Communication styles and Self Advocacy

·        Passive/Timid: I watch people talking instead of being in conversations; I pretend to understand when I really don’t; I don’t let people know I have a hearing loss and what I need to hear and understand my best

·        Aggressive/Bossy: I do most or all of the talking; I may seem bossy or like I don’t care about others; I may seem pushy or angry; I could seem to have a ‘bad attitude’

·        Assertive: I take turns in conversations; I am respectful and considerate of others; I am honest and open about what I need so that I can hear and understand  my best; I take responsibility for ‘fixing’ a communication breakdown 

Assertive people… know that they have the same rights to be a part of conversations; respect other people’s rights and feelings; use a pleasant tone of voice/signing style and make eye contact; are honest and open about letting people know what they need for good communication and when there is an understanding problem; know that a misunderstanding is a shared responsibility and are polite when working with others to clear up the misunderstanding.

Karen Anderson PhD

Communication Styles – In Action Scenarios

Ordering Fast Food - Scenario 1:

 “I want a cheeseburger, and I want it now! Don’t make me wait like you always do. Last time you forgot to give me fries, so don’t forget this time. I can’t believe how bad the service is here, and the food is terrible too! [Receives order] Hey, you forgot to give me a drink! Well, even if I didn’t ask, you should know that I want one.“

Which communication style was this? What do you think the person thought or felt about taking your order? How did you feel about ordering and how you reacted to the food you received?

Ordering Fast Food - Scenario 2:

“Excuse me, when you have a minute, can I order? I’d like a cheeseburger, no onions, and fries. [Receives order] Wait, this hamburger doesn’t have cheese, and it’s loaded with onions. I can’t eat this; the onions will make me sick. And I paid for the fries, but there aren’t any here. Never mind, don’t trouble yourself; I’ll just eat what you gave me. Have a good day.”

 Which communication style was this? What do you think the person thought or felt about taking your order? How did you feel about ordering and how you reacted to the food you received?

Ordering Fast Food -  Scenario 3:

“Hi, I’d like a cheeseburger, no onions, and fries, please. [Receives order] Excuse me, but there’s been a mistake: There is no cheese on my hamburger, and it has onions. Please exchange this for the type of hamburger I ordered. And it looks like someone forgot my order of fries. Thank you for taking care of the problem.”

 Which communication style was this? What do you think the person thought or felt about taking your order? How did you feel about ordering and how you reacted to the food you received?

Karen Anderson PhD

https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/famous-introverts