Communication style refers to specific manner of communication utilized by people. Each style has its own advantages and disadvantages. Over the past years, studies were able to identify four fundamental communication styles: analytical, intuitive, functional, and personal.
Among these communication styles, none is better than the others. However, it is important that a specific style is appropriately used for specific set of audiences. Otherwise, problems may arise during communication. Thus, people should learn about the different communication styles and their differences and use the appropriate ones in various types of audiences.
One remarkable difference among communication styles is the degree to which emotions and information are presented. In addition, linear or freeform manner of communication also separate the four communication styles with one another. However, there are other factors that affect how these communication styles are utilized; people should consider them when communicating with other individuals.
People who employ the four communication styles can be categorized as follows:
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ANALYTICAL COMMUNICATOR
Analytical communicators focus on hard data and real number and do not trust very much people who do not pay attention to facts and data. Analytical communicators also use very specific language when communicating and demand for specifics in messages relayed to them. These people also tend to be impatient when it comes to communication that utilizes feelings and emotions.
One remarkable quality of analytical communicators is their fairness and being unemotional. Thus, they can look at things logically. In return, other people see them as experts in handling high levels of data and information.
Meanwhile, analytical communicators are also at disadvantage as some people may see them as cold or unfeeling. This is especially true when they are communicating with personal communicators.
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INTUITIVE COMMUNICATOR
Intuitive communicators focus on the big picture and have little regard for details. They are straightforward and prefers looking at overview of things. Intuitive communicators thus get bored with step-by-step and discussion and constantly want to jump right away to end point of things.
One remarkable quality of intuitive communicators is their quickness and straightforwardness. They do not get overwhelmed with big ideas and normally think outside the box.
However, intuitive communicators are not that patient, especially ins situations that require extreme attention to detail. As a result, intuitive communicators normally experience trouble with functional communicators.
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FUNCTIONAL COMMUNICATOR
Functional communicators especially focus on processes, details, timelines and plans. They relay messages in step-by-step manner and they do not neglect include all pertinent details. Functional communicators do not work well with people, such as intuitive communicators, who like skipping details.
One remarkable characteristic of functional communicators is their considerable attention to detail. Thus, they are of great help in teams as they can work efficiently with making plans and paying attention to details.
On the other hand, functional communicators tend to lose the attention of their audience because of their extreme focus on presenting details. Normally, they tend to bore intuitive communicators, who are constantly want to jump at the end stage of things.
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PERSONAL COMMUNICATOR
Personal communicators pay special attention to emotions and personal connections. They use such quality in realizing what others are thinking about them. Personal communicators are effective listeners and diplomats and handle resolving conflicts very well. This type of people place significant importance on their relationships.
Personal communicators can build strong and long-lasting relationships with others. These people work well in bringing individuals together. Personal communicators can also sense when something’s wrong with other people.
However, others may think of personal communicators as too emotional. This type of people experience trouble in working with analytical communicators and sometimes tend to become exasperated and emotionally upset.
In conclusion, understanding one’s communication style will help in better communicating with specific sets of audience. However, no matter what style a person uses, the main goal should be the effective relaying of messages to other parties.