4 Communication Styles and How to Work with Them. What’s Yours?

Being an effective communicator means being able to both actively listen and clearly express yourself to those around you. However, there is no one skill or technique that will make you a better communicator. Effective communication requires a diverse skillset that covers both verbal and nonverbal communication cues. That, and also close active listening. There are four main effective communication styles. And each person has a certain style, or sometimes, a combination of two communication styles.

WHY IS EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IMPORTANT?

Effective communication is vital both in and out of the workplace. That is because it allows you to clearly translate your intentions and feelings into easily understandable messages. Effective communication makes you a more productive worker and cuts down on unintended consequences that arise as a result of miscommunication. Knowing people’s communication styles helps you better understand the behaviour of others and what they are saying.  But it also makes you better understood. It also is crucial in mastering workplace inclusion and makes you a better collaborator and team member. How effective are you at communicating? Do you know the communication styles in your workplace?

 

4 COMMUNICATION STYLES + HOW TO WORK WITH THEM

 

1. ANALYTICAL COMMUNICATION STYLE

Analytical communicators prefer to communicate with data rather than emotions. They are often great at forming solid arguments and make their points quickly and clearly. This business communication style is often very effective in a business environment and these people often hold upper management positions.

Analytical communicators can be seen as authoritative and informed as they often possess high levels of data and expertise. Analytical communicators:

Use Logic Rather Than Intuition

They prefer to have specific, measurable evidence when making a point, often using numbers as evidence. This allows them to approach problems from a dispassionate point of view and can make them great decision makers.

Are Perceived As Reliable And Dependable

Their reputation for making fact-based choices makes them a top candidate for honest feedback and unbiased opinions.

Can Come Off As Cold

An analytical communicator typically does not enjoy small talk and prefers to make their point known immediately. This is rarely personal and is just a part of how they interact.

HOW TO WORK WITH THEM

When communicating with an analytical communicator you should always include hard data, real numbers and specific language. Try to keep feelings and emotions out of your argument and present information with facts. They may prefer written communication so that they can pour over the data presented. For example, rather than telling an analytical communicator that “sales are up this quarter” give them an exact number. “Sales are up 5.8% this quarter” will elicit a much better response from this type of person. When speaking with them, avoid beating around the bush and get straight to the point. Avoid any sort of cryptic language and ensure you are clear about what you want — the analytical communicator will thank you.

 

2. INTUITIVE COMMUNICATION STYLE

Intuitive communicators are essentially the opposite of analytical communicators. They prefer a more casual, big-picture approach to convey their points and appreciate when others do the same. Details aren’t as important to them and they prefer out-of-the-box thinking.

Intuitive communicators don’t need to hear things in linear order to understand concepts and prefer a broad overview instead. Intuitive communicators often:

Contribute Big Ideas

Their creative, unconventional point of view allows them to come up with big, bold ideas. This makes them great for brainstorming sessions or creative meetings.

Visuals

Many intuitive communicators present visual examples when communicating such as charts, diagrams or examples. This helps them illustrate the whole of an idea more easily. Need to avoid distractions.

Big Picture

When interacting, they like to give a broad overview that excludes the minute details, that they find distracting. This can mean they have less patience for more detail-oriented tasks or conversations.

HOW TO WORK WITH THEM

When working with an intuitive communicator, it’s important to take a step back from the details of a subject and get to the heart of an idea before connecting. They prefer to cut to the chase and may not appreciate step-by-step instructions. They tend to prefer in-person communication so they can grasp a concept faster.

For example, rather than including all the details of a concept, you should try explaining why the concept is important and how it is connected in the grand scheme of things. You may need to send the details via email later.

 

3. FUNCTIONAL COMMUNICATION STYLE

Functional communicators like details, processes, timelines, and other well-thought-out plans. They want to ensure that no details are left out of any communications by laying out their thoughts in a linear manner.

Contrary to the intuitive communicator, who would prefer to skip all the details and get to the end of a conversation, functional communicators will feel like they are missing context and important bits of information. Functional communicators often:

Ask A Lot Of Questions

They want to make sure they understand every detail of a plan or project and thrive in situations where they are allowed to ask questions freely.

Prefer Completed Plans

They prefer step-by-step, completely laid out processes. Before diving into a project they will want to understand their responsibilities, expectations, and timelines.

Need Consistent Feedback

Functional communicators value feedback and use it to improve over time. They enjoy seeing different perspectives to understand more about themselves and their work.

HOW TO WORK WITH THEM

When working with a functional communicator you should ensure that they have all the available information upfront. Giving them a written timeline or list of expectations before discussing a project gives them time to formulate questions. Answering these questions is important for their success.

For example, instead of asking a functional communicator to come up with a big idea, allow them to be the implementer. Their attention to detail and process-driven thought patterns make them the perfect candidate to take action and carry out plans.

 

4. PERSONAL COMMUNICATION STYLE

The personal communicator uses emotion and connection to understand the world around them. They value assessing how their co-workers think, feel and what they are motivated by. These people often prefer to have personal relationships with the people they work with in order to gauge what they are thinking.

They are typically able to recognize non-verbal communication and read between the lines, especially when they know the person they are collaborating with. Personal communicators often:

Are Seen As Diplomatic

They love to listen and are typically good at smoothing over conflicts. They are concerned about the health of their relationship so will go out of their way to make sure everyone involved in a project or task feels heard.

Prefer To Speak In-Person

Given the nature of their emotional communication style, they often like to meet face to face in order to read non-verbal cues and ensure a genuine connection.

Communicate Their Feelings

These people will let you know exactly how they feel and expect you to do the same. This can be seen as unprofessional to some, but an emotional connection helps them communicate effectively.

HOW TO WORK WITH THEM

When working with a personal communicator it’s important to establish a connection before diving into the details of a project. Use emotional language and consider asking them how they feel about certain opinions or decisions.

For example, rather than approaching these people with data and hard numbers, you should take the time to let them into your thoughts. Discussing why you came to certain conclusions or use a certain process can make all the difference for personal communicators.

Call the HBB Group 1300 833 574 or email info@healthybusinessbuilder.com.au to discuss which tailored Professional Development option is best for your team’s growth.