STYLES OF ORAL COMMUNICATION

STYLES OF ORAL COMMUNICATION

In order to understand the meaning and importance of oral communication, we must know the three styles of oral communication:
 Non-assertive (Submissive) communication style
 Aggressive communication style
 Assertive communication style
These are described below:

(1) Non-assertive (Submissive) communication style

This style or behaviour happens when persons:
 Fail to stand up for their rights
 Do things in a manner that others can easily disregard
 Express opinions, feelings etc in apologetic and cautious manner
 Fail to express own opinions, feelings etc altogether
A person becomes submissive when he sees that his own needs and wants are less important than others. The person tends to justify or explain while accommodating others‟ viewpoint.
In the event of a conflict, a person with submissive communication style can easily defuse the situation by avoiding taking a strong stand. It helps people to escape anxiety or confrontation. He avoids feeling guilty about letting someone down etc. Usually work suffers because aggressive viewpoint, not necessarily the best option, prevails.

(2) Aggressive communication style

This style or behaviour happens when persons:
 Stand up for their rights in a way that violates the right of others to have their say
 Express own thoughts, feelings etc in inappropriate way even when they believe that their views are incorrect
Aggressive style of communication enhances speakers at the cost of others. It puts the other person down and is based on the opinion that their opinions are more important than others. It is characterized by:
 Blaming others or factors external and outside own control
 Showing contempt for others
 Being hostile to others
 Attacking others orally
 Patronizing others
Aggressive behaviour usually succeeds in getting what he wants; it also conveys a sense of power over others. It helps the communicator to release his steam and provides an outlet for his anger and bad feelings.

(3) Assertive communication style

There is a third style of communication – assertive communication. It is neither submissive nor aggressive – it is emphatic behaviour while communicating with others. It happens when persons:
 Stand up for their rights in a way that does not violate others‟ rights
 Express own point of view honestly, openly and directly while conveying that they understand the others‟ position