Free Communication Style Quiz

As in real life, awareness of communication styles is very helpful for effectively managing online teams. Here are five common types of online communicators, and some tips on getting along with each. “Someone with an aggressive communication style may come across as hostile and authoritarian, alienating others and creating a harmful work climate,” said LaFave.

A Communication Style Quiz is a tool designed to identify the distinct ways in which individuals convey, receive, and process information. It assesses preferences in verbal and non-verbal communication, helping individuals understand their strengths and areas of improvement in interpersonal situations. You’ll notice your efforts are working when team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, disagreeing with one another, and asserting their needs. Once that happens, continue to invest in team building, coaching, and communication best practices to help your team maintain their confident, assertive communication style.

According to LaFave, you may feel as though you align with one of these communication styles, or you might feel like you use a mix of all four. For example, a person may adopt a more assertive communication style in a professional setting but switch to a more passive style when talking with family or close friends. “Style fluidity is a useful strategy for anyone who is looking to become a competent communicator,” said LaFave. The potential downside of having an Analytical communication style is that you may strike certain people as being cold or unfeeling.

Text-based And Digital Media

Though effective in many instances, this style may not be as accessible for visual learners, or in communication scenarios where visual aids are necessary for comprehension (Watson & Hill, 2015). Auditory communicators are most effective in their communication when they can discuss issues out loud and verbally process their thoughts. An example is a speaker emphasizing a point using hand gestures, or an interviewer showing interest through eye contact and active listening posture. Misinterpretation can occur, however, as non-verbal cues are highly dependent on cultural interpretations (Paxson, 2018). These communicators favor facts and concrete data over emotions, aim to express their thoughts with exact accuracy, and avoid vague or ambiguous terms. An example would be a motivational speaker who uses personal experiences to inspire and captivate their audience.

The Mental Health Hotline offers free, confidential help 24-7, connecting you with compassionate professionals and helpful resources. Whether you’re navigating relationship strain or exploring your communication patterns in therapy, we’re here for you. For example, outward expressions of frustration are considered highly embarrassing in some Asian cultures.

Processing Thoughts And Feelings

Communication styles quiz (adapted from “DBT Made Simple” by Sheri Van Dijk) Assertive Style I feel that I am allowed to express my thoughts and emotions to other people. I pay attention to both my own needs and those of other people, and I am good at making compromises. I always try to listen carefully to what other people are trying to tell me, and I make sure they know that.

Passive Communication

Typically succinct, clear, and focused, this style is about getting things done. This assessment is included with your subscription and is an excellent coaching tool. Think of it as a strategic tool designed to empower your client with insights about them and actionable steps they can take to be more effective in your role. By now, if you did the exercises and modules in the order they are presented, you should be familiar with how you usually experience emotions and with your mindfulness muscle. The information you get from the quiz is for you only, so try not to be inhibited when answering the questions. There is no right or wrong answer, this is simply a checking tool so that you will be more aware on what to work more next.

• Understanding what influenced someone’s communication style—instead of only focusing on the effect—can help you better support your team members and help them communicate more effectively.
• You can see these styles through in-person conversations, in writing, or online through social media.
• A conversation requires two-way interaction; it’s not a conversation when we talk and the other person is force to passively listen.
• Of course, there’s a lot more to the four communication styles than just these two philosophical differences.
• If you align strongly with a particular theme, it suggests that this aspect of communication is a dominant part of your style.

This style is marked by an individual’s tendency to avoid expressing their thoughts or feelings, often out of fear of conflict. Picture a scenario where an employee, unhappy with their workload, says nothing about it to their manager for fear of appearing uncooperative. Communication styles refer to the methods and ways individuals use to interact with one another.

Communication is an important soft skill to work on and can benefit both your personal and professional life. In the workplace, you may find that your personal style complements or clashes with the styles of your coworkers. Miscommunications and misunderstandings can get in the way of building strong relationships, so it can be helpful to know that everyone speaks in their own way.

We’ve all experienced misunderstandings — moments when something just didn’t land the way we intended. These breakdowns are often less about the words used and more about how they’re delivered. Our communication style plays a huge role in how we’re perceived, how we connect with others and how we navigate conflict.

Their verbal and nonverbal forms of communication tend to convey straightforward messages imbued with a sense of confidence, respect, and ownership of the situation. Passive communicators usually don’t speak up much and are typically nonconfrontational. They tend to convey their thoughts and feelings through nonverbal cues, which can be open to misinterpretation. In some cases, they may go out of their way to avoid potential conflict and have difficulty saying no. The results offer insights into your communication style, enabling you to leverage your strengths and address potential areas for growth. Whether it’s at work, in social settings, or personal relationships, understanding your style can enhance your interactions.

To better understand your style, try our communication style quiz below or ask for feedback from colleagues. Pay attention to your non-verbal cues like eye contact, facial expressions, and how you use personal space. Discovering your communication style can help you understand how you differ from coworkers, allowing you to collaborate more effectively. Assertive communication is a style of communication where the individual expresses their needs and desires in a clear, direct, and respectful manner, while also respecting the needs and desires of others.

Consider a professor who provides extensive information on a topic, potentially overwhelming students with too much information. This style can provide thorough insight but may result in diminished audience attention or comprehension Youmetalks due to its verbosity (Paxson, 2018). For instance, a software engineer explaining coding issues with specific details and exact language is utilizing this style. Its pitfall is that it can come across as rigid or even intimidating, especially when communicating with non-experts (Watson & Hill, 2015).