Essay on Communication Styles

The effective communication skills are crucial for success both in personal life and in business. There is no doubt that the ability to detect the communication style of other person, and to understand “an individual’s personality and communication style allows a leader to more effectively communicate and to persuade others to his or her point of view.” (Sabol, 2011)

The general knowledge of communication styles gives a person strategic advantage over others and helps to resolve personality conflicts.

Knowledge of communication styles equips person to communicate in a manner that seems open and is perceived as trustworthy. “As communication barriers start to fall, the ability to relate is enhanced because speakers are more in-sync with each other”. (Sabol, 2011)

Four major communications styles were defined by researchers: the Emotive Style, the Director Style, the Reflective style and the Supportive Style.

It needs to be mentioned that a process of communication includes both verbal and nonverbal characteristics. Among the reasons that cause differences in the communication styles and behaviors the following could be named: a childhood experience, a family background, and also a mix of acquired personal characteristics.

A. Identify which characteristic from the EMOTIVE applies to you most, explain why, and give an example from your life that illustrates how the EMOTIVE characteristic applies to you and how you relate to others.

Emotive communicators usually have the following individual traits:
• activity;
• high sociability
• high dominance
• encouragement of informality;
• expression of emotional opinions.

A person that belongs to Emotive Communications Style might be “stimulating, excitable, persuasive, and dynamic”. He or she “takes social initiatives, encourages informality and expresses emotional opinions.” (Sabol, 2011)

In general, Emotive characteristics could be applied to the very active personalities. As examples I can name celebrities like Oprah Winfrey or Richard Branson. Both are enthusiastic and stimulating people, that are able to communicate informally (or at least create such incredibly comfortable atmosphere for their discussions).

I wouldn’t insist that I’m 100% Emotive type. I do not posses these mentioned characteristics, but a lot of people have some of these traits. I consider myself an active personality; I frequently laugh at myself and like to create an informal atmosphere. Also, I often talk rapidly and express my views with enthusiasm, using hand gestures

For example, sometimes I talk to my chief about his hobby (which is surfing), establishing a good interpersonal contact that will help me in our further work relations.