COMMUNICATION STYLES

Communication is a transactional process . It engages the transmitting of messages (verbal and non verbal ) from an encoder to a decoder , using an appropriate channel and perhaps with the interference of noise Communication is a lifelong process it is on going , evolving and dynamic . We recognise the importance of the communication process model developed by Laswell as it captures the fundamental principles of communication and how it works . It provides a breakdown of the elements of communication that is , the source , message , receiver , channel and noise - See model below . What exactly happens

is that the source encodes a message . Passes it through a channel of communication , but as the message goes through that channel it is subjected to noise (anything that distorts the message ) before it reaches the decoder . Of interest to us all , is that the process is step by step and it advocates for feedback a critical means of ensuring that there was no miscommunication

There are four distinct communication styles Passive , Assertive Aggressive and Passive Aggressive . Each communication style functions distinctly yet they have their benefits . Passive communication advocates for self denial , an avoidance of expressing oneself and the recognition that `my ' feelings are unimportant in relation to others . Verbally passivity welcomes verbal apologies with shy non verbal behavior and a low self esteem . Passive communication is welcomed in a specific context as they are little risk involved in avoiding conflict . Best used when issues are minor or when an individual 's view is unchangeable example with the law

Assertive communication is the opposite of passivity . This communication style promotes standing up for your rights and not allowing others to violate you . It recognises that both parties are important through strong verbal and non-verbal remarks . Consequently , people using this style are respected by others . Assertive communication helps relationship management it sets boundaries and leads to easier problem solving

The aggressive communication style differs from passive and assertive communication in that in standing up for one 's rights you violate the right of others . You think you are superior , so your verbal undertones are loud and your non-verbal actions are intimidating . A person using this style is out to win at any cost . The outcome of such a style is disrespect , anger and abuse . A single advantage to using this communication style is that it does not accommodate pent up emotions which helps to release stress . Aggressive can be best used when there is an emergency or little time to compromise

The passive-aggressive style of communication pays attention to persons who appear passive but instead act on their anger indirectly . That individual forgoes ones own rights but later seeks revenge . Persons like this , feel uncomfortable expressing their resentment directly . Verbally and non-verbally , they tend to be subtle so as to misinform . A benefit of using this communication style is that by avoiding conflict , the individual has time to rethink his approach to dealing with the situation , instead of acting in rage

Communication is important in the law enforcement process . It is essential to the understanding of messages both verbally and non-verbally . For law enforcers , it helps them to realize that it is not what is said but how it is said and in what context . In the field of criminal justice , informants must remember that the different styles of communication might be appropriated by judges and offenders depending on the case involved and the circumstances surrounding it . Once , the process is followed , it makes for easy recognition of noise and its impact on message delivery

Laswell 's Communication Model

References

Adler , R . B . and Rodman , G (1991 . Understanding Human Communication

Chicago : Holt , Rinehart , and Winston

Devito , J . A (1994 ) Human Communication : The Basic Course . New York HarperCollins ...