Communication
Communication Patterns Inventory
Communication Patterns Inventory
This directive is useful for clients experiencing persistent interpersonal friction. It’s designed for individuals who report a frequent discrepancy between their communicative intent and the actual impact of their words. The tool is particularly effective when a client feels consistently misunderstood or is unable to achieve desired outcomes in their personal or professional relationships, but cannot articulate why the pattern repeats.
The worksheet guides the client through a systematic self-inventory of their communication habits. Rather than teaching a specific method, its purpose is to generate awareness by having the client analyze their own recent behavioral examples. This process links specific communication choices to their real-world consequences, creating a clear and objective basis for discussion and targeted intervention in session.
Communication Patterns Inventory
| Communication Style | Behavioral Analysis & Prompts |
|---|---|
| Direct & Honest | Describe a recent situation where you stated your opinion or needs clearly, without ambiguity. What was the outcome? |
| When was the last time you gave direct, unvarnished feedback? What happened next? | |
| In a typical week, how many times do you state a difficult truth to someone? What is the usual result? | |
| Direct & Dishonest | Describe a time you deliberately misled someone with a direct statement. What was your objective? |
| List three examples of making a false promise or statement to get a specific result. | |
| What were the consequences (for you and the other person) the last time you were directly dishonest? | |
| Indirect & Honest | Describe a situation where you used hints, sarcasm, or suggestive questions to communicate something important. Was your message understood correctly? |
| Identify three people with whom you primarily use indirect communication. What is the reason for this approach with them? | |
| What specific topics or situations cause you to communicate indirectly rather than directly? | |
| Indirect & Dishonest | Recall a time you used ambiguity or changed the subject to conceal information or avoid a direct conflict. What was the conflict you were avoiding? |
| Describe a recent instance of using a “white lie” or strategic omission to mislead someone without making a direct false statement. | |
| What problems have arisen from others misinterpreting your indirect or vague communication? |
Summary & Analysis
Based on your answers, what is your default communication pattern under stress?
What specific situations or relationships consistently trigger a shift in your communication style? Document one example.
What result or payoff do you get from your dominant communication style? What does it cost you?
Generated with Rapport7 — rapport7.com