Communication Style Inventory

Directions: For each question below, record the response that is the most characteristic of you.

1. I am likely to impress others as:

(a) practical and to the point.
(b) emotional and energetic.
(c) thoughtful.
(d) intellectually oriented and somewhat complex.

2. In the way I work on projects, I may:

(a) want to make sure the project has tangible results that will justify spending my time and energy on it.
(b) want it to be stimulating and involve lively interaction on with others.
(c) concentrate to make sure the project is systematically or logically developed.
(d) be most concerned as to whether the project contributes something new.

3. In communicating with others, I may:

(a) tend to ignore those who talk about "long-range implications" and direct attention to what needs to be done right now.
(b) show little interest in thoughts and ideas that show little or no originality.
(c) convey impatience with those who express ideas that are obviously not thought through.
(d) express unintended boredom with talk that is too detailed.

4. When confronted by others with a different point of view, I can usually make progress by:

(a) getting at least one or two specific commitments on which we can "build" later.
(b) trying to place myself in the "shoes of others."
(c) keeping my composure and helping others to see things simply and logically.
(d) relying on my basic ability to conceptualize and pull ideas together.

5. In terms of the dimension of time, I probably concentrate most on:

(a) my immediate actions and involvement, and whether they make sense today.
(b) whether what I'm doing will become a meaningful memory.
(c) making sure that any actions I take are consistent and part of a systematic progression.
(d) long-range problem-solving, rather than implementing solutions.

6. In reacting to individuals whom I meet, I am likely to consider whether:

(a) they know what they're doing and can get things done.
(b) they are interesting and fun to be with.
(c) seem thoughtful and reflective.
(d) they can contribute ideas and challenge.

7. I feel satisfied with myself when I:

(a) get a more definite thing accomplished that I planned.
(b) comprehend the underlying feelings of others and react in a helpful way.
(c) solve a problem by using a logical or systematic method.
(d) develop new thoughts or ideas that can be related.

8. I find it easy to be convincing when I am:

(a) down to earth and to the point.
(b) in touch with my feelings and those of others.
(c) logical, patient, and forbearing.
(d) intellectually on top of things and take all relevant factors into account.

9. I enjoy it when others see me as:

(a) a dependable individual who gets things done and "comes through."
(b) creative and stimulating.
(c) an individual who knows where she's/he's going and who has the competence to get there.
(d) intellectually gifted and having vision.

Adapted from:

3, 2003, from http://www.uidaho.edu/pathways/hr/social-services/activity.htm