Understanding People
Most people fall into four categories as to how they perceive things.
This also influences their personality and the way they relate to others.
Some people are very visual. During conversations they look deeply at the person who’s talking. They watch body language – facial expressions and hand gestures. They even talk visually. They say things like, “I see what you are saying…or paint me a picture of what your saying.”
Other people are auditory. They are good listeners; in fact, many will actually turn their ear towards people in conversation. They say things like, “I hear exactly what you’re saying…or what you said rings loud and clear.”
Some people are very cognitive. These people are thinkers. They like to really ponder what’s being said. They say things like, “I understand what you’re saying…or perhaps we need a little time to really think about it.”
And then there are those who are very kinesthetic. These people are very lively. They are moved by emotion. They say things like, “I feel what you’re saying…or I was really moved by that.”
Perhaps the best way to identify these different types of people is to put them all together into a burning building.
The visual person will say, “Let look for a way out." The auditory person will say, “I think I hear the fire engine.” The cognitive person will say, “Let’s stop and formulate a plan of escape.” The kinesthetic person will simply say, “Get out of my way! I’m outta here!”
The question is: Which one of these people will you want to lead you to safety? Well, for me, I’d follow the kinesthetic person. They’ll find a way out quickly; no matter the obstacles.
Which type of person has God made you to be?
The next time you engage in conversation with another person, try to figure out which type they are. You might catch a better glimpse into their personality and how to better communicate with them.
