STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATION
What is Communication?
This refers to the process of transferring
meaning from sender to receiver such as:
- Needs/feelings
- Intentions/expectations
- Dreams/desire
- Goals/objectives
The following illustrates the patterns of
communication based on evidence. Take note
how effective communication happens, the
same as how dysfunctional communication
occurs.
Assertive Communication
- Is the ability ot express positive and
negative ideas and feelings in an
open, honest and direct way
- It recognizes your rights whilst still
respecting the rights of others
- It allows you to take responsibility for
yourself and your actions without
judging or blaming
- When conflict exists, it allows you to
constrictively confront and find
mutually satisfying solutions
FOUR BASIC STYLES OF COMMUNICATION
1. Passive
- Fail to assert for themselves
- Inability to say “no”
- Allow others to infringe on their rights
- Fail to express their feelings, needs, or
opinions
- Tend to speak softly or apologetically
- Exhibit poor eye contact
- Slumped body posture
2. Aggressive
- Try to dominate others
- Use humiliation to control others
- Criticize, blame, or attack others
- Have low frustration tolerance
- Speak in a loud, demanding voice
- Act threateningly and rudely
- Do not listen well; interrupt
frequently
- Use “you” statements
- Have piercing eye contact

3. Passive-Aggressive
- Mutter to themselves rather than
confront
- Have difficulty acknowledging their
anger
- Use facial expressions that do not
match how they feel (ex. Smiling
when angry)
- Use sarcasm
- Deny there is a problem
- Appear cooperative while purposely
doing things to annoy and disrupt
- Use subtle sabotage to get even

4. Assertive
- State needs and wants clearly and
respectfully
- Express feelings appropriately
- Use “I” statements
- Communicate respect for others
- Listen well without interrupting
- Feel in control of self
- Feel connected to others
- Stand up for their rights