The Silent Treatment
This communication style involves avoiding confrontation and often allowing others to make decisions for you.
What is passive communication?
This communication style involves dominating others and putting your needs above theirs.
What is aggressive communication?
This communication style combines outward passiveness with anger or resentment on the inside.
What is passive-aggressive communication?
This communication style involves expressing yourself confidently while respecting the rights of others.
What is assertive communication?
Your friend chooses where you eat every time. You dislike the choice but always say, ‘Whatever you want is fine.’ What communication style are you using?
What is passive communication?
People who communicate passively often struggle to express these two things, leaving others to guess what they think or feel.
What are their needs and feelings?
Aggressive behavior can take these two forms, such as yelling or physically intimidating someone.
What are verbal and physical aggression?
Someone makes an insulting joke but says, ‘I’m just kidding!’ This is an example of this passive-aggressive behavior.
What is passive-aggressive humor (or an insulting joke)?
Assertive communicators speak in a manner that is clear and direct, while remaining this toward other people’s needs.
What is considerate (or respectful)?
A coworker makes a mistake, and you shout, ‘You never do anything right!’ What communication style is this?
What is aggressive communication?
Passive communication is often described using these two words, meaning someone avoids addressing issues directly.
What are avoidant and indirect?
When someone uses aggressive communication, they often violate these important protections that belong to other people.
What are other people’s rights?
Instead of addressing a conflict directly, someone spreads rumors about the person involved. This behavior is called _____.
What is gossip (or talking behind someone’s back)?
Instead of attacking the person during a disagreement, assertive communicators focus on addressing this.
What is the problem?
You’re upset with someone but act friendly in person while criticizing them behind their back. What communication style is this?
What is passive-aggressive communication?
Over time, constantly keeping your feelings to yourself can lead to these two negative emotions.
What are anger and resentment?
An aggressive person may get what they want in the short term, but over time they may lose these and gain enemies.
What are friends?
Someone says, ‘Sure, I’ll try really hard,’ but privately has no intention of doing it. This illustrates a mismatch between these two things.
What are outward behavior and inner thoughts?
Assertive communication helps create this type of respect, in which both people’s rights and needs matter.
What is mutual respect?
Someone asks you to do something you cannot manage. You calmly say, ‘I understand you need help, but I can’t take that on today.’ What communication style is this?
What is assertive communication?
Although remaining silent can sometimes prevent trouble, passive communication can negatively affect this aspect of how you view yourself.
What is self-confidence?
The handout warns that aggression can create a cycle in which others respond with hostility or revenge. This is called _____.
What is retaliation (or aggression breeds more aggression)?
According to the handout, passive-aggressive behavior can result from a combination of these two emotions.
What are anger and fear?
Name three characteristics of assertive communication identified in the handout.
What are any three of: confident and relaxed, direct, emotionally honest, open, expressive, or clear and firm speech?
Your friend repeatedly interrupts you. Instead of insulting them or saying nothing, give an example of an assertive response.
Example: ‘I feel frustrated when I’m interrupted. I’d appreciate it if you could let me finish speaking.’ Accept any respectful, direct response that addresses the problem.