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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Perceptual Style and Communication
What is Perceptual Style™ and how does it affect communication?
Perceptual Style™ is the natural filter you use to interpret the world. It shapes how you express yourself, what you pay attention to, and how you decode other people’s words, tone, and actions. It’s the core reason two people can hear the same message and walk away with different interpretations.
Why do people misunderstand each other even when they use the same words?
Because words are a shared code, but we each use different internal filters. Your Perceptual Style influences what those words mean to you. Miscommunication often happens when your meaning doesn’t match the other person’s interpretation.
What does it mean that communication is a “sender–receiver” process?
Every conversation has a sender (the one who communicates) and a receiver (the one who interprets). Both bring their Perceptual Style filters to the process. Messages get shaped, coded, decoded, and interpreted — and clarity can be lost at any point if the filters differ.
Can Perceptual Style™ explain why I communicate easily with some people but not others?
Yes. When your Perceptual Style naturally aligns with someone else’s, communication feels effortless. When styles differ significantly, you may experience misunderstandings, emotional friction, or differing expectations — even when both people have good intentions.
Do I need to change my personality to communicate better?
No. Perceptual Style is not about changing who you are. It’s about understanding your natural tendencies and expanding your communication toolkit so you can adjust when needed — without abandoning your authentic voice.
Why are the six Perceptual Styles important for communication?
Each style brings unique strengths: enthusiasm, clarity, harmony, results, structure, or vision. Knowing the six styles helps you recognize why others communicate the way they do — and how you can connect more effectively with each one.
How can Perceptual Style™ help me avoid misunderstandings?
By teaching you to:
recognize what others really mean,
adjust how you express yourself for clearer impact,
listen for clues in tone, pacing, and word choice,
and use empathy instead of assumptions.
Once you understand style differences, communication becomes more intentional and less reactive.
What’s the benefit of exploring how each Perceptual Style communicates?
It gives you a roadmap for interacting with anyone. Whether someone prefers connection, precision, understanding, results, structure, or inspiration, you can tailor your approach to create stronger, more meaningful conversations.
How do I know which Perceptual Style fits me best?
Most people see parts of themselves in several styles. The most accurate way to discover your true style is by taking the Perceptual Style Assessment™, which evaluates how you perceive, communicate, and make meaning naturally.
How will knowing my Perceptual Style improve my relationships?
It helps you:
communicate with empathy and clarity,
feel understood without over-explaining,
resolve conflict with less tension,
appreciate differences instead of battling them,
and create deeper personal and professional connections.
Understanding your Perceptual Style is the foundation of communication that feels authentic and effective.
Not sure which style fits you best?
Take the Perceptual Style Assessmentto discover your natural strengths
and receive your Celebrate You! action guide.
Discover the Six Perceptual Styles and How They Shape Your World
To see a three minute presentation on a specific Perceptual Styleplease click on the specific image below
