M2: Learner Manual

Broadly speaking, there are four different communication styles. Here is how each communication style is commonly defined and how these styles can show up at work:

1. Passive communication style

A passive communicator doesn’t speak up frequently. Instead, they are happy to go with the flow and support the needs of others. Passive communicators usually are not confrontational and they may even come off as submissive. Their non-verbal communication may include things like crossing their arms while avoiding eye contact.

2. Aggressive communication style

A person with this communication style is very confident in their point of view, to the point where they may not listen to their team mate’s opinions. They often interject their own ideas into a conversation and may sometimes use confrontational language like “you’re wrong” or “you don’t get it.” Non-verbally, this person will maintain eye contact.

3. Passive-aggressive communication style

A person with this communication style will display a pattern of indirectly expressing negative feelings instead of openly communicating them. Their verbal and non-verbal communication often do not match. It involves expressing discontent or hostility through subtle, often manipulative actions. This behavior can manifest in various forms, such as sarcasm, sulking or withholding information. 

4. Assertive communication style

A person with this communication style stands up for themselves. They are the type of communicator who knows how to explain and advocate for what they want, the rights of others or their own well-being. Assertive communicators may use hand gestures while communicating non-verbally and they likely have calm or happy facial expressions while speaking.[1]