The Passive Style Of Communication | Assertiveness Basics

 

  • Main Style of Communication. The person considers their own rights, desires, and needs, to be less important than the rights, desires, and needs of others.
  • Also known as Submissive.

MAIN BELIEFS AND THOUGHTS

  • They consider themselves inferior to other people, less worthy and less skilled.
  • Other people are more important than they are.
  • They do not feel in control of their own lives. Others control their life.
  • Rather followers, not leaders.

COMMUNICATION

  • They do not openly express their opinions, desires, and needs.
  • They do not usually offer feedback, positive or negative.
  • They usually avoid conflict by agreeing to the plans and influence of those around them.
  • Soft tone of voice.
  • Unnecessarily apologetic.
  • They avoid direct visual contact and often look downward.

GOAL ACHIEVEMENT

  • Predominantly Passive people rarely follow their own goals.
  • They usually assist others in achieving their goals.

EMOTIONS

  • They experience mainly negative emotions.
  • Confusion.
  • Helplessness.
  • Frustration.
  • Resentment.
  • They also feel safe and socially accepted, because they do not engage in conflicts often.

In some situations, the Passive Style of Communication may turn out to be useful, but most of the time it only generates dissatisfaction and frustration.

Read More: The Five Styles of Communication and Behavior.