Communication –What is Your Learning Style?

By Gail Solish, Personal/Executive Coach

Do you know how you learn best? If so how has that information helped you achieve success in your business and personal life? Many people have little awareness of how they learn which leaves them at risk for misunderstanding information and thus missing opportunities. The more you understand how you learn, the greater the potential for success.

There are three primary learning styles – auditory, visual and kinesthetic. Many individuals have a combination of styles.

Auditory learners learn through listening. They take in information through lectures, discussions, listening to others comments and talking things through. They listen for the tone, pitch and nuances in someone’s speech. These individuals may find it helpful to read aloud because information then becomes more meaningful.

Using a tape recorder during lectures and having the opportunity to play it back punctuates their learning. The same is true for recording their presentations. It allows them to “hear” and then modify the information they would like others to learn. When they use a computer having a program which “speaks” the information while they read heightens their ability to understand.

Visual learners need to see the body language and facial expressions of people in order to learn. They often think in pictures and relate well to diagrams, graphs, handouts and flipcharts. These folks tend to take lots of notes during lectures and workshops as a way of retaining the information. The act of writing and then reading it helps to cement the data. When these individuals do presentations they to use many visual aids such as pictures, video clips and charts.

Highlighting when they read and reviewing handouts helps them to consolidate their learning. One client used to highlight reports with different colors. Each color represented a specific aspect that he wanted to follow up on. Another client used a daily planner in which different colors represented various responsibilities in her life. If you are not a visual learner you might actually feel overwhelmed by the use of all that color.

Kinesthetic or tactile learners learn through touching and doing. Often they are described as “hands on” learners. These individuals may have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time: they need to explore their environment. They can become restless during meetings and presentations. This does not mean they are bored but rather sitting and listening is not their primary way of taking in information.

If you want a kinesthetic learner to grasp a new concept, walk them through it while they do it. For instance if a new computer application needs to be learned sit them down at the computer and have them use the program as a way of mastering it.

You may have more than one learning style but knowing how you learn is key. This information is relevant when you move into the work environment. You often will be required to absorb a great deal of information for your job. The more familiar you are with how you learn the better prepared you will be.

It will also be useful for you to note how others learn. If you are a manager or employer the more aware you become of your employees learning styles, the better able you will be to provide the information and direction which suits them. When you prepare a presentation make sure you have included all 3 learning styles as a way of reaching your audience.

Knowing your learning style and being aware of others demonstrates that you recognize the importance of developing a positive work environment and have good leadership skills.

Copyright © 2009 by Gail Solish.  All rights reserved.

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About the Author

Gail Solish, MSW is a Communication and Relationship Coach helping people expand their communication skills, develop positive business and personal relationships and create a balanced life. Visit www.actualizeyourgoals.com or email coach@gailsolish.com. Get your Free Report on the 7 Keys to Effective Communication today.