Life Skills and Leadership Manual - Peace Corps

Life Skills & Leadership: Unit 2, Session 2: Positive Communication | Page 28 of 127

Style Description Advantages Possible Problem When to Use

Direct

Ideas, feelings, wants,

needs, and requests

are stated simply,

bluntly, to the point,

with fewer words

Gives an opportunity

to get things done

quickly

Leaves little room for

confusion

Hurting the feelings of

other people

Not showing enough

respect, especially to

elders

When under time

pressure

In an emergency

When it is culturally

acceptable to use this

style

Indirect

Ideas, feelings, wants,

needs, and requests

are stated

roundabout, less to

the point, more like a

hint or suggestion, not

specifically stated

Gives an opportunity

for people to disagree,

be polite, be wrong, or

save face

Misunderstanding of

what the person really

wants, needs, or feels

The need for practice

to interpret

statements

When there is more

than one correct

action or answer

When direct

statements are

culturally

inappropriate

Handout 1: Direct and Indirect Communication