The 3 communication styles, and how to recognize them.

Various ways of expressing ourselves and communicating ideas that speak to how we relate to each other.

Communication styles are the main ways in which we exchange information.. Knowing how to recognize and manage them properly is key to improving the quality of personal relationships.

In this article we will see what communication styles are like, divided into their categories divided into their categories: assertive, passive and aggressive.. In addition, we will see how to adapt them to the communicative contexts we use.

Communication styles

The human mind is complex, and this is due, among other things, to the fact that communication with others allows us to learn all kinds of concepts and ideas about the environment.

Without this capacity, we would not only be deserted islands from a psychological point of view, but we would not even be able to think, since we do not have language. In spite of this, the fact that living in society we learn to express ourselves does not mean that we always do it well. That is why it is good to know the communicative styles.

These communication styles depend, among other things, on the attitudes and elements of social skills that we use to express our ideas and emotional states. to express our ideas and emotional states or feelings..

1. Aggressive style

The elements that characterize this communication style are verbal and non-verbal threats, as well as direct accusations and reproaches. Ultimately, the aim of this set of initiatives is to to enter into a power dynamic in which one is in control and the other party is minimized. and the other party is minimized.

It is not so much an attempt to communicate valuable information that one has, but rather to have a concrete effect on the other person or on those observing the interaction, in order to gain power. In addition, the use of the ad hominem fallacy, or outright insults, is not uncommon.

On the other hand, the use of the aggressive communication style is also characterized by paraverbal and nonverbal elements expressing anger or hostility.. For example, high tone of voice, Muscle tension, etc.

2. Inhibited, or passive style

This is a communication style based on the inhibition of those thoughts and feelings that in normal situations could be expressed.

The ultimate purpose is to greatly limit the communicative flow, either because there is something to hide since it is incriminating information, or because there is a fear of not pleasing others. There is also the possibility that the reason for adopting this attitude is simple disinterest, or the desire to end a dialogue as soon as possible.

In practice, the passive style of communication is typical of shy people who are insecure in personal relationships, or of people who are in personal relationships, or of introverts, who try to communicate more with less. This means that fear need not be the trigger. Some understand that the "default" state is isolation and loneliness, and that any effort made to express oneself must be justified.

Moreover, if there is something important that one wants to say but is afraid to communicate it, it is often said behind one's back. it is often said behind the back of the person concerned.. Among the characteristics of this communication style are relatively little eye contact, low tone of voice, short answers or with little relation to what is being said, and a non-verbal language that expresses defensiveness or insecurity (although the latter component varies more).

3. Assertive style

In the assertive style, you communicate in a direct way what you think and feel, as long as you believe that it has value and that it will not make someone excessively uncomfortable. In other words, you communicate honestly and transparently, but without trying to dominate the other person.

Thus, one tries to keep one's social skills in balance by taking into account both one's own interests and those of the other person, in order for relevant information to flow smoothly..

Given these characteristics, this is considered to be the most desirable communication style for most situations.

The use of these expressive resources

Although the vast majority of people are capable of resorting to communication styles, we can distinguish between individuals according to the degree to which they tend to adopt one of them more frequently.

For example, in situations of conflicts of interest, some people will tend to quickly adopt an aggressive communication style, or a passive one, etc.

In addition, on the other hand, although the assertive style is generally the most appropriate, there are specific situations in which assertive styles are more appropriate, there are specific situations in which passive or aggressive styles may make sense.. For example, when recognizing a serious mistake that one has made, or when expressing frustration at a situation that is someone else's fault. Rationality does not always come before our way of relating; in fact, it often has little influence over it.