---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Every time we speak, we choose and use…"
description: "\"Every time we speak, we choose and use one of four basic communication styles: assertive, aggressive, passive and passive-aggressive.\" — Jim Rohn"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ef0/jim-rohn-243_aggressive_every-time-we-speak-we-choose-and-use-on_3206702.jpg"
---

#  Every time we speak, we choose and use one of four basic…

![“Every time we speak, we choose and use one of four basic communication styles: assertive, aggressive, passive and passive-aggressive.” quote by Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ef0/jim-rohn-243_aggressive_every-time-we-speak-we-choose-and-use-on_3206702.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ef0/jim-rohn-243_aggressive_every-time-we-speak-we-choose-and-use-on_3206702.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ef0/jim-rohn-243_aggressive_every-time-we-speak-we-choose-and-use-on_3206702.jpg)

> “Every time we speak, we choose and use one of four basic communication styles: assertive, aggressive, passive and passive-aggressive.”

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

People adopt one of four communication patterns, shaping how they convey needs and emotions.

**In simple terms:** Four styles dictate how we express ourselves.

Key Takeaway

Identify and choose your style consciously.

Themes

communication self-awareness relationships

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

educational psychological

When to use this quote

- work meetings
- family dinners
- conflict resolution
- team projects

Key Concepts

assertiveness aggression passivity passive aggression

Questions to Reflect On

- How does your default style affect your relationships?
- When might a different style be more effective?

A Different Perspective

Each style can be misinterpreted without context.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Assertive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/assertive/) [Assertiveness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/assertiveness/) [Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) [Passive aggressive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/passive-aggressive/) [Style](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/style/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/)

## Related quotes

> [The basic difference between being assertive and being aggressive is how our words and behavior affect the rights and well being of others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sharon-anthony-bower/the-basic-difference-between-being-assertive-and-being-aggressive-is-2/)

Sharon Anthony Bower

> [We needed to be assertive as women in those days - assertive and aggressive - and the degree to which we had to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/katherine-johnson/we-needed-to-be-assertive-as-women-in-those-days-assertive-and/)

[Katherine Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/katherine-johnson/)

> [Be assertive but not aggressive. You may think that being aggressive gets you what you want. However, it comes at a cost. Others may…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dranil-kr-sinha/be-assertive-but-not-aggressive-you-may-think-that-being-aggressive-2/)

[DrAnil Kr Sinha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dranil-kr-sinha/)

> [The will is not merely assertive, aggressive, and controlling. There is the accepting will, yielding will, the dedicated will. You might say that there…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roberto-assagioli/the-will-is-not-merely-assertive-aggressive-and-controlling-there-is/)

[Roberto Assagioli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roberto-assagioli/)

> [Be assertive but not aggressive. You may think that being aggressive gets you what you want. However, it comes at a cost.Others may come…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dranil-kr-sinha/be-assertive-but-not-aggressive-you-may-think-that-being-aggressive/)

[DrAnil Kr Sinha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dranil-kr-sinha/)

> [“The basic difference between being assertive and being aggressive is how our words and behaviors affect the rights and well being of others.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sharon-anthony-bower/the-basic-difference-between-being-assertive-and-being-aggressive-is/)

Sharon Anthony Bower

> [The only healthy communication style is assertive communication.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/the-only-healthy-communication-style-is-assertive-communication/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

> [“A BILL OF ASSERTIVE RIGHTS I: You have the right to judge your own behavior, thoughts, and emotions, and to take the responsibility for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/manuel-j-smith/a-bill-of-assertive-rights-i-you-have-the-right-to-judge-your-own/)

Manuel J. Smith

> [Modesty is related to diffidence, diffidence is related to shyness, Shyness is a synonym for timidity, timidity is a characteristic of the meek, the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-koontz/modesty-is-related-to-diffidence-diffidence-is-related-to-shyness/)

[Dean Koontz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-koontz/)

> [The practice of assertiveness: being authentic in our dealings with others; treating our values and persons with decent respect in social contexts; refusing to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nathaniel-branden/the-practice-of-assertiveness-being-authentic-in-our-dealings-with/)

[Nathaniel Branden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nathaniel-branden/)

> [Assertiveness is most effective when least applied.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/assertiveness-is-most-effective-when-least-applied/)

[Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/)

> [I really worked at becoming more assertive, and now none of my friends talk to me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wendy-wasserstein/i-really-worked-at-becoming-more-assertive-and-now-none-of-my-friends/)

[Wendy Wasserstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wendy-wasserstein/)

> [I think naturally, if you're an actor, there's a high level of assertiveness that you need to have to survive this business. There's boldness…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bryan-cranston/i-think-naturally-if-you-re-an-actor-there-s-a-high-level-of/)

[Bryan Cranston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bryan-cranston/)

> [Being assertive in the home does not produce any smiling faces, but it does bring out a few tongues.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/being-assertive-in-the-home-does-not-produce-any-smiling-faces-but-it/)

[Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/)

> [“Be calm; yet assertive. Be meek; yet courageous. Be gentle; yet bold. Be kind; yet strong.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-f-glassman-2/be-calm-yet-assertive-be-meek-yet-courageous-be-gentle-yet-bold-be/)

[Charles F Glassman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-f-glassman-2/)

## More by Jim Rohn

> [A well-fashioned day - with a beginning and an end, a purpose and a content, a color and a character, a feel and a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/a-well-fashioned-day-with-a-beginning-and-an-end-a-purpose-and-a/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

> [The amount you give isn't important. What matters is what that amount represents in terms of your life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/the-amount-you-give-isn-t-important-what-matters-is-what-that-amount/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

> [Show your contempt for the problem and your concern for the person.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/show-your-contempt-for-the-problem-and-your-concern-for-the-person/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

> [Good people are found not changed. Recently I read a headline that said, 'We don't teach people to be nice. We simply hire nice…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/good-people-are-found-not-changed-recently-i-read-a-headline-that/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

> [If the idea of having to change ourselves makes us uncomfortable, we can remain as we are. We can choose rest over labour, entertainment…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/if-the-idea-of-having-to-change-ourselves-makes-us-uncomfortable-we/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

> [When a new idea comes our way, we must put it on our mental scales and weigh it carefully before deciding its value.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/when-a-new-idea-comes-our-way-we-must-put-it-on-our-mental-scales-and/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

> [The best motivation is self-motivation. The guy says, I wish someone would come by and turn me on. What if they don't show up?…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/the-best-motivation-is-self-motivation-the-guy-says-i-wish-someone/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

> [Faith is the ability to see things that don't yet exist. Faith, though, can turn difficulty into reality, positive reality.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/faith-is-the-ability-to-see-things-that-don-t-yet-exist-faith-though/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

> [Service to others leads to greatness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/service-to-others-leads-to-greatness/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

> [Dreams are a projection of the kind of life you want to lead. Dreams can drive you. Dreams can make you skip over obstacles.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/dreams-are-a-projection-of-the-kind-of-life-you-want-to-lead-dreams/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

> [Without a sense of urgency, desire loses its value.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/without-a-sense-of-urgency-desire-loses-its-value/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

> [The greatest form of maturity is at harvest time. This is when we must learn how to reap without complaint if the amounts are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/the-greatest-form-of-maturity-is-at-harvest-time-this-is-when-we-must/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

> [Big achievements come one small advantage at a time, one step at a time, one day at time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/big-achievements-come-one-small-advantage-at-a-time-one-step-at-a/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

> [Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/excuses-are-the-nails-used-to-build-a-house-of-failure/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

> [The ultimate reason for setting goals is to entice you to become the person it takes to achieve them](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/the-ultimate-reason-for-setting-goals-is-to-entice-you-to-become-the/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

[Explore all 837 Jim Rohn quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

## More Aggressive quotes

> [So the fool, as distinct from the scoundrel, is completely self- satisfied; in fact, he can easily become dangerous, as it does not take…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dietrich-bonhoeffer/so-the-fool-as-distinct-from-the-scoundrel-is-completely-self/)

[Dietrich Bonhoeffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dietrich-bonhoeffer/)

> [Because of the womb being a central phenomenon in the feminine body, the whole psychology of woman differs: she is non-aggressive, non-inquiring, non-questioning, non-doubting,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rajneesh/because-of-the-womb-being-a-central-phenomenon-in-the-feminine-body/)

[Rajneesh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rajneesh/)

> [Good girls don't hurt other people's feelings. Good girls are not overly aggressive, competitive, or boastful. Good girls please others. But what good girls…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-jane-gilman/good-girls-don-t-hurt-other-people-s-feelings-good-girls-are-not/)

[Susan Jane Gilman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-jane-gilman/)

> [It’s a shameful moment for U.S. media when it insists on being subservient to the grotesque propaganda agencies of a violent, aggressive state.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noam-chomsky/it-s-a-shameful-moment-for-u-s-media-when-it-insists-on-being/)

[Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noam-chomsky/)

> [“Passive...Aggressive...Pussy.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-azzarello/passive-aggressive-pussy/)

[Brian Azzarello](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-azzarello/)

> [I'm not a fan of endless mystery in storytelling - I like to know where the mythology's going; I like to get there in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-kripke/i-m-not-a-fan-of-endless-mystery-in-storytelling-i-like-to-know-where/)

[Eric Kripke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-kripke/)

> [Most conservatives - by which I mean normal people - have little conception of the aggressive and revolutionary force that confronts them. It is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-bethell/most-conservatives-by-which-i-mean-normal-people-have-little/)

[Tom Bethell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-bethell/)

> [If I serve good and play aggressive from the baseline, I can beat everyone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karolina-pliskova/if-i-serve-good-and-play-aggressive-from-the-baseline-i-can-beat/)

[Karolina Pliskova](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karolina-pliskova/)

> [I'm just trying to be aggressive. Be aggressive with my shot. Be aggressive going to the rim.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jamal-murray/i-m-just-trying-to-be-aggressive-be-aggressive-with-my-shot-be/)

[Jamal Murray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jamal-murray/)

> [I see other teams playing aggressive, attacking football, they are games I switch on and watch. They are the football teams I want to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/angelos-postecoglou/i-see-other-teams-playing-aggressive-attacking-football-they-are/)

[Angelos Postecoglou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/angelos-postecoglou/)

> [You cannot will yourself to be happy while believing that you have no right to happiness, or that you are unworthy of it. You…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-roberts/you-cannot-will-yourself-to-be-happy-while-believing-that-you-have-no/)

[Jane Roberts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-roberts/)

> [I have definitely noticed I am very passionate. So if I'm fighting with someone I'll be SO super loud and aggressive, and make sure…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/melanie-martinez/i-have-definitely-noticed-i-am-very-passionate-so-if-i-m-fighting/)

[Melanie Martinez](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/melanie-martinez/)

> [ I think the president's \[Barack Obama\] position has been very clear on Syria. He wants more aggressive, he's put the Special Ops on the… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/juan-williams/i-think-the-president-s-barack-obama-position-has-been-very-clear-on/)

[Juan Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/juan-williams/)

> [As Americans, we want peace - we work and sacrifice for peace. But there can be no peace if our security depends on the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-w-bush/as-americans-we-want-peace-we-work-and-sacrifice-for-peace-but-there/)

[George W. Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-w-bush/)

> [It is deeply concerning to learn that Linda Thomas-Greenfield repeatedly praised autocratic China's aggressive and troubling expansion into Africa during a 2019 speech at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-hagerty/it-is-deeply-concerning-to-learn-that-linda-thomas-greenfield/)

[Bill Hagerty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-hagerty/)

Browse all 1,351 Aggressive quotes

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "Every time we speak, we choose and use one of four basic communication styles: assertive, aggressive, passive and passive-aggressive.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Jim Rohn"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/every-time-we-speak-we-choose-and-use-one-of-four-basic-communication/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Aggressive"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/every-time-we-speak-we-choose-and-use-one-of-four-basic-communication/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ef0/jim-rohn-243_aggressive_every-time-we-speak-we-choose-and-use-on_3206702.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ef0/jim-rohn-243_aggressive_every-time-we-speak-we-choose-and-use-on_3206702.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ef0/jim-rohn-243_aggressive_every-time-we-speak-we-choose-and-use-on_3206702.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“Every time we speak, we choose and use one of four basic communication styles: assertive, aggressive…” — Jim Rohn",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Jim Rohn",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "Every time we speak, we choose...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/every-time-we-speak-we-choose-and-use-one-of-four-basic-communication/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/every-time-we-speak-we-choose-and-use-one-of-four-basic-communication/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
