Chapter 15: Communication Styles

This chapter provides faculty with introductory content on understanding the different cultural dimensions and communication styles used by diverse students and strategies to effectively facilitate clear communication. The chapter contains three components: (a) cultural dimensions, (b) types of communication styles, and (c) strategies to enhance effective communication. First, the two types of cultural dimensions will be described. Second, four different types of communication styles will be described, compiled, and summarized. A variety of communication styles are compiled in a chart to show how communication is different across different populations. The impact of cross-cultural communication experiences will be shared to illustrate the variety of possible challenges that can occur when people use different communication styles without understanding these differences. Third, when culturally competent strategies are provided in the learning community an increase in understanding, trust and collaboration can occur. These strategies are applied to communication situations to enhance the understanding of different communication styles and use of effective and efficient communication across and within diverse groups.