How do Communicative Styles influence relationships?

Virtually everyone has a certain level of communication skills.

However, it must not be forgotten that this type of aptitude does not have to be valued only quantitatively; It is also important to analyze the qualitative differences between the way human beings communicate. Because the reality is that, in most cases, there are certain communication styles more useful than others.

How do different communication styles affect us?

Communication can be defined as the process by which two or more entities share information, whatever the type. In the case of human beings, a good part of this exchange of information is based on the use of language, although another part of this process takes place through non-verbal communication.

Throughout our day to day, people establish communicative acts in the various contexts in which we find ourselves. we meet, both on a personal, family, work or academic level and with any of the people with whom we interact. In many ways, we even communicate without meaning to.

; for example, remaining silent after someone has asked us a question is also communicating. That is why it is important to remember that our way of relating to others also goes far beyond the use of words.

Good communication is essential for success in any of the tasks in which we perform throughout our lives, and In order to be effective in the process, it is necessary to know the different communication styles and how they influence relationships. interpersonal.

In the professional field, for example, the use of a correct communication style adapted to each context will be essential. both in face-to-face communication and in interaction between groups, as well as towards superiors or colleagues from department. And in the couple or in family relationships, establishing a fluid dynamic of communication prevents conflicts from becoming entrenched and producing periodic crises.

If you want to know more about communication styles and their influence on relationships between people in different contexts, keep reading.

1. Passive

The passive communication style is characterized by being based on a conformist attitude in which the person does not actively express their opinion nor does he share his own needs, impressions, desires or problems that he may have.

A passive communicator usually adapts to circumstances, always giving in to what others ask of one, and is usually not conflictive. in any context, neither personal nor professional, since he hardly ever raises his voice when he doesn't agree with something.

The nonverbal communication of passive communicators is characterized by being avoidant and inhibited, with avoidance of speech being common. eye contact, the fact of looking down and not being able to maintain it for a long time, a withdrawn body posture, head down and Shy.

In addition to that, postures such as keeping the arms crossed and a distracted face as if the person were absent or thinking are also common. something else, thus establishing a symbolic barrier with the interlocutor, who is often perceived as something that disturbs one's own zone of comfort.

• Related article: "Basic communication skills"

2. passive-aggressive

The passive-aggressive communication style is characterized by the discomfort of people when expressing their own ideas, thoughts or feelings. In addition to a reluctance on their part to be sincere, honest or transparent. However, in this case, a certain discomfort or disagreement with what the other person does is expressed.

This communicative modality is usually problematic, since it leads to conflicts becoming entrenched by not speaking openly about them assertively and directly or honestly. Likewise, people who present this type of style end up making their environment distance themselves from them due to the "bad environment" they generate.

The passive-aggressive communication style also consists of a dissonance or contradiction between verbal and non-verbal communication, so that a person can say that he is at taste while their gestures and posture are tense or uncomfortable: arms attached to the trunk, body orientation not focused on the interlocutor, facial muscle stiffness, etc

• You may be interested in: "The 15 types of conflicts (and how to solve them)"

3. Assertive

assertive communication style It is the most recommended to put into practice in any context in which there is communication between people or groups of people..

This type of communication is based on the assertiveness, that is, in the ability to express one's own approaches, thoughts, ideas, needs or wills, always respecting the point of view of the interlocutor or interlocutors.

In addition to that, assertive people are able to defend their point of view in front of other people, always in a polite and calm way, expressing at all times what they want and knowing how vindicate it.

Assertive verbal communication is complete and varied, and consists of accompanying the speech with hand gestures, communicative glances, and a relaxed, serene, and positive facial gesture.

4. Aggressive

The aggressive communication style is the least recommended and most conflictive of all. It is the style put into practice by those people who are always sure of themselves and always believe that they are right in everything..

The high level of conflict in this style is due to the fact that the people who apply it are not used to listening to other adverse opinions, which leads to developing fragile relationships or very prone to constant crises, since only a leadership role is tolerated and others are not allowed to participate in decision-making active.

On top of that, any attempt to contradict them usually entails "punishment" by the person, who consider themselves to be the holders of the truth.

The non-verbal language in this style of communication is usually unfriendly, with intense and sustained eye contact.

• Related article: "Characteristics of aggressive people"

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