Paul, the apostle said, "I have become all things to all men that by all means I may save some." ( I Cor. 9:19-23) Paul was a master at learning how to communicate in terms that were most contextually effective. Good communicators spend as much time considering the needs of their audience as they do in planning the content for their messages. The following two lists contain the main characteristics of right (Intuitive-emotional) vs. left (rational - theoretical) brain oriented thinkers. In your communications consider how to incorporate your informational, inspirational and persuasive messages in ways that we maximize your audiences' response.
Characteristics of Right Brain Oriented Thinkers
1. Prefers to learn through their intuitive senses - emotions
2. Prefers to learn through a problem solving approach - inductive (reality to theory) rather than a deductive approach (Moving from theory to application)
3. Prefers to see examples, demonstrations, and case studies rather than studying theories
4. Generally more responsive to an emotional presentation that provides more inspiration than information
5. More interested in how ideas are presented and by whom than the content which is given
6. More contextually dependent in their approach to problem solving
7. Prefers to learn by doing than listening to others teach
8. Prefers to follow the traditional examples of people who they feel can be trusted
9. More interested in relationships than most any other thing
10. Prefers to follow the traditional examples of people who they feel can be trusted
11. Willing to follow leaders regardless of their character faults
12. Needs to feel accepted, liked and approved
13. Skilled in presenting oneself in a socially approved and diplomatic manner
14. Craves attention, recognition and public support
15. Able and willing to compensate for others' weaknesses, shortcomings or deficiencies because of their emotional empathy
16. Best deal with through compliments, emotional reinforcement and public affirmation
17. Needs positive reinforcement, respect and recognition before cooperation is given
18. Prefers intuitive, sensory and experiential decision-making that is reinforced by the group
19. Prefers to look at similarities and comparisons
20. Is more experiential in solving problems than abstract
21. Prefers opens ended experiments that allow for creativity
22. Responds best to demonstrated instruction
23. Draws upon qualitative patterns in people that are not sequential, but are indicative of one's felt images
24. Prefers information to be given in verbal and personal presentations
25. Subjective tendencies
26. Free with feelings
27. Relies on images in thinking and remembering
28. Prefers collegial authority
29. Solves problems with hunches and previous patterns observed in people or groups
Characteristics of Left Brain Oriented Thinkers
1. Prefers to learn through the use of principles (deductive) rather than through a problem-solving approach (inductive) or a trial and error method.
2. Prefers to understand the principles of how and why things work rather than looking at a variety of examples, demonstrations or case studies
3. Generally more responsive to an analytical presentation of the facts that are supported with solid results
4. The quality, breadth, depth and relevance of the content is more imporant than how it is presented
5. More contextually independent
6. Prefers to learn from experts in the field
7. Prefers to explore new ways of improving on old models
8. More interested in accomplishing tasks
9. More willing to follow leaders that measure up to their character, mental and productivity standards
10. Needs to feel a sense of accomplishment
11. Skilled in presenting information in a qualitative and quantitative manner
12. Craves a sense of empowerment through the accomplishing of set goals
13. Able and willing to compensate for others' weakness, shortcoming and deficiencies because of their commitment to the greater goals
14. Best dealt with through assistance in helping one to complete goals
15. Needs authority, resources and freedom to allow one to carry out goals
16. Prefers rational, analytical and deductive decision-making that may or may not be supported by the group
17. Prefers to look at differences and contrasts
18. Is more theoretical in solving problems
19. Prefers controlled experiments
20. Responds best to oral and written instruction
21. Prefers information to be given in written instruction
22. Objective tendencies
23. Controls feelings most of the time
24. Relies on written instruction in thinking and remembering
25. Prefers hierarchical authority
26. Solves problems logically, methodically, and sequentially by looking at the parts of people or things
