Monday, February 2, 2009

Communication Styles

Whenever we communicate, we do so on different levels. What I have found is there are four different types of communication styles that people use. Many times these styles are used together— while other times they are used independently. I am going to give a brief description of each, then use separate postings to describe them in more detail.

Visual:
Anything you see is a part of visual communication. This includes things like body language, as well as the written word.
Verbal:
Anything that makes a sound is a part of verbal communication— but mostly this is whatever is spoken through language that comes out of your mouth.
Physical:
Anything that comes in contact with you is a part of physical communication. I also refer to this as "touch" communication because we do so through our sense of touch.
Spiritual:
Emotions and feelings about someone is a part of spiritual communication. Even though this is completely intangible, we are still able to communicate and somehow recognize it as such.

All of these communication styles can, and have been used by all of us to communicate with others. Some are easier to use, and some styles are even preferred over others. Think about which styles you prefer to use, and which you are the strongest at— then ponder how you can hold a dialog using each.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hadn't thought it like that. Quite interesting. I've had a love for the written word for as long as I can remember. And, I love to read about how people choose to live their life.

I'm new.
Come by and check out my (questionable) writing style. LOL

Anonymous said...

I wonder how a person could figure out which communication style works best for them!

Barbaloot said...

I think the most easily interpreted/shared style is verbal that incorporates physical. The small addition of touch can change any meaning.

Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boys said...

Very interesting post. Happy Monday!!

Debbie said...

I'm a verbal person all the way.

Tony@ That One Paticular Harbor said...

way to make me have to actually use my 7th cortex prior to coffee input this morning. No really- interesting post. Have a great week.

B said...

You know, the interesting part about this is that at different parts of our lives/days we need to use all of these, even if some of them don't come that easily to us.

Sure gives us something to think about. And I second lagirl, you got to go visit her. She's a fun one.

Anonymous said...

I'm very verbal. And physical. Neat post.

Kristen said...

Hmmmmm
I know I like visual, verbal, and written when I'm learning something new.

Erin said...

The thing that is interesting is figuring out which way works best for you, and then figuring out how others communicate and seeing how your styles merge (or not) with each other.

Anonymous said...

Bring on the questions.
It sounds like fun!

Kristin said...

I am so visual. I can also read body language from a mile away. My writing stinks but I am always trying to improve on it. Very interesting topic. You have got me thinking.

Petra a.k.a The Wise (*Young*) Mommy said...

Very interesting! And so true, sometimes it is amazing how differently people communicate.

Deb said...

i am very verbal, but i think my communication style would be more visual, because even though i may be saying one thing, my face and body language always give me away. also when listening to people, i hear them, but i also factor in how they are behaving and watch for clues to see if they are being sincere or not.

and yes, yes, i realize that all sounds very paranoid.

B said...

What's this I hear about you writing a tribute or something of the sort on Tuesdays?

The Wife O Riley said...

Interesting, I will experiment tomorrow.

Melanie Jacobson said...

Huh. This sounds cool. I'm interested to hear more of the details, especially about visual communication.

Wendyburd1 said...

Not the point I know, but it made me think of the new tv show "Lie to Me", which is really good BTW, and I would LOVE to be able to READ people.

Kathy P said...

Well said!

Thanks for stopping by my blog!!!

Heather of the EO said...

Thanks for sharing this. I think I'm definitely always communicating most strongly with body language. Anyone can tell how I feel by looking at me. It's good to be aware of that, since sometimes it throws people off.

Kate said...

This was so interesting...thanks for leaving me the bread crumbs to it! When I was in elementary school my teacher believed in multiple intelligences, which is similar to this. And I have also heard a little about the book called The Language of Love or something and we give love in the "language" we wish to receive it. Gives me more to ponder...thanks!

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