1. Communication Styles Melissa Geller Kent State University

2. Passive Behavior Involves saying nothing in response Keeping feelings to yourself Hiding feelings from others, even yourself Lets other people violate your personal right to be treated with respect and dignity

3. Characteristics of Passive Communication Indifferent Lifeless Avoiding the problem “I’m not good enough” “It doesn’t matter” Hoping that needs will be met

4. Aggressive Behavior Involves expressing feelings through: Insults Sarcasm Labels Put-downs Hostile statements and actions Aggressive behavior involves expressing thoughts, feelings and opinions in a way that violates others’ rights to be treated with respect and dignity

5. Characteristics of Aggressive Communication Physically or verbally attacking the person Behaving in a hostile manner Acting sarcastic Being demanding or selfish Fighting

6. Assertive Behavior Involves describing your feelings, thoughts, opinions, and preferences directly to another person in an honest and appropriate way that respects both you and the other person It enables you to: Act in your own best interests Stand up for yourself without undue anxiety Express your feelings comfortably Exercise personal rights without denying the rights of others

7. Characteristics of Assertive Communication Speaking clearly and confidently Being honest and appropriate Considering the rights of the other person Dealing with the problem Caring about the situation

8. Which type of communication? Speaking clearly and confidently Assertive Acting out in anger Aggressive Avoiding the problem Passive

9. Which type of communication? “Dr. Thomas, if you don’t give me this accommodation, I will go to the Dean!” Aggressive “I didn’t like the way Dr. Thomas treated me, but I deserved it.” Passive “Dr. Thomas, you seem to be upset, but we do need to reach an agreement on some accommodations.” Assertive