Communication Styles

Linear Style ⋆ Moves communication in a straight line all the way to an end point (1, 2, 3, or A, B, C format). ⋆ Strength is that this style is very logical ⋆ People who use this style tend to be men, the educated, Easterners, and those high on the socioeconomic ladder. ⋆ Weakness is that the style provides facts but not much detail.

Circular Style ⋆ Works by developing context around a main point. ⋆ The main point is often subtlety stated around the use of stories/ narratives. ⋆ Those who don’t employ this style may find it confusing or even disorganized. Strength though is that it is much more interesting. ⋆ Women, African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, the moderately educated, Southerners, and middle to lower socio- economic classes are those that most often use this style.

Linear vs. Circular How to get along ⋆ We cannot demand others to communicate in the same way we do! ⋆ We should however try to adjust to different styles. Women, for example, often want guys to be more detailed and expressive. Guys often want women to be more linear and straightforward. Understanding this balance and not being ethnocentric is the key.

Attached Style ⋆ This deals with delivery, not structure (like linear- circular). ⋆ One using this style discusses issues with feeling and emotions. ⋆ Generally it is quite powerful, but sometimes listeners focus too much on the delivery and don’t get the content of the message. ⋆ Those who don’t use this style may not understand it. ⋆ Women, African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, moderately educated, and middle to lower socioeconomic levels generally used the attached style.

Detached Style ⋆ Discusses issues with calmness and objectivity. ⋆ Strength is that the person weighs all factors the same; weakness is that they may be viewed as not caring. ⋆ Not as compelling to listeners, but also doesn’t distract from the message. ⋆ Men, highly educated, and upper socioeconomic status generally employ this style

Attached vs. Detached How to get along ⋆ If one is attached and one detached in communication, then one may seem to be out of control while the other just doesn’t care! ⋆ We cannot use our style of communication as the benchmark for all other styles. We must recognize differences and understand them.

Direct style ⋆ Highly reliant on verbal coding. ⋆ Such a speaker makes his/her message explicit with little reliance on non-verbal factors. ⋆ Strength is that the message is exact, but weakness is that some perceive it as insincere, as non-verbal plays such a small role. ⋆ Men, highly educated, midwesterners, and high socioeconomic status most often use this style.

Indirect Style ⋆ High emphasis on non-verbal communication. ⋆ Clues, non-verbal behavior, and suggestions reveal the message, not just direct wording. ⋆ Strength is that it often appears more honest and genuine, but the weakness is that it can be greatly misinterpreted. ⋆ Southerners, women, Native Americans, moderately educated, Latinos, African Americans and mid-low socioeconomic status generally use this style.

Direct vs. Indirect How to get along ⋆ We must recognize both styles are valid. Generally, we have to figure out when someone is being direct or indirect. ⋆ The challenge is to adapt to those who use the style different from our own.