resources and guides on GRE, GMAT, Scholarships, Accreditation, and more for essential information. If you are interested in communication, read about the Masters in Communication, English, Journalism, Linguistics, Creative Writing, Political Communication, Public Relations, Spanish, or Strategic Communication.
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