Learner Support Communication Styles Self Assessment
What is Communication?
We communicate all the time, but do we really understand communication? One definition of communication is:
When one person understands what the speaker intended.
Most people know what they want to say; however, they don’t seem able to get the point across. This may be due to a difference in communication styles.
What Are Communication Styles?
Sometimes we can explain something over and over and it still doesn’t make sense. That's because different people focus on different things. In other words, they have different communication styles. The three communication styles are Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic.
Visual = May think and communicate in images or pictures. Common phrases, "I see," "I get the picture," "It looks as if..."
Auditory = Generally have excellent
hearing and listening skills that they use to filter incoming information.
Common phrases, "I hear you," "That sounds right," "It sounds as
if..."
Kinesthetic = Receive and remember
information best through some type of physical experience.
Common phrases, "I need to get a handle on this," "I should grab that
opportunity," "It feels as if..."
We jump back and forth, but generally prefer more of one than another. Our eyes can sometimes give us away. The next time you are communicating with someone, check out what they do with their eyes when they are thinking or trying to come up with an answer to a question.
Visual, eyes go
Auditory, eyes stay in middle
(or go back and forth)
Kinesthetic, eyes go
Pay attention to what kind of person you're talking to. You'll get along better if you speak their "language style".
An awareness of the different styles facilitates relationships built on understanding, acceptance, and trust. People do not necessarily need to have the same styles to relate well. However, effective communication with people who have different styles may require extra effort and awareness.
Assessing Your Communication Style
Now that you know what communication styles are, and why they are important, you can assess your own style right now. There are several communication styles self assessments available. The one provided is one example from the BPS Training Section. Once you have completed the assessment, come back to this site and continue reading about communication styles.
Communication Styles Self Assessment
Common Characteristics of the Styles
Now that you have taken the self assessment, check out the common characteristics to see how they match your own style and to learn more about other styles. The following table outlines some of these characteristics for you.
Visual |
Auditory |
Kinesthetic |
|
| Learning Style | Learns best by seeing/watching demonstrations | Learns best through verbal instructions from others/self | Learns best by doing/direct involvement |
| Reading | Likes description; sometimes stops reading to stare into space and imagine scene; displays intense concentration | Enjoys dialogue, plays; avoids lengthy descriptions; unaware of illustrations; moves lips when reads | Prefers stories where action occurs; fidgets when reading; is not an avid reader |
| Handwriting | Shape, size, and spacing are good; appearance is important | Tends to write lightly, says strokes when writing | Has difficulty writing when space is small; presses hard on pen/pencil |
| Memory | Remembers faces, forgets names; makes lists, takes notes | Remembers names, forgets faces; remembers best by auditory repetition | Remembers best what was done, not what was seen or heard |
| Problem Solving | Deliberate; plans in advance; organizes thoughts by writing them down, lists problems | Likes to talk about problems; discusses solutions verbally; talks self through problems | Impulsive; often selects solution involving greatest activity |
| Response to New Situations | Looks around, examines situation | Talks about situation, pros and cons, what to do | Tries things out; touches, feels, manipulates |
| Communication | Quiet, does not talk at length; becomes impatient when extensive listening is required; may use words such as look and see | Enjoys listening, but cannot wait to talk; descriptions are long, but repetitive; likes to hear self and others talk; uses words such as listen and hear | Is often a poor listener; gestures when speaking; stands close when speaking or listening; uses words such as get and take |
Why is this Information Important?
You'll be communicating with many people throughout the initial training process. By becoming more aware of your own style, and those of others, you can enhance your learning experience.
As important as this knowledge is during this initial training experience, it becomes crucial as you work with your customers. By paying attention to each customer's communication style, you can adapt your message to better serve them.
More Information on Communication
If you'd like to find out more about communication, there are plenty of options. Going to your local library may be your best bet. In the meantime, check out the following resources to see what they have to say about communication.
Read
Roger's Rules for Success, by Henry C. Rogers.
Here are some comments from people who have read this book. "Henry Rogers
spells out in detail the rules of behavior in the workplace...It is an engaging and most
useful blueprint for all those who want to better themselves in their own work or
profession."