Communication Styles - Miller & Miller

Miller and Miller designed a framework of four different types of communication. Creating this model in 1997, they illustrated the modern society's forms of communication. I will review each one and relate them to a person or situation that I am familiar with as they/it demonstrates that type of "talk".

The first is "Small or Shop Talk", this refers to a sociable discussion conducted as a routine. One or more persons involved in this conversation are task orientated in this situation and are looking to achieve a goal. Many people that I come into contact with at Red Deer College are extremely well familiarized with this type of talk. Young adults at a party, for example want to get to know others. They do this through the process of "small talk" which could potentially lead to a more in-depth conversation. My friend, Nancy just recently went on a blind date with a man names John. They had never met one another before they met for the date. This caused them to start their date off with "small talk". They both wanted to receive something from their date so the dialogue was more task oriented at the beginning. For example, the task of asking the other person what the other saw as appetizing on the restaurant's menu and so on.

The next level of talk is called "Control Talk". These talks are particularly not open to generating new ideas and are defined in two ways. Fight or Spiteful. Both considered as ways of wanting to take control of the conversation. When someone is expressing themselves in a 'fighting' way (in other words, attacking you or being rather argumentative) they can be seen as using "control talk". On the other hand, spiteful talk is rather passive aggressive and can be seen in sarcasm and non verbal communication. My friend’s family use spiteful communication when wanting to engage in control talk. When one wants another to do something making the other feel guilty is usually the resolution.  
“Search Talk” is my personal favorite out of all four of Miller and Miller’s framework. This is the conversation that is most valued in my eyes. This is a conversation between people when they focus on each other’s words carefully with intention and explore ideas and interests. It is very much so, not a routine and shows are a complex process where two or more persons participate generously. This can be an on-going conversation from day to day. Like a married couple for example, they are not restarting all new conversations every day and all the time. No they have many things that are explored and spoken about for more than just one day. . . Although many people favor this type of communication over others because of depth and complexity, it also has its weaknesses. Professor Nellis said in class that the authors of the text book we are studying at this time think that this “talk” suffers from a lack of closure. This, of course, depends on the circumstances.

The last conversation model that Miller and Miller include in their framework is called “Straight Talk”. This type of communication ‘cuts right to the heart’ of the situation or issue and is direct and to the point. Each person included is completely honest with their feelings, emotions, and opinion. This can also be seen in dating situations. When getting to know another person in a mature relationship, people are usually interested in the other’s honesty and genuinely. This type of conversation usually takes place when one person wants to find out the interests of another.