Profile of Four Communication Styles

Understanding different communication styles can help us recognize our own habits and adapt to others. Below are four common styles: Assertive, Passive, Aggressive, and Passive-Aggressive. Read each profile to see which traits resonate with you.

Assertive Communication

What it looks like:

• You express your thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly and respectfully.
• You maintain eye contact, use an even tone, and stand or sit with an open posture.

Key Characteristics:

• Honest: Speaks truthfully without blaming or shaming.
• Confident: Comfortable asserting rights and saying “no” when needed.
• Respectful: Balances your own needs with others’ feelings.

Example:
When a classmate interrupts you during a group discussion, you might say, “I’d like to finish my point before you share yours. Then I’ll listen to your idea.”

Passive Communication

What it looks like:

• You avoid expressing your own opinions or needs.
• You may nod along, speak softly, or let others take control.

Key Characteristics:

• People-Pleasing: Prioritizes others’ comfort over personal needs.
• Indirect: Hints at what you want instead of stating it.
• Avoidant: Tends to withdraw or agree to maintain peace.

Example:
If you disagree with the homework deadline but fear conflict, you might say, “Whatever you decide is fine,” even though you’d prefer more time.

Aggressive Communication

What it looks like:

• You push your ideas or needs forcefully.
• You might raise your voice, use harsh words, or stand too close.

Key Characteristics:

• Dominating: Seeks to control the conversation or situation.
• Blaming: Uses accusations or demands (“You always…”).
• Intimidating: May use sarcasm, threats, or anger to get your way.

Example:
When someone makes a joke you don’t like, you might snap, “Stop being so stupid!” to make them back down.

Passive-Aggressive Communication

What it looks like:

• You express negative feelings indirectly rather than openly.
• You may use sarcasm, procrastination, or backhanded compliments.

Key Characteristics:

• Hidden Resentment: Expresses disagreement through behaviors rather than words.
• Sarcastic: Uses veiled comments that can confuse others.
• Resistant: Appears cooperative but undermines goals (e.g., “forgetting” to complete tasks).

Example:
If you’re upset with a teammate, you agree to help but then procrastinate or do a poor job, hoping they’ll notice and feel guilty.

Reflect on these descriptions. Which style feels most familiar? Keep this reading handy as you complete the Style Survey Worksheet and begin crafting your personal infographic.

Style Survey Worksheet

Instructions: Rate how much you agree with each statement on a scale from 1 to 5. (1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree)

Part 1: Rate the Statements

Assertive Statements

1. I express my opinions clearly and directly. ______
2. I maintain eye contact and an open posture when speaking. ______
3. I feel comfortable saying “no” when needed. ______
4. I stand up for my rights in a respectful way. ______

Passive Statements
5. I go along with others’ ideas even if I disagree. ______
6. I avoid speaking up to keep the peace. ______
7. I often hesitate to share my thoughts in a group. ______
8. I let others make decisions to avoid conflict. ______

Aggressive Statements
9. I dominate conversations to get my point across. ______
10. I raise my voice when I feel strongly about something. ______
11. I use sarcasm or harsh words to assert control. ______
12. I pressure others to agree with me. ______

Passive-Aggressive Statements
13. I agree to tasks but then delay or do them poorly on purpose. ______
14. I use veiled or sarcastic remarks instead of directly stating my feelings. ______
15. I give backhanded compliments. ______
16. I show frustration by avoiding contact rather than talking about it. ______


## Part 2: Calculate Your Style Scores

Add up the numbers you chose for each set of statements.

• Assertive Total: ______
  
  
• Passive Total: ______
  
  
• Aggressive Total: ______
  
  
• Passive-Aggressive Total: ______
  
  

Your dominant style is the one with the highest total: ______





## Part 3: Reflection

1. In 2–3 sentences, explain why this style fits you:
   
   
   
   
   

2. What challenges might you face with this style? How could you adapt when interacting with peers of different styles?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Communication Style Infographic Project Guide

Use this guide to create a clear, engaging infographic that represents your primary communication style. Refer back to the Profile of Four Communication Styles Reading and your results from the Style Survey Worksheet to inform your work.

Project Overview

Goal: Visualize your communication style by combining key traits, personal examples, and strategies for interacting effectively with others.
Audience: Classmates and teacher.
Format: Chart paper or digital infographic (e.g., Canva, Google Slides).

Objectives

• Clearly identify and explain your dominant communication style.
• Highlight at least three key characteristics of that style.
• Provide a real-life example showing how your style appears in class or with friends.
• Offer two–three strategies for adapting your style when interacting with peers of different styles.
• Design an attractive, easy-to-read infographic that balances text and visuals.

Materials

• Chart paper or digital device with an infographic tool
• Markers, colored pencils, or digital graphics
• Ruler or grid lines (for chart paper)
• Notes from Style Survey Worksheet
• Highlights from Profile of Four Communication Styles Reading

Steps & Timeline (Approx. 25 minutes)

1. Plan Your Layout (5 minutes)

   • Sketch a rough outline: title, sections for traits, example, and strategies.
   • Decide on a color scheme and font style—use consistent colors for headings and icons.

2. Draft Your Content (5 minutes)

   • Write a concise definition of your style (1–2 sentences).
   • List three key characteristics in bullet form.
   • Describe a personal example in 2–3 sentences.
   • Brainstorm two–three adaptation strategies.

3. Design & Visualize (10 minutes)

   • Create headings, icons, or small illustrations for each section.
   • Use color blocks or shapes to separate sections for readability.
   • Include at least one visual metaphor or graphic (e.g., speech bubble, balance scale).

4. Finalize & Review (5 minutes)

   • Check spelling and clarity.
   • Ensure text is legible from a few feet away.
   • Add finishing touches like borders, highlights, or labels.

5. Gallery Walk & Reflection (5 minutes, classwide)

   • Display infographics around the room.
   • Walk through the gallery and leave a sticky-note comment: one insight or question.

Infographic Rubric (Total: 20 points)

Total Score: ____ / 20

Use this rubric to self-assess before turning in your infographic. Good luck, and have fun showcasing your communication style!

The Infographic Rubric is already embedded in the Communication Style Infographic Project Guide. No separate rubric is needed; students can refer directly to that section for scoring criteria and self-assessment.