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I’ve learned one thing for sure: communication isn’t just about talking — it’s about connection. Whether it’s with friends, colleagues, or clients, how we express ourselves shapes our relationships and opportunities. Over the years, I’ve realized that understanding personality types, especially the expressive personality, can be a game-changer in how we connect with others.
Let’s get into what makes expressive people tick and how you (or someone you know) can harness this personality type for better communication.
Who Are Expressive Personalities? (Hint: You Might Be One)
Expressive people are the ones who bring energy into every room. They’re enthusiastic, emotional, and love to share stories. Honestly, I can relate — I’ve always been the person who gets a little too excited telling a good story or brainstorming a wild new idea. Expressives thrive on interaction and are great at making people feel connected.1
But there’s a flip side. Sometimes, expressives can dominate conversations, overlook details, or let emotions get the best of them. Recognizing these tendencies isn’t a flaw — it’s an opportunity to grow and communicate even better. Psychologist Kasturi M explains it really well.
Why Understanding Personality Types Matters
I used to think good communication was just about “being clear”. Turns out it’s way more nuanced. People process information differently.2 Some are analytical and detail-focused, others are goal-oriented and straight to the point. Expressives? We’re big picture thinkers, idea-driven and emotionally expressive.
When I started paying attention to these differences, my conversations improved instantly. Understanding how others prefer to communicate helps prevent misunderstandings and allows you to adjust your style for better results.3
How Expressives Can Level Up Their Communication
One of the best lessons I’ve learned is the power of self-awareness. Expressive people feel things deeply4 — and that’s a superpower when channeled right. But we need to stay mindful and not overwhelm others with too much emotion or go off on tangents.
Active listening was another game changer for me. I used to be so eager to share my thoughts, I’d miss half of what others were saying. Now I make a conscious effort to slow down, really listen, and respond thoughtfully. It’s not always easy, but it builds trust and makes conversations feel more meaningful.
Working with Different Personality Types
Let’s be real — working with people who communicate differently can be annoying. I’ve been guilty of thinking, “Why can’t they just think like I do?” But learning to appreciate those differences is key. While we don’t know the sure exactly how many personality types there are, there are certainly at least 16.5 Understanding the traits and nuances of each can help us rediscover our own personality.
For instance, when talking to analytical or task-focused people, I’ve learned to back up my ideas with facts and keep them concise. It shows respect and makes collaboration smoother. And I’ve seen how my enthusiasm brings warmth and creativity into otherwise dull conversations. It’s all about balance.
The Art of Adapting to Different Situations
One thing expressives do well is adapt on the fly. Being adaptable means having the ability to respond effectively to change by reassessing the situation and finding the best path forward.6 We’re comfortable with change and new situations. But effective communication means knowing when to turn the volume up or down.
Whether I’m in a formal meeting or a casual coffee chat, I try to “read the room” and adjust my tone accordingly. This flexibility has helped me connect with people from all walks of life.
Final Thoughts: Connection Over Perfection
At the end of the day, communication isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real, relatable, and intentional. If you’re an expressive personality (or working with one), the goal isn’t to change who you are. It’s to fine-tune how you connect with others.
For me, learning to balance my natural enthusiasm with self-awareness has made me a better communicator — and a better listener. It’s a journey, but it’s worth it.
References
- Discover The Expressive-Style Person [Online]. Human Logic. Available at: https://humanlogicacademy.com/behavior-styles/expressive/ (Accessed: 3 June 2025). ↩︎
- (2023). Everyone Processes Information Differently [Online]. LITERARY TITAN. Available at: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/09/everyone-processes-information-differently/ (Accessed: 3 June 2025). ↩︎
- [Online]. Available at: https://umatter.princeton.edu/respect/tools/communication-styles (Accessed: 3 June 2025). ↩︎
- Being with others and feeling happy: Emotional expressivity in everyday life [Online]. PMC . Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4803035/ (Accessed: 3 June 2025). ↩︎
- (2024). 16 Personality Types: Discover Your Psychological Profile [Online]. Available at: https://timespro.com/blog/what-are-the-16-different-personality-types-and-how-to-identify-them (Accessed: 3 June 2025). ↩︎
- I. Kyalo, (2019). Adaptability on the fly [Online]. Medium. Available at: https://medium.com/@isaacnkyalo/adaptability-on-the-fly-37c963cba529 (Accessed: 3 June 2025). ↩︎
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