The Three Styles of Communication

About 20 years ago we started to research how people really communicate.

We knew about the analytical way of communication; we also knew there was a non-analytical way of communicating. But we wanted more details. We designed a questionnaire, an assessment to try to pinpoint preferences.

This questionnaire, plus input from participants on our training courses, and focus groups – revealed that all of us possess the ability to communicate in three very different ways:

1. Analytically – the obvious style because it helps in business to analyze and be logical

2. Visually – the style that involves speed, spontaneity and sometimes imagery

3. Interactively – the ability to interact, ask questions and relate to people

Our research also shows that, while you might have a preference, you need all three styles to communicate well with others.  

Your preferred style might be analytical, for example. Perhaps you would rather read things  and communicate one-on-one rather than in large groups.

So it’s a preference. Not right or wrong. The skill lies in being able to adapt. If you prefer to analyze your communication and you’re dealing with an audience who prefers to be spontaneous and verbal – you realize someone has to shift styles. Otherwise you may not “connect”.

Dress Code Communicates

How should you dress at work?

Look around your organization. What does everyone else do? Perhaps ask your manager for guidance. Check out the company policy on the matter. And respect it. Ignoring the policy will not help your cause.

In our case, 30 years ago, we tended to dress like our clients: fairly conservatively, leaning towards smart casual.

Over the years, we loosened our policy. Now we have a fairly flexible guideline: if clients are coming into our offices, we expect our team to “up the ante.” If no clients are expected and it’s snowy outside, we don’t mind your wearing jeans. Still, don’t turn up as if you’re coming to work in a car wash!!

Companies expect professional standards and evidence that staff care about their appearance.

You don’t have to spend oodles of money. You don’t have to represent the latest in fashion. You just need to look presentable.

If you care about your appearance, it communicates a powerful message: You care about your job.

Were you right? Wrong? What Company Policies Really Communicate

Companies issue policy manuals to save everyone time.

They are critical communications.

They spell out the “nitty gritty” of the little questions (and some big questions) that come up. Read the policies carefully.

I’ve seen people ask questions when the answer was already in the company policy manual. Clearly they had not read the document.

Tip: Read up on your company’s policies once a year as a refresher. Policies tend to change to accommodate new issues. They are living communication tools critical to all organizations.

Avoid tying up your manager’s time with questions that will likely be answered in your company’s policy documents, and you will clear another obstacle to success.

Communication Protocols at Work

What No One Tells You about Business Protocols

Consider a few things people did not tell you about at college.

1. Good communication takes work. Some people are naturally gifted at it; others aren’t. We can all learn to communicate better.

2. Technology continually changes the rules. Don’t assume that what worked last year will work now.

3. Every organization has its own set of communication protocols. They run organizations, or they disrupt them.

How does communication work at your workplace? You need to know what those protocols are.

Every organization is different. I can give you some guidelines (a map) that will help you succeed.

What Clarity, Brevity, Impact® Actually Means (Why it’s Our Slogan)

How to Achieve Clarity

Write and speak in short sentences.

Enough said.

A short sentence provides evidence of clear thinking.

How to Achieve Brevity

Make a point of getting to the point. No rambling preambles. No one has time for unclear thinking unclear argument. Make a habit of getting to the point.

How to Achieve Impact

Structure your communication so you offer a beginning, a middle, and an ending.

The beginning grabs the audience’s attention.

The ending hooks the audience’s memory.

The middle supports your argument. Take care, though. If the middle is too long, you will bury your message.

That’s why we call it the cemetery of communications.

It also explains why you need powerful openings and memorable closings to all forms of communication.

Are You Brilliant but Struggle with Words?

You may be a brilliant biologist, a savvy IT specialist, a wiz at math. But if you can’t communicate, it’s game over. In this competitive world, you won’t achieve your potential.

Scientists call it: “Publish or perish.”

We call it: “Speak up and be clear; or you’ve nothing to say.”


Good communication skills will help you succeed. They revolve around three simple words.

Clarity – so you’re crystal clear.

Brevity – so you get to the point without wasting words.

Impact – so you’re remembered no matter what.

Next week we’ll explain how to achieve these three words in a practical way.

Why Communicate Well?

Opening Doors for Your Talent

Communication is the one skill that opens doors to all other skills.

You can’t learn enough about communication. It’s the key skill for all high performers.

Take every opportunity to learn about the communication process.

Take every opportunity to learn more about the skills that make people excellent communicators.

You will never stop learning.

And remember, communication is not easy. Don’t take it for granted. You will not always get it right. I don’t. Yet you can increase your chances of success if you take the skill seriously.

Your challenge rests with first recognizing the definition of good communications: straight-line messages from me to you, from you to me.

Sounds simple, doesn’t it?

Stay linked-in for our journey!