In our day-to-day lives, we encounter and share information in a number of ways. Do you ever notice that some ways make it easier for you to take in information than others? Perhaps reading information is easier for you than simply hearing someone say it. Or maybe it's the opposite.
This is because there are different styles for communication. When we try to communicate with someone in a way that’s incongruent with their communication style, our message may not get across.
There are four styles for how we like to communicate:
Some people are also multi-modal and understand and communicate best using more than one style at the same time.
Being aware of the preferred style of people you work with and clients you serve is the first step in improving communications with them. This awareness allows us to tailor how we are delivering the message to make sure that it’s being received.
Here are some ways that you can optimize your delivery for different communication styles. For times when you are communicating with a group or trying to reach as many people as possible, using a mix of strategies can help ensure that everyone in the audience understands what you’re saying.
Visual
Visual communicators understand best by seeing. Information presented in a visual form is more meaningful and more easily processed.
Auditory
Auditory communicators prefer hearing information and sharing ideas out loud. They remember and understand best when they are told the information.
Reading and Writing
Reading and Writing communicators prefer information in a written form and process it best when they can take notes.
Kinesthetic
Kinesthetic communicators understand and remember information best by doing. Those with this style of communication prefer hands-on experience and have trouble sitting still for long periods of time.
This is because there are different styles for communication. When we try to communicate with someone in a way that’s incongruent with their communication style, our message may not get across.
There are four styles for how we like to communicate:
- Visual
- Auditory
- Reading/Writing
- Kinesthetic
Some people are also multi-modal and understand and communicate best using more than one style at the same time.
Being aware of the preferred style of people you work with and clients you serve is the first step in improving communications with them. This awareness allows us to tailor how we are delivering the message to make sure that it’s being received.
Here are some ways that you can optimize your delivery for different communication styles. For times when you are communicating with a group or trying to reach as many people as possible, using a mix of strategies can help ensure that everyone in the audience understands what you’re saying.
Visual
Visual communicators understand best by seeing. Information presented in a visual form is more meaningful and more easily processed.
- Create simple illustrations (purposeful doodles) during meetings
- Create visual timelines for your projects
- Use diagrams, flowcharts, sketches, and pictures
- Use different colours to highlight and organize key ideas
Auditory
Auditory communicators prefer hearing information and sharing ideas out loud. They remember and understand best when they are told the information.
- Discuss/talk through ideas and information with a colleague
- Lead a round table discussion or Q&A
- Read important information aloud
- Repeat key ideas
Reading and Writing
Reading and Writing communicators prefer information in a written form and process it best when they can take notes.
- Offer a printed copy of notes and materials with space to take notes
- Email relevant information prior to meetings
- Make checklists for complex tasks
- Send meeting notes and summaries in an e-mail follow-up
Kinesthetic
Kinesthetic communicators understand and remember information best by doing. Those with this style of communication prefer hands-on experience and have trouble sitting still for long periods of time.
- Stand or walk during meetings
- Walk people through a scenario
- Offer examples and use stories
- Offer fidget toys in meetings
- Describe ideas based on application rather than theory