Lynda-Ross Vega has been fascinated by what makes people tick since she was a child. Her curiosity about human diversity and how to bring out the best in each person led her to a multifaceted career in the financial, technology, and behavioral consulting sectors. She has played roles that include top executive, entrepreneur, business owner, consultant, coach, daughter, sister, wife, stepmother, and grandmother.
Gary Jordan, Ph.D., has over 40 years of experience in clinical psychology, behavior assessment, individual development, and coaching. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology—Berkeley in 1980.
Perceptual Style™ and Communication
A Shared Code with Unique Filters
Words are like a code we use to package our thoughts and send them out into the world. But here’s the catch: we don’t all use the same codebook. Your Perceptual Styleinfluences not just the words you choose, but also what those words mean to you—and what you expect them to mean to others.
Understanding Perceptual Styleisn’t about learning a new language — it’s about recognizing the unique ‘filter’ you (and others) bring to every conversation.
Communication is a Two-Way Street
Every interaction involves a sender and a receiver, each filtering the conversation through their Perceptual Style.Meaning can get scrambled at any point:
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You experience something and filter it through your Perceptual Style.
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You ‘code’ your experience into words, gestures, or tone.
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The other person decodes those signals through their Perceptual Style.
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Meaning is interpreted — and sometimes, it’s not what you intended.
But here’s the good news: communication isn’t a guessing game. With awareness and a few tools, you can bridge those gaps and make every interaction more effective.
Why Perceptual Style Matters in Communication
Understanding Perceptual Styleisn’t about changing who you are or how you communicate — it’s about expanding your toolkit. It’s about:
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Recognizing the differences in how people hear and interpret your words.
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Adjusting — not abandoning — your natural style to meet others where they are.
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Listening for clues about others’ Perceptual Styles to communicate more effectively.
When you start to see communication through the lens of Perceptual Style, it changes everything. Misunderstandings become opportunities for clarity, and disagreements shift into moments of connection. Communication becomes less about trying to be understood and more about truly understanding.
The Perceptual Style Difference
Developed by Dr. Gary Jordan PhD. and Lynda-Ross Vega, the Perceptual Style Theory™ reveals that we each perceive the world through a unique lens. This natural perspective — your Perceptual Style - shapes how you interact with others, express your ideas, and contribute in group settings.
There are six distinct Perceptual Styles,each with its own strengths, reactions, and approaches to collaboration. Knowing your Perceptual Stylehelps you:
Understand what makes communication feel comfortable and effective for you.
Play to your natural strengths in every conversation.
Build stronger connections in both personal and professional relationships.
Understanding your Perceptual Styleis the first step to creating authentic, meaningful communication that truly resonates with you and others.
Explore the Six Perceptual Styles and Communication
Curious about how different Perceptual Stylesapproach communication? Explore below for insights into each unique style:
Understanding your style is the first step. Recognizing and appreciating the strengths others bring to communication turns conversations into opportunities for connection and stronger relationships.
Not Sure Which Style Sounds Like You?
You’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. The best way to find out is by taking our Perceptual Style Assessment.
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Communicate with empathy, clarity, and confidence.
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Feel truly heard — and help others feel that way too.
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Resolve tension and misunderstandings without losing connection.
Curious to know more about each of the six Perceptual Styles?
To see a three minute presentation on a specific Perceptual Styleplease click on the specific image below
Frequently Asked Questions about Perceptual Style and Collaboration
What is Perceptual Style™?
Perceptual Style Theory™ explains how people experience the world differently based on their natural way of perceiving and interpreting information. It defines six distinct Perceptual Styles, each with unique strengths, blind spots, and preferred interaction methods.
How does Perceptual Style influence communication?
Perceptual Style affects not only the words a person chooses but also what those words mean to them and how they expect others to interpret them. It acts as a “filter” through which all interactions are experienced.
What are the key steps in communication according to the Perceptual Style model?
Communication involves four key steps:
Experiencing something and filtering it through your Perceptual Style.
Encoding that experience into words, gestures, or tone.
The receiver decoding those signals through their own Perceptual Style.
Interpreting the meaning, which may differ from the sender’s intent.
Why is understanding Perceptual Style important in conversations?
Understanding Perceptual Style helps recognize differences in how people hear and interpret words, adjust your natural style to connect better with others, and listen for clues to communicate more effectively.
Who developed Perceptual Style Theory™?
Dr. Gary Jordan, Ph.D., and Lynda-Ross Vega co-created Perceptual Style Theory™ in 1983.
How many distinct Perceptual Styles are there, and why does this matter?
There are six distinct Perceptual Styles. Knowing your style and recognizing others’ styles helps improve communication, leverage natural strengths, and build stronger personal and professional relationships.
What is the Perceptual Style Assessment™ (PSA)?
The PSA is an online tool that uncovers a person’s unique Perceptual Style by having them rate how well a series of adjectives describe them. This reveals which of the six styles matches their natural way of seeing the world.
Can Perceptual Style be changed?
No, it’s not about changing your style but expanding your communication toolkit. Awareness of different styles allows you to adjust how you interact with others without abandoning your natural way of communicating.
What are the key steps in communication according to the Perceptual Style model?
Communication involves four key steps:
Experience and internal filtering.
encoding the message.
decoding by the receiver.
interpretation and meaning.
Where can I learn more about the six Perceptual Styles in action?
Your page offers insights into each style through detailed descriptions, real-life applications, and video overviews. You can explore links such as Activity, Adjustments, Flow, Goals, Methods, and Vision to see how each style contributes to collaboration and team success.