Passive
Description : If you choose to communicate like this you will fail to express your feelings, opinions and needs and others are likely to walk over you.
- Talking in a tone of voice that is hesitant and unsure
- Saying "yes" when you want to say "no"
- Covering up what you really feel.
- Going along with others when you don't want to.
- Apologising for almost everything
Message sent: I don't care about me, I'm not as important as you.
Aggressive
Description: If you choose to communicate like this you will express you feelings, opinions, and needs in a way that ignores the rights and feelings of others.Characteristics:
- Yelling or screaming at someone
- Using intimidating gestures; finger-pointing; glaring
- Interrupting or talking over the top of people
- Blaming others for your problems
- Being sarcastic, mocking or threatening
- Using 'loaded' words to start a fight
Message sent: I only care about me; I'm important but you're not!
Assertive
Description: if you choose to communicate like this you will express your feelings, opinions and needs in a way that respects the rights and feelings of others as well as yourself.Characteristics:
- Listening well; not interrupting when others talk
- Speaking for yourself (I- statements:- I feel; I think; I believe; I would like)
- Asking for what you want in a clear, level tone of voice
- Maintaining good eye contact while you talk
- Controlling your temper when others are rude
Message sent: I care about me and I care about you; we are both important
