5 Types of Communication Styles

There are 5 main types of communication styles. Before we take a look at each style in
detail here they are at a glance:

 Passive communication
 Aggressive communication
 Submissive communication
 Manipulative communication
 Assertive communication

These styles are used for both written and verbal communication. While they’re all very
common in the corporate world, the assertive style is typically seen as the most
effective communication style because it’s essentially a combination of the positive
aspects of the other styles. Without further ado, let’s get into the details of each style.
1 Passive communication
Passive communication is typically associated with individuals who agree to whatever
the others in the group want. Their individual opinions are kept to themselves, even
when they tend not to agree, which causes passive-aggressive communication to take
place. When a passive communicator fails to stand up for themselves time and time
again, it can lead to frustration and resentment. An article by Learning Hub, depicts the
passive communication style very effectively:
“The passive communication style is often used by those who want to come off as
indifferent about the topic at hand. They either keep their opinions to themselves or try
to make it seem as if they support every piece of input in the discussion. When
speaking, passive communicators will display insecure nonverbal communication cues
by not making eye contact, slouching their shoulders, or shrugging when people ask
them for some input.”
Why is the passive communication style ineffective?
This style of communication is ineffective because the authentic ideas and thoughts of
the individual are usually not shared with the rest of the team, thus putting a limit on the
information that is distributed amongst the team. Simply agreeing with the majority
doesn’t mean that these ideas are the most suitable or appropriate but simply, the most
popular opinion.
2 Aggressive communication
Aggressive communication is characterized by being controlling, demanding and
sometimes hostile. As a polar-opposite of passive communication, an aggressive
communicator will openly express their opinion without thinking twice, usually in a loud
and dominant voice. These communicators are often insensitive to the rights of their
peers and push people away by being disrespectful. Voicing opinions are important but
when you express your viewpoint in a malicious, abusive way, it becomes completely
ineffective.
Why is the aggressive communication style ineffective?
Usually, aggressive communicators want to intimidate others and get their way because
others are too afraid to speak up against them. This completely defeats the purpose of
having an honest conversation, which is meant to be an open dialogue, where each
person involved has a chance to share their ideas and also listen to others.
3 Submissive communication
Submissive communicators are people who avoid conflict at all costs. This type of
communicator tends to believe that other peoples’ needs are more important than their
own and feel as if other peoples’ opinions are more intelligent and more valid than
theirs. Psychologist, Claire Newton provides some behavioural characteristics of
submissive communicators, highlighting:
“A submissive person behaves as if other peoples’ needs are more important, and other
people have more rights and more to contribute. Behavioural characteristics include:
Apologetic, avoid any confrontation, find difficulty in taking responsibility or decisions,
yielding to someone else’s preferences (and discounting own rights and needs), opting
out, and feeling like a victim.”
Why is the submissive communication style ineffective?
This style of communication is ineffective because it discounts the individuals’ own
rights and needs. Having a victim mentality can be extremely harmful and is typically
associated with a refusal to try new things. If you aren’t open to try new things, then you
aren’t open to learn, grow and improve things. This is especially ineffective when a
submissive communicator allows others to make decisions for them, losing sight of their
wants and needs.
4 Manipulative communication
Manipulative communicators are skilled at doing whatever it takes to gain a personal
advantage in any given situation. There’s usually an underlying motive when they’re
speaking and they try to influence others to their own advantage.
Why is the manipulative communication style ineffective?
This is an ineffective way to communicate because other people never know where they
stand with a manipulative person. If you can’t trust your employees or co-workers, it
creates a huge disadvantage on productivity and efficiency. Constantly having to
decipher someone’s opinions and ideas to understand their true motive is exhausting.
Being cunning and controlling is going to put a huge divide in the team,
preventing cross-functional collaboration, effective teamwork, and amicable work
relationships.
5 Assertive communication
Of the 5 communication styles, assertive communication is believed to be the most
effective. Assertive communicators are able to express their honest thoughts in a polite
and respectful way that considers other peoples’ opinions and feelings. The DS
Psychology Group effectively describe this style of communication stating that assertive
communication means:
“Directly, honestly and appropriately stating what your thoughts, feelings, needs or
wants are. You take responsibility for yourself and are respectful to others. You are an
effective listener and problem solver. You stand up for yourself in a way that does not
violate the rights of others.”
Assertive communicators respect the values, thoughts, and ideas of others, speaking in
a calm voice while making non-threatening eye contact.