Communication Styles

Overview
We communicate with others by using our words, actions, and expressions. The way we communicate is largely based on these verbal and nonverbal behaviors. In this course, we will learn how to adapt these behaviors to diverse professional environments (i.e interactions with managers, and colleagues or with those in an academic setting) and social environments (i.e. interactions with friends and family). The first step to effectively communicating is by understanding our communication style and the communication style of others. Keep in mind, the way we communicate in our personal life may be different from how we communicate in our professional life. Our managers and coworkers may have completely different styles of communication than us. In this Unit, we will explore your dominant communication style so that we can build self-awareness around how we interact with others. We need to be aware of our own style so that we can consciously adapt the way we communicate depending on the audience and situation.
Objectives:
• Recognize different communication style traits.
• Identify your dominant communication style.
• Explain how self-awareness can be used as a tool to empower professional growth and development.

Hamilton, C. (2018).

Readings and Resources

Communicating for results: A guide for business and the professions (11th ed.). Cengage.

The latter part of Chapter 3 looks at communication styles in the workplace and how we use them to establish relationships in our professional environment.

Chapter 3: Handling Conflict, Cultural Diversity, and Relationships Read pages 80-91.

Articles, Websites, and Videos:
This article provides the six main principles of how to approach individuals with more dominant (functional) communication styles.

Grenny, J. (2022). Six tips for when it’s time to have a crucial conversation. Personal Excellence, 27(1), 19–21.

This article provides an overview of communication styles and best practices for working with someone who exhibits traits of each different style. In this article, the terms for each communication style are different from your textbook however, the traits and behaviors remain the same.

Edmondson, J. (2009). Let’s be clear: How to manage communication styles. T+D, 63(9), 30– 31.

This article reviews ways that you can develop your self-awareness and how being self-aware can greatly impact you in the workplace.

Indeed. (2022, March 11). 8 tips to improve your self-awareness.

This article examines communication styles from a gender perspective.
Goman, C. K. (2016). Gender differences in communication is your communication style dictated by your gender. Personal Excellence, 21(5), 7–8.

This video discusses the four main communication styles. https://youtu.be/Al3L6cnCmMU

This video discusses the importance of being self-aware of your emotions, feelings, and mental state in the workplace.
https://youtu.be/brhl49ERDTA

This video discussed the importance of adapting your communication style to fit your audience. https://youtu.be/TAi15RPlTa8

Supplemental Resources:
This article is for those who want to further explore self-awareness in leadership and career success.
Carden, J., Jones, R. J., & Passmore, J. (2022). Defining self-awareness in the context of adult development: A systematic literature review. Journal of Management Education, 46(1), 140– 177.SAGE Publications.
Instructions

Unit 1 DB: What’s My Communication Style?
For this Units discussion please complete the Communication Style Quiz. Quiz Expo. Once you have completed the quiz, respond to the discussion board question.
In this Unit, you learned the importance of understanding your communication style.
For this discussion complete the Unit 1 Discussion Activity “Communication Style Quiz.”

Initial Response:
After completing the activity, answer the following questions:
• Based on the four main communication styles from the Unit 1 Discussion Activity (analytical, intuitive, functional, and personal), what is your communication style?
• Do you agree with the results? Why or why not?
• Explain how being aware of your communication style can be used as a tool to empower your own professional growth and development.