Southwest Airlines Professional Communications Certification Practice Exam

In communication, which of the following is typically not a characteristic of aggressive communication?

1. Expressing own needs directly

2. Respecting others’ feelings

3. Dismissing others’ viewpoints

4. Using confrontational language

The correct answer is: Respecting others’ feelings

In the context of communication styles, aggressive communication is characterized by a focus on expressing one’s own needs and desires without regard for others’ feelings or viewpoints. This includes behaviors such as dismissing other perspectives and using confrontational language, which are hallmark traits of an aggressive communication style. The correct answer highlights that respecting others’ feelings is not typical of aggressive communication. Instead, aggressive communicators often prioritize their own needs and may do so in a way that overrides or disregards the emotional states and viewpoints of those around them. This lack of consideration for others is what distinguishes aggressive communication from assertive or collaborative styles, which do prioritize respect and empathy. Effective communication ideally seeks a balance between expressing one's own needs and respecting others, which is clearly not aligned with aggressive communication.