Understanding your preferred communication style can significantly enhance your relationship with your healthcare team and empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
It’s not just about how you communicate – it’s also about how you prefer to receive information. When there’s a mismatch between your communication style and your doctor’s, it can create challenges in understanding and decision-making, so it’s important to be aware of your preferences and your doctor’s style.
Mark Murphy, a leadership expert and best-selling author, describes four key communication styles that can shape how you prefer to receive information from your doctor:
Analytical
- You prefer facts, data, and clear, logical explanations. You feel most comfortable when information is supported by numbers or research.
- Tips: Ask for evidence behind recommendations, take notes, and request more detail if something feels unclear.
Intuitive
- You lean towards big-picture thinking and want the overall plan without getting bogged down in the details. You appreciate direct, concise conversations.
- Tips: Focus on goals and the broad plan. Let your doctor know how much detail you need to feel comfortable.
Functional
- You appreciate structured plans with clear timelines. Confidence comes from having a step-by-step approach to decision-making and treatment.
- Tips: Request clear explanations and next steps, ask questions at each appointment, and use tools to stay organized.
Personal
- You connect emotionally and value relationships. Understanding how you feel – and how others feel – matters as much as the facts themselves.
- Tips: Share how you’re feeling, what matters most to you, and how you prefer to receive information (e.g. gently or directly).
Due to their professional training and focus on medical data and structured processes, many doctors may favour analytical and functional styles. However, if your preferred style is more intuitive or personal, you may find it challenging to connect. Recognizing this difference is the first step toward improving communication with your doctor.
Being aware of your “reception style” can help you express your needs more clearly and feel more confident in conversations with your care team. Even small adjustments can make a big difference!
If your doctor’s style doesn’t match yours, don’t hesitate to speak up and let them know how you prefer to receive information.
Your communication style may shift over time, particularly as your health journey progresses or your needs change. Regularly checking in with yourself can help ensure your conversations remain focused on what matters most to you.
To dive deeper into each communication style and find more helpful tips, read the full article.
For more information on talking with your doctor, visit the Navigating the Health Care System section of CLL Canada’s Information and Resource Centre.