Speech 102 & Speech 200 Buxton

Communication Climate

DEFENSIVE AND SUPPORTIVE BEHAVIORS

J. GIBBS

Behavior That Makes People Defensive	Behavior That Reduces Defensiveness
EVALUATION Judgments or assessments of another that imply “You’re not OK.”	DESCRIPTION Statements that confirm the other as OK and treat the other with respect.
CONTROL Behaviors that attempt to manipulate others – or impose a point of view.	PROBLEM ORIENTATION Behavior that makes clear your desire to cooperate in defining/solving a problem.
STRATEGY To pre-plan a goal, then talk the other into believing it was his or her idea.	SPONTANEITY Straightforward, candid expression of one’s own attitudes, beliefs, and feelings
NEUTRALITY Behavior that treats another person as a thing, capable only of functions, not choices.	EMPATHY Behavior that attempt to identify with another’s thinking and feeling and confirm his or her values and beliefs.
SUPERIORITY Behaviors that express or imply a “one-up” position.	EQUALITY “I’m OK – you’re OK” behavior.
CERTAINTY Behavior that shows rigid commitment to an idea or position. “I am right – you are wrong.”	PROVISIONALISM Shows of willingness to be tentative, to cooperate, and to develop a Win-Win definition of a situation.