Which of the following are common communication styles?

The correct answer identifies assertive, passive, and aggressive as common communication styles, which reflects a widely accepted categorization in communication studies.

Assertive communication is characterized by a clear expression of thoughts and needs while respecting the rights of others. People who communicate assertively often establish healthy boundaries and convey confidence. Passive communication, on the other hand, involves avoiding expressing one's own needs or opinions, often leading to frustrations and misunderstandings. Aggressive communication is marked by hostility and an attempt to dominate or belittle others, often resulting in conflict.

Understanding these three styles helps individuals navigate interactions by recognizing their own tendencies and adapting their communication strategies for more effective exchanges. Because these styles represent how individuals can express themselves in various social settings, they are foundational concepts in professional communications training.

While other options touch on important communication aspects, they do not provide this comprehensive view of interaction styles. Formal and informal communication may refer to approaches in different settings, but they do not classify the inherent styles of expression that dictate the manner in which messages are conveyed. Similarly, aggressive and introverted are not complementary pairs for style classification, as introversion does not necessarily define a method of communication.