People communicate in different ways. Communication style is influenced by a combination of factors, including personality, culture, professional background, emotional state, neurotype, previous experiences and the context in which communication occurs.

Within assistance animal organisations, professionals frequently work across disciplines and with individuals who may have different communication expectations, preferences and approaches. Understanding communication styles is therefore essential for maintaining respectful relationships and effective collaboration.

A skilled communicator recognises that differences in communication style do not necessarily indicate differences in:

• competence;
• professionalism;
• commitment;
• understanding;
• respect.

Instead, effective communication requires flexibility, curiosity and the ability to adapt approaches to suit the person and situation.

Understanding Communication Styles

Communication style refers to the patterns individuals use when expressing thoughts, needs, opinions and emotions.

Communication styles influence:

• how people provide information;
• how they respond to feedback;
• how they manage disagreement;
• how they express concerns;
• how they interpret interactions.

Communication styles are not fixed personality categories. People may communicate differently depending on:

• their role;
• the environment;
• their relationship with others;
• their emotional state;
• their level of confidence;
• the perceived safety of the interaction.

For example, a person may communicate confidently within their area of expertise but become quieter when speaking in an unfamiliar professional environment.

Common Communication Styles

Assertive Communication

Assertive communication involves expressing thoughts, feelings, needs and boundaries clearly while respecting the rights and perspectives of others.

Assertive communication aims to achieve mutual understanding rather than dominance or avoidance.

Characteristics include:

• clear expression of ideas;
• respectful language;
• appropriate boundaries;
• willingness to listen;
• confidence in communicating needs.

Examples:

“I understand your perspective; however, I have concerns about the potential welfare implications.”

“I would like to clarify the expectations before proceeding.”

Assertive communication is considered a constructive professional communication style because it allows people to advocate for themselves while maintaining respectful relationships.

Passive Communication

Passive communication occurs when a person does not clearly express their thoughts, needs or concerns.

This may involve:

• avoiding disagreement;
• allowing others to make decisions without input;
• failing to raise concerns;
• minimising personal needs.

Passive communication may occur because a person:

• lacks confidence;
• feels intimidated;
• fears conflict;
• perceives a power imbalance.

Although passive communication may appear agreeable, it can create problems when important information or concerns are not shared.

Within assistance animal practice, failure to raise concerns about:

• animal welfare;
• safety;
• professional boundaries;
• ethical issues;

can have significant consequences.

Aggressive Communication

Aggressive communication involves expressing thoughts or needs in a way that disregards or undermines others.

Examples include:

• personal attacks;
• intimidation;
• dismissive language;
• threatening behaviour;
• dominating conversations.

Aggressive communication often focuses on winning an interaction rather than achieving understanding.

For example:

“You clearly do not understand what you are talking about.”

This approach damages relationships and reduces psychological safety.

Passive-Aggressive Communication

Passive-aggressive communication involves indirect expression of frustration or disagreement.

Examples include:

• sarcasm;
• withholding information;
• subtle criticism;
• deliberately delaying cooperation;
• expressing disagreement indirectly.

Passive-aggressive communication can be particularly damaging because concerns are not openly addressed, making resolution difficult.

Communication Style and Professional Culture

Communication styles are influenced by professional environments.

Different disciplines may develop different communication norms.

For example:

A veterinarian may communicate using clinical terminology focused on health risks.

A trainer may communicate using behavioural terminology.

A disability professional may communicate using functional or participation-based language.

A person with lived experience may communicate from personal experience and practical knowledge.

Differences in language and style do not mean one perspective is more valid than another.

Effective interdisciplinary communication requires professionals to translate information across perspectives.

Adapting Communication Approaches

Communication adaptability is the ability to modify communication methods based on:

• the individual;
• the purpose of the conversation;
• the environment;
• accessibility needs;
• professional context.

Adaptability does not mean changing personal values or becoming inauthentic.

It means recognising that effective communication requires consideration of the person receiving the message.

Communication Adaptability in Practice

Examples of adapting communication include:

Adjusting Communication Complexity

A professional may need to explain technical information differently depending on the audience.

For example:

A veterinary explanation of a medical condition may need to be communicated differently to:

• another veterinarian;
• an assistance animal trainer;
• a handler;
• a member of the public.

The information remains accurate, but the communication approach changes.

Considering Communication Preferences

Some people prefer:

• verbal discussion;
• written information;
• visual information;
• additional processing time;
• structured conversations.

Respecting communication preferences improves understanding and participation.

Recognising Cultural and Individual Differences

People may have different expectations regarding:

• directness;
• eye contact;
• silence;
• questioning;
• disagreement;
• hierarchy.

These differences should not automatically be interpreted negatively.

For example:

A person who pauses before answering may be carefully considering their response.

A person who asks many questions may be seeking accuracy rather than challenging authority.

Communication and Neurodiversity

Neurodivergent individuals may communicate in different ways due to differences in:

• information processing;
• sensory experiences;
• communication preferences;
• social interaction styles.

Examples may include:

• preferring direct communication;
• requiring additional processing time;
• preferring written instructions;
• finding unstructured conversations challenging.

These differences should not automatically be interpreted as:

• rudeness;
• lack of interest;
• poor professionalism;
• lack of understanding.

Inclusive communication focuses on effectiveness rather than expecting everyone to communicate identically.

High-Context and Low-Context Communication

Communication theory often describes cultures and communication environments as varying in how much information is communicated directly.

Low-Context Communication

Information is usually communicated explicitly.

Examples:

• direct instructions;
• clear expectations;
• detailed explanations.

High-Context Communication

Meaning may rely more heavily on:

• relationships;
• shared understanding;
• context;
• non-verbal communication.

Neither approach is superior.

Misunderstandings can occur when people with different communication expectations interact.

Professionals should focus on clarification rather than judgement.

Communication Under Stress

People’s communication styles can change during stressful situations.

Stress may affect:

• tone;
• patience;
• listening ability;
• emotional regulation;
• ability to process information.

In assistance animal practice, emotionally significant situations may include:

• assessment outcomes;
• animal retirement;
• complaints;
• disagreements;
• welfare decisions.

Professionals should recognise stress responses while maintaining respectful communication and professional boundaries.

Balancing Adaptability and Authenticity

Communication adaptability does not mean that professionals must suppress their own communication style.

Instead, it involves finding approaches that allow mutual understanding.

For example:

A direct communicator does not need to become indirect.

However, they may need to consider:

• how their wording is received;
• whether additional context is needed;
• whether the other person has had an opportunity to respond.

Similarly, a person who avoids conflict may need support to communicate concerns clearly.

Communication Styles and Conflict

Differences in communication styles can contribute to conflict when people interpret differences negatively.

Examples:

A direct communicator may perceive a less direct communicator as unclear.

A reflective communicator may perceive a fast responder as impulsive.

A person who prefers written communication may be viewed incorrectly as disengaged.

Effective professionals avoid assuming negative intent and instead seek understanding.

Professional Communication Principles

Regardless of individual communication style, professional communication should maintain:

• respect;
• clarity;
• honesty;
• accountability;
• appropriate boundaries;
• willingness to listen.

Professionalism does not require identical communication styles.

It requires the ability to work effectively despite differences.

Key Practice Principle

Effective communication is not about finding one “correct” communication style.

It is about recognising differences and developing the ability to communicate across them.

Skilled professionals understand:

different styles do not mean different abilities.

Positive communication requires:

self-awareness + adaptability + respect + clarity + willingness to understand.