Passive, aggressive, and assertive communication describe three ends of a spectrum of how people express themselves and interact with others. Here’s a concise overview of each style, with typical behaviors, strengths, and drawbacks. Direct answer

• Passive communication
  • What it looks like: Soft-spoken, deferential, avoids expressing needs or opinions, often goes along with others even when uncomfortable, may apologize frequently, and avoids eye contact.
  • Typical behaviors: Agreeing to others’ requests even when it’s inconvenient, using vague language, changing the subject to avoid conflict, and letting others “take control” of conversations.
  • Pros and cons: Pros include reducing immediate conflict in the moment; cons include unmet needs, resentment, and misunderstandings over time.
  • When it shows up: In workplace meetings, family decisions, or social situations where the person fears confrontation or being disliked.
• Aggressive communication
  • What it looks like: Direct, forceful, and often disrespectful or domineering; expresses own needs at the expense of others; may threaten, belittle, or interrupt.
  • Typical behaviors: Shouting, name-calling, sarcasm, blaming, and pushing for one's own outcome without considering others’ rights.
  • Pros and cons: Pros include clear boundaries and quick decisions in the moment; cons include damaged relationships, increased defensiveness, and long-term conflict.
  • When it shows up: High-pressure negotiations, competitive settings, or conflicts where personal power feels at stake.
• Assertive communication
  • What it looks like: Confident, direct, respectful of both self and others; expresses needs and opinions clearly while listening to others.
  • Typical behaviors: Clear articulation of thoughts, using “I” statements (e.g., “I feel, I need”), appropriate eye contact, calm tone, and willingness to negotiate or compromise.
  • Pros and cons: Pros include healthier boundaries, better relationships, and more effective problem-solving; cons may include perceiving firmness as less flexible by some.
  • When it shows up: Most effective in teamwork, leadership, customer service, and any situation requiring collaboration and mutual respect.

Key distinctions

• Focus on needs: Passive tends to prioritize others’ needs over their own, aggressive prioritizes their own, and assertive balances both.
• Control of tone: Passive is subdued; aggressive is dominating; assertive is balanced and respectful.
• Impact on relationships: Passive can erode self-worth and lead to misunderstandings; aggressive can harm relationships and escalate conflict; assertive tends to strengthen communication and trust.

If you’d like, I can tailor examples or provide guidance on recognizing these styles in daily conversations, plus practical strategies to shift from passive or aggressive habits toward a more assertive approach.