How Personality Influences Communication: What, How, and Why we Communicate is largely determined by our Personality

"A lot of problems in the world would be solved

if we talked to each other instead of about each other.” — Nicky Gumbel

The receivers of the message do not distinguish between the sender and the message while decoding it. The message is interpreted by keeping in mind the personality of the sender. The personality of the receiver further influences the decoding process. Personal factors play a significant role in the communication process. Secondly, the receivers of the message are always more interested in knowing the motives behind the message rather than the message itself. The attitudes are often better understood than the words.

Thus, the domain of communication is related more to the factors associated with personality than to the verbal and non-verbal symbols employed to communicate the message. This fact, which the discipline of communication has overlooked, has major implications for the way message is communicated and understood. It is not possible to develop effective communication skills without understanding how the factors related to personality affect the communication process. Some of the dimensions concerning personality, which affect communication in a significant manner, are discussed below: 

Big Five Personality Traits and Communication

The Big Five Personality Traits, also known as the Five-Factor Model (FFM) or OCEAN model (Openness to experience, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness and Neuroticism) is a widely used framework in psychology to describe human personality. They encompass five broad dimensions that capture various aspects of personality variation:

1. Openness to Experience: This dimension reflects the extent to which individuals are open-minded, imaginative, curious, and willing to entertain novel ideas and experiences. High Openness individuals tend to be creative, adventurous, and intellectually curious, while low Openness individuals may be more conventional, practical, and resistant to change.

2. Conscientiousness: Conscientiousness refers to the degree to which individuals are organized, responsible, reliable, and goal-oriented. High Conscientiousness individuals are typically disciplined, diligent, and focused on achieving their goals, while low Conscientiousness individuals may be more laid-back, spontaneous, and prone to procrastination.

3. Extraversion: Extraversion reflects the extent to which individuals are outgoing, sociable, energetic, and assertive. High Extraversion individuals are often talkative, sociable, and enjoy being the center of attention, while low Extraversion individuals may be more reserved, introspective, and prefer solitary activities.

4. Agreeableness: Agreeableness describes the degree to which individuals are warm, compassionate, cooperative, and empathetic. High Agreeableness individuals tend to be friendly, trusting, and considerate of others' feelings, while low Agreeableness individuals may be more skeptical, competitive, and less concerned with others' welfare.

5. Neuroticism: It refers to the tendency to experience negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and emotional instability. High Neuroticism individuals are often prone to worry, mood swings, and heightened emotional reactivity, while low Neuroticism individuals are more emotionally stable, resilient, and able to cope with stress effectively.

Each person falls somewhere along the spectrum of each trait, and the combination of these traits contributes to their unique personality profile.

Relationship of Openness with Communication Style and Approach

	Communication Style:	Approach to Communication	Additional Information
High Openness	Characterized by creativity, spontaneity, and a willingness to explore unconventional or abstract topics. They may enjoy engaging in deep, meaningful conversations and be more inclined to share their thoughts and feelings openly with others. May also be more tolerant of diverse perspectives and more flexible in their communication, adapting easily to different social contexts and audiences.	Communication as an opportunity for intellectual exploration and personal growth. They actively seek out diverse viewpoints and enjoy engaging in discussions that challenge their beliefs. They may also be more inclined to use communication as a means of self-expression, sharing their unique perspectives and experiences with others.	Might adjust their communication style to be more straightforward and practical when interacting with someone who prefers a more concrete approach. May find it challenging to communicate with those who are very closed-minded or resistant to new ideas
Low Openness	Their communication style may be more straightforward, focusing on concrete facts and practical matters rather than abstract ideas or philosophical discussions. They are less inclined to express creatively or engage in imaginative thinking.	May view communication more as a means to convey information or accomplish specific tasks. They may prefer clear and direct communication without delving into abstract or speculative topics.	May struggle to engage in discussions that require abstract or imaginative thinking.

Relationship of Conscientiousness with Communication Style and Approach

	Communication Style:	Approach to Communication	Additional Information
High Conscientiousness	Tend to be organized, and detail-oriented. Communication is structured, precise, for conveying information accurately. They pay attention to grammar and clarity, striving for professionalism and effectiveness. Prefer to plan messages in advance, ensuring they cover all necessary points and follow a logical sequence.	A goal-oriented mindset, aiming to convey information clearly and efficiently while adhering to norms and standards. They may prefer straightforward communication, avoiding ambiguity and focusing on practicalities.	May adjust their style to be more informal and relaxed in social settings while maintaining their attention to detail and professionalism in formal or professional contexts.
Low Conscientiousness	May exhibit a more casual or spontaneous communication with less attention to detail and structure. Their communication may be less organized and may include more spontaneity, with ideas flowing freely without strict adherence to a predetermined plan. They might be less concerned with formalities and more focused on the social aspects of communication, such as building rapport and fostering connections.	A more relaxed attitude, prioritizing social interaction and adaptability over strict adherence to rules and protocols.	May adapt by focusing more on social cues and adapting their style to match the energy and tone of the conversation, whether it's formal or casual.

Relationship of Extraversion with Communication Style and Approach

	Communication Style:	Approach to Communication	Additional Information
High Extraversion	Dynamic, engaging, and expressive communication style. They are likely to enjoy initiating conversations, participating actively in group discussions, and seeking opportunities for social interaction. May use gestures, facial expressions, and a lively tone of voice to convey enthusiasm and connect with others.	They enjoy engaging with others, sharing experiences, and expressing themselves in a lively and animated manner. They may be more inclined to take risks in communication, initiating conversations with strangers, and engaging in spontaneous interactions.	May tone down their energy and enthusiasm in situations that require a more serious or reserved approach, May also need to be mindful of dominating conversations or overwhelming more introverted individuals
Low Extraversion	May exhibit a more reserved communication style, preferring to listen rather than speak and participating less frequently in group settings. Their communication may be more reflective and thoughtful, with a focus on conveying ideas clearly and succinctly rather than seeking attention or dominating the conversation. May prefer one-on-one interactions or smaller, more intimate settings where they feel comfortable expressing themselves.	More cautiously, preferring to observe and listen before contributing to the conversation. They may prioritize depth over breadth in their interactions, focusing on building meaningful connections with a few close individuals rather than seeking a large social circle.	May step out of their comfort zone to engage more actively in social settings when necessary. May need to challenge themselves to speak up and assert themselves when needed.

 

How to Develop Extroversion in Communication

1. Learn how to Introduce yourself: Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and take social risks, such as introducing yourself to someone new or joining a conversation already in progress.

2. Attend Social Events: Put yourself in social situations regularly, such as parties, networking events, or community gatherings. This provides opportunities to meet new people and practice your communication skills in different settings.

3. Join Groups or Clubs: Participate in group activities or clubs that align with your interests. This allows you to interact with like-minded individuals and build connections in a more comfortable environment.

4. Initiate Conversations: Take the initiative to start conversations with people, whether they are acquaintances, coworkers, or strangers. Start with simple greetings or compliments to break the ice.

5. Volunteer for Speaking Opportunities: Volunteer to speak in meetings, presentations, or group discussions. This helps you become more comfortable expressing your ideas and speaking in front of others.

6. Practice Assertiveness: Express your thoughts and opinions confidently, without fear of judgment. Practice assertive communication techniques, such as using "I" statements and maintaining good eye contact.

7. Ask Follow-up Questions: Ask follow-up questions to demonstrate your engagement.

8. Learn Social Skills: Practice social skills in your interactions.

9. Set Goals: Set specific goals for yourself to become more extroverted in communication, such as initiating conversations with a certain number of people each week or speaking up in group settings.

10. Reflect and Learn: Take time to reflect on your social interactions and identify areas for improvement. Learn from each experience and use feedback to refine your communication skills over time.

Becoming more extroverted in communication is a gradual process that requires patience and persistence. Celebrate your progress along the way and continue to challenge yourself to grow and develop in social settings.

Relationship of Agreeableness with Communication Style and Approach

	Communication Style:	Approach to Communication	Additional Information
High Agreeableness	Polite, empathetic that is considerate of others' feelings. They tend to value harmony and strive to maintain positive relationships through their communication, avoiding conflict and seeking consensus whenever possible. May be good listeners, offering support and encouragement to others and fostering a sense of trust and goodwill in their interactions.	A focus on building and maintaining positive relationships. They value collaboration, seeking to find common ground and resolve conflicts amicably. May be more inclined to compromise and accommodate others' perspectives, prioritizing the well-being of the group over individual interests.	May adjust their style to be more assertive and direct when dealing with situations that require firmness or when advocating for their own interests.

	Communication Style:	Approach to Communication	Additional Information
Low Agreeableness	may exhibit a more assertive or competitive communication style, prioritizing their own needs and goals over the feelings of others. Their communication may be more direct and assertive, with less concern for maintaining social harmony or avoiding confrontation. May be more willing to challenge others' viewpoints and engage in debates or negotiations to assert their own interests.	may approach communication with a more self-oriented mindset, focusing on achieving their own objectives and asserting their needs and opinions without necessarily prioritizing interpersonal harmony.	may need to temper their assertiveness and be more considerate of others' feelings and perspectives, especially in situations where maintaining positive relationships is important.

Relationship of Neuroticism with Communication Style and Approach

	Communication Style:	Approach to Communication	Additional Information
High Neuroticism	May exhibit a communication style that reflects their emotional sensitivity and tendency to experience negative emotions such as anxiety, worry, or insecurity. Their communication may be more reactive to stressors, with emotions often influencing their tone, and choice of words. May be prone to overthinking or catastrophizing, leading to more cautious or hesitant communication, especially in high-pressure situations.	May approach communication with a heightened awareness of potential threats or negative outcomes, leading them to be more cautious, defensive in their interactions. They may be more sensitive to criticism or rejection, which can affect their willingness to express themselves openly or take risks in communication.	May need to actively manage their emotions and stress levels to communicate effectively, perhaps by taking breaks to calm themselves or seeking support from others.
Low Neuroticism	Calm, confident, and measured communication, which may be less influenced by fluctuating emotions, allowing them to express themselves more clearly and assertively. Better able to stay focused on the message they want to convey, without being derailed by insecurities.	Greater confidence and resilience, less prone to being overwhelmed by stress or negative emotions.	May be more adept at maintaining their composure and staying focused on the task at hand, even in challenging situations.

Therefore, in a team environment, understanding and appreciating different personality types can enhance communication effectiveness. By recognizing and leveraging the strengths of each personality type, teams can create a more inclusive and communicative environment where diverse perspectives are valued and respected.

Dr. Karminder Ghuman, Head of MBA Department, LM Thapar School of Management, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (Deemed to be University), Patiala

 Based on contents from the book: "The Art and Science of Effective and Impactful Communication"        

https://shorturl.at/x5Qo8

This book has research-based proven tools and strategies to guide professionals regarding the following aspects of communication:

• What is Effective and Impactful Communication?
• What makes Communication so Difficult? How to Overcome Biases and Barriers
• Communication Apprehension
• Communication Frameworks
• Dimensions of Effective Communication
• Communication Styles and Types of Communicators
• Worldview and Communication
• Managing Expectations
• Silence as Communication
• Humour and Communication
• Emotional Intelligence and Communication
• Diplomatic Communication
• Deception and Manipulation in Communication
• Ethics and Communication
• Transactional Analysis and Communication
• Generation X, Millennials, Generation Z,  and Generation Alpha
• Gender and Communication
• Hearing and Listening: Process of Active Listening, Barriers to Listening
• Mindful Listening and Self-awareness
• Choice of Words, Shades of Meaning (Nuances), Power Words
• Phrases, Figurative Language
• Linguistic Style
• Framing, Reframing, and Spin Doctrine
• Paralinguistics: Pitch and Tone, Pace, and Pause
• Non-Verbal Communication: Body Language, Posture, Facial Expressions, Gestures, Eye Contact, Proxemics, Haptics
• Manners and Etiquettes, Netiquettes, Announcing Bad News and How to Say “No”
• Relationships and Communication: Seduction and Communication, Difficult Communication within a Relationship, Reviving a Broken, Strengthening a Strained Relationship
• Neuro-Listening Programming (NLP)