Communication Styles

Application

Communication Styles is used in assessments and training courses that focus on communication, leadership and collaboration. The questionnaire provides valuable information about candidates' communicative approach, in addition to personality and motives. When selected, the questionnaire helps to understand the communication style of managers or commercial professionals and to link it to organizational culture. In training courses in the fields of management, sales and communication, the questionnaire is a strong starting point for working more specifically on communication behavior.

How does it work

Communication Styles was developed by Reinout E. de Vries (VU) and Angelique Bakker (UvA) based on large-scale scientific research into communication styles. The questionnaire measures six communication styles that together form the personal communication profile:

• Exactly (P): communicate clearly, in a structured and careful manner.
• Expressive (X): Be lively, enthusiastic, and chatty.
• Verbally Aggressive (VA): direct, confrontational and powerful in expression.
• Ready to discuss (D): critical, convincing and open to debate.
• Emotional (E): open about feelings and empathically in touch.
• Impression-oriented (IM): consciously working on the impression that people make.

Why Communication Styles?

Communication Styles provides insight into a person's “communication DNA” — the unique combination of styles someone uses in conversations. The questionnaire helps to communicate more consciously and to coordinate more effectively with others. The scientific basis and practical reporting make Communication Styles suitable for both selection and development processes. This gives organizations and candidates a clear insight into communicative strengths, pitfalls and development opportunities.