Training Tip Tuesday: Engage with an I-Style Communicator
If you’ve been following along this month, you have probably noticed a theme in our Training Tips. We first shared some practical tips to communicate with a D-Style communicator and then we addressed an S-Style. These two styles share little in common. While the D is extroverted, task-oriented, assertive, and a bit detached, the S is introverted, people-oriented, passive, and emotional. In both of those tips, we suggested you go beyond nonverbals and include style-specific keywords to help convey your message. Today we offer another page from the playbook and tackle the I-Style communication style.
Picture Dolly Parton, Jay Leno, or Oprah Winfrey.
These expressive, people-oriented celebrities shine in the spotlight and create a fun experience for all. Perhaps you know people like this at home or work? If you are not up for a lengthy conversation, you may find yourself avoiding any interaction with an I-Style. However, we know that there are times that we must modify our natural style to establish a connection with others.
- Be sure to allow time for socializing.
- Ask feeling questions to draw out opinions and comments.
- Like the S, the I-Style communicator is people-oriented and emotional, but they differ with their assertive and extroverted tendencies.
What style-specific keywords can you use to make an I-Style communicator’s ears perk up?
| enthusiastic | popular | confidence | optimistic |
| wow | energy | team | trust |
Those look like words you would use to describe an I-Style, don’t they?
Absolutely, but today we want you to use those words in conversation with an I to see the difference it makes to speak their language. Think about a faster pace of speech and large, expressive gestures. Avoid acting cold or controlling the conversation. You want this conversation to be upbeat!
Today’s Training Tip
Target an upcoming conversation in which an I-Style communicator will be present. Prepare a few sentences using the keywords above and practice them out loud. Once you have your sentences down, add some nonverbal elements: your pace of speech, gestures, facial expressions. Practice some more, out loud, of course. When you’re in that conversation, your preparation will ensure a better interaction for all.
If you’re ready for a challenge: target conversations or meetings where you will be speaking with D, I, and S-Styles. (To refresh yourself, check out our D and S blog posts from earlier this month.) Incorporate style-specific keywords and nonverbals into those conversations… and practice until you can’t get it wrong!
Join us Thursdays at 11:30am ET for our free Live @ The Gym on LinkedIn sessions. In less than 15 minutes, leave with a lesson from our founder Dale Fallon and a practice exercise.
And meet some gym members too!
See YOU @ The Gym!
