Communication Styles
A style where individuals avoid directly expressing their thoughts, feelings, or needs, often prioritizing others to avoid conflict, criticism, or discomfort.
What is passive communication?
Acceptable: People pleaser
A slouched posture, or not making eye contact suggest this communication style.
What is passive?
This is the first step of active listening.
What is making eye contact and leaning in to receive the message?
“I don’t care what you think—just do it!”
What is aggressive?
What word originally meant “to tear flesh”?
The word sarcasm originally meant this in Greek.
(The Greek word was “sarkázein”)
Forceful, confrontational approach designed to control, dominate, or win interactions by prioritizing one's own needs while disregarding others' rights or feelings.
What is aggressive communication?
This style may use threatening posture and furrowed eyebrows.
What is aggressive?
This shows you're paying attention with your body.
What is open posture, nodding, and holding eye contact?
"It's fine...don't worry about it. It's not that important."
What is passive?
Sarcasm is often used to express this hidden emotion.
What is anger?
Indirectly expresses hidden anger or frustration through sarcasm, backhanded compliments, or by deliberately procrastinating rather than confronting.
What is passive-aggressive communication?
Holding steady eye contact and speaking calmly and directly.
What is assertive?
Stopping a person while they are speaking.
What is interrupting?
“Sure, I’ll do it…if you ask me nicely.”
What is passive-aggressive?
Apologizing often or accepting blame is a trait of this communication style
Passive
A respectful, direct, and honest style that balances standing up for your own needs while respecting others.
What is assertive communication?
This body language trait shows active listening.
What is nodding, leaning in or making eye contact?
This step reflects your engagement and can be verbal or non-verbal.
What is responding or restating? (nodding or saying uh-huh or summarizing what you heard)
“I feel frustrated when you talk to me like this.”
What is assertive?
What does it mean to “de-escalate” a situation?
Reduce tension or intensity.
A manipulative communication style designed to make victims question their own reality, memory, and sanity.
What is "gaslighting"
When you give someone the finger?
Passive-aggressive
Tuning into the other person’s feelings and emotions, shutting out distractions
What is active listening?
This communication style is sneaky or masks real feelings with humor
What is passive-aggressive?
Understanding the other person’s perspective is known as?
Empathy