Perceptual Style: Improve Communication and Connection

Communication is a Two-Way Street

Great collaboration creates outcomes that are richer, more creative, and deeply satisfying

Every interaction involves a sender and a receiver, each filtering the conversation through their Perceptual Style. Meaning can get scrambled at any point:

You experience something and filter it through your Perceptual Style.
You ‘code’ your experience into words (or gestures, tone, etc.).
The other person decodes those words through their Perceptual Style.
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 Style isn’t about changing who you are or how you communicate — it’s about expanding your toolkit. It’s about:

Recognizing the differences in how people hear and interpret your words.
Adjusting — not abandoning — your natural style to meet others where they are.
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.

Frustrated by clashing approaches to problem-solving?

What is the Perceptual Style Theory™?

Created by Gary M. Jordan, PhD, and Lynda-Ross Vega, Perceptual Style Theory™, reveals that we each have a unique way of perceiving the world. This natural perspective — your Perceptual Style — shapes how you approach challenges, opportunities, and yes, communication.

There are six distinct Perceptual Styles each with its own strengths, reactions, and strategies for handling collaboration. Knowing your Perceptual Style helps you:

Understand what makes communication comfortable and effective for you.
Play to your natural strengths in conversations.
Build stronger connections in both personal and professional relationships.

Visual guide to the six Perceptual Styles and their approach to change

Explore the Six Perceptual Styles and Collaboration

Curious about how different Perceptual Styles approach collaboration? Explore below for insights into each unique style:

1. Activity:
Sharing Experiences Through Connection

You bring excitement and enthusiasm
to every conversation.

2. Adjustments:
Communicating with Thoughtful Precision

You value clarity, accuracy,
and well-organized exchanges.

3. Flow:
Building Connection Through Understanding

You focus on creating a sense of belonging
and mutual respect.

4. Goals:
Driving Conversations Toward Results

You communicate with purpose,
focus, and clear direction.

5. Methods:
Bringing Clarity to Communication

You excel at transforming detailed information
into clear, meaningful exchanges.

6. Vision:
Shaping Communication for Impact

You use words to spark imagination,
motivation, and change.

Not Sure Which Style Sounds Like You?

That’s where the Perceptual Style Assessment makes a difference. In just a few minutes you'll:

Discover your unique Perceptual Style.
Learn how to communicate in a way that feels natural and effective.
Receive a 45-page Celebrate You! action guide with tools and insights tailored to you.

TAKE THE PERCEPTUAL STYLE ASSESSMENT NOW

Why Understanding Your Perceptual Style Matters

Communication is at the heart of every connection, decision, and relationship. When you know your natural approach to communication, you gain the confidence to: