Uncovering Your Communication Style: Understanding and Improving Your Communication Skills

Marly Benedicto
4 min readDec 16, 2022

Unlock the Power of Assertive Communication: Learn How to Effectively Express Yourself and Build Healthy Relationships.

There’s a common stereotype that men and women communicate differently, but there’s no scientific evidence to support the idea that men and women have fundamentally different communication styles. In fact, research has shown that men and women tend to use language in similar ways, and that any differences that do exist are largely due to societal factors and expectations. It is important to remember that individuals of any gender can have unique communication styles, and that generalizations about how men and women communicate are not accurate or helpful.

There are many different communication styles, and individuals may use a combination of different styles in different situations. Some common communication styles include aggressive, passive, passive-aggressive, assertive, and manipulative.

Aggressive communication is characterized by a confrontational attitude, loud or angry tone of voice, and a tendency to interrupt or dominate the conversation. This style is often seen as combative and can lead to conflict or resentment.

Passive communication is characterized by a lack of assertiveness and a tendency to avoid confrontation. People who communicate in a passive way may have difficulty expressing their needs or opinions, and may be more likely to agree with others even if they disagree.

Passive-aggressive communication is a combination of passive and aggressive communication, in which a person expresses their negative thoughts or feelings indirectly, through behaviors such as sulking or procrastination. This style of communication can be difficult to confront or address, as the person may deny their intentions or motivations.

Manipulative communication is characterized by a use of tactics such as flattery, guilt, or pressure to influence or control others. This style of communication is often used to get what the manipulator wants, without regard for the needs or feelings of others.

Assertive communication is characterized by a direct and honest expression of thoughts and feelings, as well as a willingness to listen to and consider the perspectives of others. Developing an assertive communication style can take time and effort, but there are some steps that you can take to become more assertive:

  1. Identify and challenge any negative beliefs that you may have about assertiveness. For example, you may believe that being assertive means being aggressive or confrontational, or that it is not okay to express your needs and opinions. It is important to challenge these beliefs and recognize that assertiveness is a healthy and effective way to communicate.
  2. Practice using “I” statements when expressing your thoughts and feelings. “I” statements are a way of expressing yourself without blaming or attacking the other person. For example, instead of saying “You always interrupt me when I’m talking,” you could say “I feel frustrated when I am interrupted while I am speaking.”
  3. Be aware of your body language and tone of voice. Assertive communication involves being open and direct, but it should also be respectful and considerate. Pay attention to your body language and tone of voice, and make sure that they are congruent with the message that you are trying to communicate.
  4. Be willing to compromise and negotiate. Assertive communication does not mean always getting your way, but rather finding a solution that meets the needs of both parties. Be willing to listen to the other person’s perspective and consider their needs, and try to find a compromise or solution that works for both of you.
  5. Set boundaries and stick to them. Assertiveness involves being able to say “no” when necessary, and setting limits on what you are willing and able to do. It is important to set boundaries and stick to them, in order to protect your own well-being and maintain healthy relationships.

Understanding your own communication style can help you to become more effective and assertive in your communication. By understanding your own communication strengths and weaknesses, you can learn to identify and challenge any negative beliefs or behaviors that may be hindering your ability to communicate effectively. For example, if you tend to be passive or passive-aggressive, you can learn to express yourself more directly and honestly, and to set boundaries to protect your own needs and interests.

Additionally, understanding your own communication style can help you to better understand and relate to the communication styles of others. By being aware of your own tendencies and habits, you can more easily recognize and adapt to the communication styles of others, which can improve your ability to communicate and build relationships.

Overall, understanding your own communication style can support improved communication by increasing your self-awareness and your ability to adapt to different communication situations. By being aware of your own communication tendencies and challenges, you can take steps to improve your communication skills and build more effective and healthy relationships.

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Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! Visit the website now to sign up for the Harmonize Course and join next year’s group. Together we can create a world where everyone has access to powerful communication tools that will help them live their best lives.

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Marly Benedicto

Are you ready to take your communication and life to the next level? Join Marly's weekly Harmonize course & learn how to empower clear and honest communication.