2  Communication styles

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A woman sitting at a desk in a modern office environment, engaged in a video conference on a laptop. The laptop screen shows multiple participants in a virtual meeting.

How can different communication styles be effectively used to promote more equitable interactions in business videoconferencing?

Workplace communication has unique characteristics that set it apart from other types of social interactions. The language and dress code observed as well as the roles, actions and activities involved in this type of communication involve a set of norms that manifest themselves interactively. When this takes place through a screen it requires the display of additional skills by those in the meeting to ensure the smooth functioning and shared understanding among the attendees. In these cases, verbal and embodied behaviour becomes particularly significant and can lead to the expression of different communication styles.

A communication style can be defined as the linguistic and non-linguistic repertoire that a speaker brings into play when interacting with others (Mohindra and Azhar, 2012). Depending on their audience and position, the speaker can strategically adapt different skills to successfully meet the communicative demands of the situation. Additionally, as these styles are not inherently gender-based, they can be intentionally shaped and adjusted to promote gender equity in the workplace, helping to ensure that all voices in the organisation are heard.

There are (at least) four communication styles that can be identified and performed in professional meetings. The styles described below are not entirely discrete though; their features can be combined and varied based on the contexts and demands of interaction. What is crucial in practical terms is that the display of specific features can be detrimental to equitable interaction if:

  • it causes certain voices or views to be silenced
  • certain persons or positions are prevented from voicing their positions
  • others are repeatedly interrupted, causing them to withdraw from participation.

 

The four most common communication styles that include both spoken and body language are shown below – click on each heading in Figure 2 to learn more.

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Figure 2  Communication styles
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The ‘Communication styles’ interactive graphic contains a single circle split into four quarters, with each showing a heading for a different communication style. Selecting or clicking each quarter reveals additional text explaining that communication style.

  • Top left quarter: Submissive

    Revealed text:

    Is characterised by a visibly passive or inhibited approach to interaction, with minimal contributions that tend to support and/or reinforce dominant viewpoints.

    Avoidance of conflict at all costs, even if this means refraining from asserting their own positions and abiding by decisions or behaviour contrary to their interests.

    Apologising for expressing views and hesitant and elusive behaviour are frequent, as well as exhibiting evasive body language (speaking quietly, low or averted gaze, withdrawn, etc.).

  • Top right quarter: Confrontational

    Revealed text:

    Tends to hinder and block group interactions and often disregards the contribution of others, preventing them from speaking or silencing unfavourable or unpopular opinions. Marked presence of commanding and authoritarian approaches to elicit power, ignoring the input of others and ongoing discussions.

    In the most extreme cases, it may be accompanied by abusive verbal behaviour (use of foul language, rough manners, direct disqualifications, repeated interruptions, inappropriate comments, etc.) and/or exaggerated non-verbal behaviour (raised tone of voice, rapid hand or head movement, frowning or shaking of the head).

  • Bottom left quarter: Cooperative

    Revealed text:

    Shares some of the traits of the assertive style, with a greater emphasis on active listening and conflict resolution in the service of egalitarian and respectful communication. Values and validates the opinions of others and evokes them repeatedly in conversation.

    Willingness to involve all participants in the discussion, fostering a truly deliberative environment where attendees feel free and empowered to express their views.

  • Bottom right quarter: Assertive

    Revealed text:

    Claims own contribution while expressing ideas and opinions naturally, valuing other team members’ contribution. Does not engage in disrespectful behaviour toward others and sets limits if necessary, asserting opinions and speaking in turn. Takes a proactive approach, making requests, rephrasing if something is not clear and showing a willingness to resolve conflicts in a manner that respects all parties involved.

    Appropriate use of verbal and non-verbal resources (tone of voice in accordance with the message being conveyed, strategic use of pauses and active listening to the opinions of others).

Use your mouse, keyboard, or touch screen to explore each circle and reveal its information.

Figure 2  Communication styles
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Next, see if you can recognise these communication styles in Activity 2.

Activity icon Activity 2  Recognising communication styles

Timing: Allow around 10 minutes

a. 

Submissive


b. 

Confrontational


c. 

Assertive


d. 

Cooperative


The correct answer is b.

b. 

Your answer is correct. The use of foul language, an authoritarian tone and derogatory remarks towards others are typical of confrontational styles.


a. 

Confrontational


b. 

Submissive


c. 

Cooperative


d. 

Assertive


The correct answer is c.

c. 

Your answer is correct. A cooperative style is often characterised by engaging in dialogue, acknowledging others’ views, contributions and needs, and seeking consensus.


a. 

Confrontational


b. 

Submissive


c. 

Cooperative


d. 

Assertive


The correct answers are b and d.

b. 

This answer is correct. Isabel has some submissive ways of interacting; however, she also expresses opinions and ideas clearly, and respects others, so she mainly exemplifies an assertive style.


d. 

This answer is correct. Expressing opinions and ideas clearly, while respecting others and asserting one’s own needs, exemplifies an assertive style. Nonetheless Isabel also shows some traits of the submissive communication approach.


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