The art of communication involves the ability to listen and let the other person or people know that you have understood. It can also involve checking out if they have understood you.
Not everyone finds communication easy but to be understood is a basic need of all people. There are lots of different communication styles that you will encounter in meetings with other people. Understanding these can help you to respond more effectively. Some of these are summarized below.
Open communicators
People who are open and receptive express their emotions and feelings freely. They prefer to have an informal conversation before getting into actual business activities. This includes getting to know colleagues; they may also have personal items on display such as photos or certificates of achievements. They do not mind being asked questions about themselves and their achievements.
Reserved communicators
These types of communicators do not like to let other people know about their personal life. They are very reserved and prefer not to share personal information and how they think about things. If you are an open communicator, and are speaking to such a person, you need to remember that asking a personal question might make them feel uneasy. Such people are usually busy doing work and prefer not to participate in workplace communication activities.
Indirect communicators
The talk of these individuals is very slow and intentional. They do not like loud, fast, and excessively aggressive talk. In addition, they concentrate more on the facts and figures, rather than just assumptions. If you are in conversation with an indirect communicator, you need to understand that you should have evidence to back up your suggestions, answers, and views.
Direct communicators
Individuals who are direct talk more loudly and quickly than indirect communicators. They take risks easily, are aggressively self-assured, and are related to ‘type A’ personalities. If you are in conversation with a direct communicator, ensure that you get to the point straightaway, be confident about what you say and provide solid instances of your achievements.
Communication style – self help
Being able to listen is just as important as effective communication
You should take the time to get to know the different communication styles of people within your circle/office, be open and alert to what other people are saying. Occasionally it may be necessary to change your own style in order to get the best out of the person you are speaking with. Getting this right will reap its own rewards even if dealing with difficult issues.
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