Here are descriptions of the 4 Communications Styles, along with traits and examples.
DEMONSTRATORS
Demonstrators are people-oriented, fast-paced and enthusiastic. They usually have more open and casual body language. They tend to be animated and outgoing, and prefer an informal atmosphere. Demonstrators can be outrageous, spontaneous, excitable and sociable. They are ideas people who like to be in the limelight. If over-balanced in this style some weaknesses may show up such as being unreliable, self-centered, overly optimistic and indiscriminate.
How to recognize Demonstrators:
They tend to: 1.) Be somewhat disorganized; 2.) Have trouble being on time and keeping track of detail; 3.) Wear bright colors; 4.) Sit in an open posture; 5.) Take the initiative in the conversation; 6.) Laugh easily and loudly; 7.) Are fun-loving; 8.) Like to talk about themselves.
Types of professions where you find many Demonstrators:
•Salesperson; Trial Lawyer; Entertainer; Public Relations Officer; Advertising Executive; Social director
Famous people who are predominantly Demonstrators: Steve Martin; Carol Burnett; Robin Williams; Jim Carey Lucille Ball; Jerry Lewis; Elvis Presley; Marilyn Monroe; Charlie Chaplin
ASSERTORS
Assertors are fast-paced and direct, like Demonstrators, but are more task-oriented, than people-oriented. They tend to be hard working, ambitious, leader types. They are good at making decisions quickly and efficiently. They are goal-oriented, assertive and confident. Assertors are the take-charge people who let nothing stop them. If over-balanced in this style some weaknesses may show up such as being too impatient, competitive and judgmental.
How to recognize Assertors:
They tend to: 1.) Like timeliness and efficiency; 2.) Look and appear powerful and formal; 3.) Be highly discriminating in many areas (people, opportunities, food, etc.); 4.) Laugh less frequently than demonstrators;
5.)Maintain a more serious demeanor; 6.) Take a leadership role in most situations; 7.) Ask pointed or challenging questions; 8.) Have strong opinions and creative ideas to share
Types of professions where you find many Assertors: Corporate CEO; Politician; Stockbroker; Lawyer; Drill sergeant; Film/TV Director; Entrepreneur
Famous people who are predominantly Assertors: Jonathan Winters; Joan Rivers; Muhammed Ali Clint Eastwood; Candace Bergen; David Letterman; Margaret Thatcher
CONTEMPLATORS
Contemplators are task-oriented like Assertors. However they are more indirect and slow-paced. Contemplators tend to be analytical, detail-oriented, thinker types. They are persistent, good problem solvers, and pride themselves on their orderliness and accuracy. Often seen alone, they tend to have quiet, low-key personalities. If over-balanced in this style some weaknesses may show up such as being too withdrawn, rigid, closed-minded, and overly pessimistic.
How to recognize Contemplators:
They tend to: 1.) Wear conservative, simple, functional clothing; 2.) Sit in a closed posture; 3.) Keep to themselves 4.) Not initiate conversations, wait for you to do that; 5.) Take copious notes; 6.) Stay serious, rarely laugh; 7.) Like to hear facts, figures, statistics and proof.
Types of professions where you find many Contemplators: Accountant; Secretary; Bookkeeper; Engineer Electrician; Plumber; Jeweler; Scientist
Famous people who are predominantly Contemplators: Albert Einstein; Woody Allen; Victor Borge; Carl Sagan Al Gore; Angela Lansbury
NARRATORS
Narrators are slow-paced and indirect like Contemplators, but they are more people-oriented like Demonstrators. They are warm, friendly, gentle and cooperative. They highly value relationships over goals. They are good at listening, have a sweet temperament, and tend to be open-minded. Most people find them to be loving, and emotionally intuitive. If over-balanced in this style it can show up as overly meek and easily sidetracked.
How to recognize Narrators:
They tend to: 1.) Come across as very accommodating and helpful; 2.) Wear casual, simple clothing, nothing too loud; 3.) Take the initiative to create relationships, like to both talk and listen; 4.) Have pictures of family on their desk; 5.) Laugh quietly and often (but sometimes they’re laughing just to be polite); 6.) Show gratitude easily
Types of professions where you find many Narrators: Counselor; Teacher; Minister; Human Resources Manager Nurse; Social Worker
Famous people who are predominantly Narrators: Mary Tyler Moore; Bill Cosby, John Candy, Mr. Rogers Dan Ackroyd, Jimmy Carter; Barbara Walters; Bill Clinton; Florence Nightingale
