Characteristics of a passive communicator

Answer 1

Characteristics of the Passive Communicator: • Exhibits shyness • Displays anxiety and nervousness • Has feelings of worthlessness

• Believes others' wants and needs are more important than his/her own • Finds it difficult to make decisions for self • Often cannot say no or feels guilty about saying no • Assumes others will know what's best for him/her • Keeps negative feelings inside • Frequently sends mixed messages

Characteristics of the Aggressive Communicator: • Inappropriately expresses feelings and opinions • Violates the rights of others • Disparages others, often in a sarcastic way • Makes self more important • Is confrontational, hostile, sarcastic and blaming • Makes decisions for others

Examples of Aggressive Behavior:

• Making threats • Giving orders • Name-calling, swearing, yelling • Blaming or accusing someone • Physically striking out at someone • Making demands instead of asking • Viewing own rights as superseding others' rights • Being disrespectful

Examples of Indirect Aggressive Behavior: • Trying to make someone feel guilty • Talking behind someone's back instead of directly talking with the person • Eye-rolling, sighing, mumbling, and slouching instead of expressing feelings honestly • Refusing to respond to another person

The Assertive Communicator Assertive communicators express thoughts and feelings in an honest, straightforward fashion that shows respect for the other person. Characteristics of the Assertive Communicator: • Open and willing to take risks • Actively engages in meeting others' needs • Capable of expressing both positive and negative feelings and opinions • Sensitive to the feelings and rights of others

Examples of Assertive Behavior: • Addressing a problem situation while itis in progress • Objecting to specific behavior that infringes on the rights of others • Being brief and to the point • Avoiding bringing up the past • Never apologizing for asserting rights • Being assertive with the body, voice, eyes, and facial expression • Telling people how their behavior affects others • Being friendly and firm, initially; if necessary, asserting more authority • Avoiding threats and aggressive behavior • Making your needs known to others in a direct, non-threatening manner • Talking to others with respect

Assertiveness skills enable one to stand up effectively for one's own dignity, respect and courtesy without violating the rights of others, while at the same time helping others to recognize and better obtain their rights.