SOCIOCOMMUNICATIVE ORIENTATIONS AND STYLES
by
Charles Lamson
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Individuals exhibit trait differences in their basic communication styles. While individual communication traits are related to specific kinds of communication behaviors, in this article, we will consider three traits, and how they interact to produce unique styles of communication behavior. Sociocommunicative orientations reference the way individuals see their own communication behavior in terms of these traits. Sociocommunicative styles reinforce the way individuals see their own communication behavior in terms of these traits. Sociocommunicative styles reference the way other people perceive those individuals' actual communication behavior.
Assertiveness (Richmond & Martin, 1998). When people stand up for themselves and do not let others take advantage of them, without taking advantage of others themselves, they are acting assertively. To speak up for oneself, whether that be making a request or expressing a feeling. Assertive communicators also tend to initiate, maintain and terminate conversations in accordance with their own communication goals. Assertive communicators' nonverbal behavior is also is important.. They tend to talk faster and louder, use more gestures, make more eye contact, and lean forward more in interactions - they are more nonverbaly immediate. Do not confuse assertiveness with verbal aggressiveness. Assertive communicators defend themselves and their ideas, but they do not launch personal attacks on others. Verbally aggressive communicators do launch such attacks.
Assertiveness is most highly correlated (positively) with the extraversion temperament variable, but also, has a low negative correlation with neuroticism, and a low positive correlation with psychoticism. Assertive communicators seem to be non-neurotic extraverts who may be slightly psychotic.
Responsiveness (Richmond & Martin, 1998). When people are other-oriented in their communication, they are being responsive. Responsive communicators are sensitive to needs, feelings, and communication of others. They are people whom others see as good listeners. Responsive communicators are more nonverbally immediate than most other communicators, and are seen by others as being friendly, compassionate, warm, sincere, and helpful. They are able to be empathetic with others. Hence, focusing on the relational aspect of communication. Do not confuse responsiveness with submissiveness. Submissive communicators yield their rights to others more often going against their best interests. While responsive communicators are sensitive to the needs of others, they also pay attention to their own needs and goals. The responsive communicator recognizes and considers the other person's needs and rights, but does this without sacrificing their own legitimate rights.
Responsiveness is correlated (positively) with the extraversion temperament variable. However, it has a stronger (negatively) correlation with psychoticism, and has no correlation with psychoticism, and has no correlation with neuroticism. Responsive communicators appear to be non-psychotic extraverts.
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