Communication Styles

Communication involves sending, receiving, and interpreting information. At all times, people are communicating with others, whether verbally or nonverbally. The verbal or nonverbal interaction with others shows how our communication should be received, filtered, and understood. This is known as our communication style, as suggested by R. W. Norton in 1978. Communication styles have been linked to self-esteem, confidence, and feelings of control. Communication styles connect people—in the new venture context, customers, employees, or other organizational stakeholders. Everyone typically has a dominant or primary style, a style that is observed by others, and the ability to adapt that style. Some people are more direct in their communication, whereas others are more indirect. Some people may be open, while others may be reserved. In all cases, ...