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Conversation Style Guide (CSG)

Conversation Style Guide (CSG)

Thank you for your interest in the Conversation Style Guide (CSG).  The survey should take you about 10-15 minutes to complete. After you submit your responses, you will receive a customized report on your personal conversational style, its strengths and limitations.

 
Purpose of the Conversational Style Guide (CSG):

We each have a basic style of talking and listening. It's part of who you are, like your name or how you dress. Your "conversation style" is a collection of attitudes, habits, skills and preferences for relating to others in a way that is most natural and comfortable for you. The Conversation Style Guide is designed to help you understand your fundamental conversation style, your "default" mode, how you prefer to talk, listen, and relate. 

Your style is one primary influence on how you converse. A second significant influence is the unique circumstance of any interaction - whom you are talking with, the roles and relationships involved, the topic, your mood, the setting, time available etc. 

In any given conversation, the unique circumstances of the moment plus your default "conversation style" merge to determine how you will conduct yourself. Much of this happens subconsciously. The CSG will make this process more conscious by giving you insights into your unique style.  As you become more aware of your default style, you can choose consciously to further develop and rely on that style, or you can explore ways to migrate to, or include aspects of, other styles. With increased awareness, you will make better, more conscious choices, thus becoming a more mindful, more skilled and more successful conversationalist. 

Format
The questions in the CSG are divided into four sections:

   1. One-on-one conversations
   2. Group conversations
   3. General Communication
   4. Closing

Scope
For the purposes of this survey please consider ONLY conversations that are:

Real-Time (i.e. not using text messaging, email or other asynchronous means of communication. You may consider conversations that are not face-to-face but use technology, such as phone, video, real-tme connecting via computer apps etc.)
Adult-to-adult
Examples would include dinner with a friend, problem-solving with colleagues at work, a neighborhood party, meeting with your boss, a family reunion, waiting in line at the grocery store etc.

Your Approach to Answering
Don't overthink your answers. Usually, the first answer that feels right represents your most basic tendency. There are also spaces where you can write in any additional thoughts you wish. 

 
l.  ONE-ON-ONE CONVERSATIONS 

For the questions below select the ONE item that best represents your typical behavior in ONE-ON-ONE conversation.
 
1. Which ONE statement is MOST true when you are in a conversation with one other person. 
2. When a conversation goes in a direction that you think is inappropriate or ill-advised, which ONE of the following best describes how you might handle it?
3. Which ONE of the following statements is most true for you when you want to say something in a one-on-one conversation? 
Please indicate your level of agreement or disagreement with each of the following statements when in a one-on-one conversation. 
 
4. I typically speak more than I listen.
Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagreeUncertain
5. I express myself freely, both speaking and listening.
Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagreeUncertain
6. I often reflect back what I’ve heard to communicate my understanding or request clarification where necessary.
Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagreeUncertain
7. I watch and listen closely to learn how I am being perceived.
Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagreeUncertain
ll.  GROUP CONVERSATION

For the next set of questions, please answer in relation to being WITH A GROUP (3 OR MORE) PEOPLE.
 
9. Select the ONE statement from below that best matches your feelings when in a group. 
10. Which ONE of the following is your biggest challenge when in a group?
11. Which ONE of the following statements is most true for you when in a group?
12. Which ONE of the following statements best represents how other people most likely view your behavior in group situations?
Please indicate your level of agreement or disagreement with each of the following statements with regard to A GROUP (3 OR MORE) PEOPLE.. 
13. In groups, I am often one of the most quiet.
Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagreeUncertain
14. In groups, I often find myself leading the discussion or setting the tone.
Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagreeUncertain
15. I enjoy being the center of attention in a group.
Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagreeUncertain
16. In groups, I often find myself wondering how others are feeling.
Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagreeUncertain
lll. GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS

Please select the answer(s) that most accurately reflects your view in each question.
18. Do you prefer spending time with people one-on-one or as part of a group?
19. Overall, what level of impact has the availability of Internet technology (smart phones, email, social media etc.) had on your communication? (maximum of 1 responses)
20. How has technology impacted your communication?
21. What qualities or behaviors of yours (maximum 2) most help you to listen effectively and connect with others?
22. What qualities or behaviors of yours (maximum 2) most interfere with your listening effectively and connecting with others?
23. Would you judge your own listening skills to be:
24. What qualities or behaviors of yours (maximum 2) most help you to speak effectively with others (one on one or in small groups)?
25. What qualities or behaviors (Maximum 2) most interfere with your ability to speak effectively with others (one on one or in small groups)?
26. Would you judge your own speaking skills to be:
27. What are the most critical factors (Maximum 2) that influence anyone's ability to create effective face-to-face interaction with others?
lV.  CLOSING
29. What is your gender?
30. Into which of the following age categories do you fall?
31. In order to receive customized feedback on your specific style, please provide your contact information. (I promise never to abuse or distribute your email address to anyone.) If you're not interested in receiving your personalized report, enter only the information you wish to share.
This question requires a valid email address.
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