COMMUNICATION 101: BUILDING BRIDGES AND BREAKING BARRIERS

Introduction

Communication is the lifeblood of relationships. Whether it’s with a friend, family member, colleague, or even a stranger. The way we communicate with others has a profound impact on the quality of our relationships. However, effective communication is not always easy – it takes time, practice, and a willingness to listen and learn. Maintaining relationships and fostering their growth requires active listening and coming up with strategies for resolving conflict through effective communication while knowing the different communication styles better equips our interaction both in our personal and professional lives.

 

The Analytical Communication Style and the Expressive Communication Style

The Analytical Communication style is characterised by a focus on facts, logic, and efficiency. People with this style tend to be systematic and logical in their thinking, and they value accuracy and detail. They may also come across as reserved or aloof, and they can sometimes have trouble expressing the emotions of others. The Expressive Communication style is characterised by emotion, enthusiasm, and creativity. People with this style tend to be outgoing and expressive, they value social interaction and connection. They are often persuasive or convincing, but they can also be impulsive and disorganised.

 

The Amiable Communication Style and the Driver Communication Style

The Amiable Communication style is characterised by a focus on harmony, kindness, and cooperation. People with this style tend to be very friendly and warm, and they value relationships and teamwork. They may struggle with confrontation or expressing disagreement, and they can sometimes be overly accommodating. The Driver Communication style is characterised by decisiveness, directness, and action. People with this style tend to be competitive and goal-oriented, and they value efficiency and productivity. They can sometimes be perceived as aggressive or impatient, and they may have trouble working with others who have different styles.

 

Navigating the Communication Styles

It’s crucial to remember that no one person is Expressive, Amiable, or Driver. We all have a mix of all four styles, and we may express different styles in different situations. For example, someone who is usually Amiable may become more Driver-like when they are under a lot of pressure to meet a deadline. As opposed to someone who is usually Expressive and may become more Analytical when they are working on a complex problem. When talking to someone who has an Analytical style, you might say something like, ‘I understand that you value facts and logic, so let me share some data that supports my argument,’ this way you could cite specific statistics or research findings that support your point. Understanding and adapting to different communication styles is essential for building strong relationships and achieving success. 

 

By using active listening, empathy, and clear communication, you can bridge the gap between different communication styles and find common ground. Remember to focus on facts, logic, and data when communicating with someone who has an Analytical style and use emotion and enthusiasm when communicating with someone who has an Expressive style.

Senamile A. Dlamini

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