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Activity no. 3 – Different communication styles
15
Total duration: approx. 60 minutes; Group size: 5 – 15 participants

a. Make a brainstorm with the participants and think about what communication styles
you are able to distinguish. Maybe someone you met had a particularly distinct way of
expressing themselves? Write down the different characteristics of the speakers on a
flipchart. These could include how they gesture, how they behave during a
conversation, how assertive they are. (15 minutes). Participants can also start this
exercise by taking a test/quiz to check their communication style. The Internet is full of
various ready-made examples. Choose the one you like best. Examples:
a. https://www.leadershipiq.com/blogs/leadershipiq/39841409-quiz-whats-your-
communication-style
b. https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/quiz-whats-your-communication-style/
c. https://personalitylingo.com/free-communication-style-quiz/
d. https://visme.co/blog/the-4-communication-styles-quiz/
b. Present to the participants the names of the different communication styles (use for
example this resource:
https://www.uky.edu/hr/sites/www.uky.edu.hr/files/wellness/images/Conf14_FourCo
mmStyles.pdf)
Consider together what qualities each of the communication style will have and write
them on the flipchart. Consider how you would react to a conversation with a person
who has a different style. (20 minutes)
c. Think about what barriers and problems might occur in communication and try to write
them out on a flipchart. Then try to match the communication style with the barriers
and problems it can generate. (25 minutes)

2.5 Variations (how to adapt the activities to specific target groups and possible risk-
factors during the implementation)
Among the main risk factors is the possibility of unwillingness to participate in the presented
exercises and the lack of commitment of the participants. Most of the exercises are structured
in such a way that participants have to communicate with each other and if at least one side is
reluctant, the implementation of the exercises may not be effective.

A very good way would be to do some ice-breaking exercises beforehand to make the
participants more active and daring to give answers.

If the group has language problems, you should focus on the non-verbal version of an activity
(example: pantomime).

2.6 Useful tips and suggestions for trainers
The duration of each exercise may vary depending on the number of participants in the group.