What I learned about communication styles in a Zumba class

Watching how people express themselves in Zumba class made me realize how much we can learn about people and their communication styles.

Learning about others builds empathy

People with high levels of emotional intelligence in the area of empathy continue to learn things about individuals with whom they interact and build positive relationships.

When we take the time to learn more about our own and someone else’s communication style, we will find it easier to build and maintain relationships. While we are developing our “empathy” muscle, that is the intention to listen for and prioritize someone else’s needs, we will adapt our message and delivery to help meet their need. As a result, our interactions are more productive, efficient, and satisfying.

In part 2 of this blog, I will share more about ways to accommodate communication styles but offer illustrations of four styles by introducing you to characters who demonstrate them in a unique context, a Zumba class.

Observations in a Zumba class

If you have never attended a Zumba class, you should give it a try some time. The class lasts 45-60 minutes and offers a great cardio work out. If you are step counter, you can easily get in 5000 steps within the first 30 minutes. In one class I take, the step count is equivalent to a 5k. Steps and elevated heart rate are not the only benefits. Participants enjoy moving to Latin music, learning Latin dance steps and artistic placement of arms and hips to keep time with  the beat.

The class setting provides opportunities for socializing and exercising the mind too. To reap the full rewards of this type of exercise, frequent and consistent attendance is necessary, therefore, you see the same people three times week and quickly learn names, their preferred locations in the class, and information exchanged before and after class. As in many classes, you benefit by learning from those around you. When you cannot see the instructor, you watch classmates who catch on quickly (and usually occupy a place in the front of the class). You self-correct when your movement does not match that of the others or when others move into your space and you have not moved. Your mind and body are fully engaged throughout the workout.

Now that you have a sense of the context in which I observed these unique communication styles, I will introduce you to the characters and their communication styles. These are real people I have observed for the last 12 months. I have changed their names to protect their identity. Although the founder of Zumba, Beto Perez, is male, the class attracts more females than males, but some males have joined us.

The characters include GI Jane, whose execution and learning style are quick and exact; Loving life Lucy, who wants to have fun and keep moving, even if the movements are not perfect; Ballerina Val, whose kicks are higher than most and inspires everyone; Finally, there is cautious Cathy who will watch intently to master each step and may move slowly until she has perfected each movement.

As I describe each character and their communication style,

• identify someone you know who shares most of the characteristics and
• Identify your own style.

In part 2 of this series, I will share strategies for communicating with those whose style differs from your own.

Assertive and challenging

GI Jane’s purpose for being there is to get a great cardio workout. She walks into class at a fast pace and wants to see immediate results. Her need for success outweighs her need to socialize. She wants instruction in small bits of information. She catches on quickly and executes most of the moves with intensity. She expends all of her energy to get the work out she wants with full force. She does not want to wait, she listens for key instructions and doesn’t let others get in her way. She is usually one of the first to leave and may be perceived as lacking concern for others due to her direct and forceful nature.

Enthusiastic and encouraging

Loving life Lucy shows up to have a good time and get a good workout. She enjoys the music and movement. She enjoys socializing before, after, and even during quick water breaks. She listens and watches for instruction and executes quickly. Even if movements are wrong or she is headed in the opposite direction, she is there to enjoy movement and will correct when necessary. She is adaptive and gets others excited about being there. She wants to create an enjoyable environment and will sacrifice precision to achieve her primary goal. Because of this, she may not be perceived as someone who will follow through or pay close attention to detail. Because of her enthusiasm, she can encourage people to do things they might not normally do on their own.

Stable and supportive

Ballerina Valerie is there to enjoy the artistic flow. She likes precision and keeps her movements minimal until she can be sure she is able to execute. Others enjoy watching her lyrical style and will follow that style. Her ceiling-high kicks with a grounded foot in pointe are the envy and goal of observers. Her ballet posture conveys confidence. She values consistency. Certainty comes because she has had the training.

Precise and certain

Cautious Cathy waits to be sure she can execute each move and may even stand still until she does. She needs to watch it several times. She will stay in the back of the room, hidden, from mirrors that would reflect her mistakes. She will shuffle into the best position to view the instructor. Although she aims for perfection and may slow others down, her precision is enviable. She doesn’t like to make mistakes nor be criticized. She will ask questions to achieve certainty but will remain quiet and obscure.

Which style do you have?

Did you see yourself in one of these styles? Do you tend to have a fast-paced and outspoken communication style like Jane and Lucy or are you more cautious and reflective like Val and Cathy? Do you find it challenging to work with any of these styles? Being self-aware about how we might react to individuals who communicate differently is the first step to removing potential barriers.

In part 2 of this series, you’ll learn more about each style and pick up some strategies for communicating more effectively with each. Until then, identify individuals you encounter who demonstrate these styles.