Distribute Communications Style Inventory.

I am sure that you are all curious to learn about your own communication style. We have an inventory that will help you determine your primary style.

Please refer to the example on the first page of the inventory. Each self-descriptive statement has four possible endings. They are marked (a), (b), (c), or (d). Indicate the preferred order in which each ending is characteristic of you.

Reinforce that 4 is the one that is “most like you” and 1 is the one that is “least like you.” You may write the scale on newsprint.

Fill in a number for each ending with (4) for the alternative most like you, (3) for the alternative next most like you, (2) for the alternative next least like you, and (1) for the alternative least like you. Each number must be used only once, and each alternative must be numbered. You may find it difficult to choose among answers, but each ending must be marked with a 4, 3, 2, or 1. You will have 15 minutes to complete the inventory. When you are finished, stop and wait for scoring instructions.

Distribute Scoring Sheet.

Now that you have completed your inventory, please refer to the scoring sheet. Let’s look at the first line. If you marked choice (a) with a “4,” then put a “4” beside the (a). If you ranked choice (b) with a “1,” then put “1” beside the (b), and so on.

Please note that each line does not go in “a,b,c,d” order. For example, line “2” is in “c,a,b,d” order. So be careful to transfer your numbers accurately.

After you have transferred your rankings, add the totals in each column. To check for accuracy, the total of all columns should equal 90. You will have nine minutes to complete your scoring sheet.

Allow nine minutes.

Distribute Profile Sheet.

Now that you have completed your scoring sheet, please refer to the profile sheet and graph your scores.

Display sample Profile Sheet.

Beginning with your “Sensor” total, find the appropriate number on the left, then place a dot in the center of the “Sensor” column. If you have an odd-numbered total like 21, your dot should be between lines 20 and 22. Continue with this process, and place a dot in the appropriate place for the “Feeler,” “Thinker,” and “Intuitor.” Then draw a line to connect the dots. This graph illustrates your personal communication style profile.

Allow five minutes.

It is important to note that there is not one style that is better than the others. Different communication styles are used in different situations. And each of us utilizes all four styles at some time in communicating.

As measured by this inventory, your higher total indicates your primary communication style. Many of you will have a higher total in two styles and lower in two styles. A number of you will have one very high total and lower totals in the other three styles, while some of you may have very similar totals in all four styles.

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