Module 15

Helpful and Not-So-

Helpful Responses

Verbal VillainsGazda and his associates (1991) have identified several verbal villains that represent ineffective communication styles.

- Gazda et al., 1991, pp. 50-55

Detective

Tracks down the facts of the case by questioning the helpee about the details of what happened

Magician

Tries to help by making the problem smaller or making it disappear

Drill Sergeant

Tells the helpee what to do

Gives orders based on what he or she believes is necessary to solve the problem

Tries to help by pointing out how the helpee caused the problem by his or her own actions

Hangman

Employs proverbs and clichés in an effort to share his/her wisdom

Guru

Prefers to use stories from his/her own past as a primary helping strategy

Historian

Likes to help by assigning labels to people and problems

Sign Painter

Is most comfortable providing emotional support and encouragement

Likes to maintain an optimistic point of view

Florist

Helper Responses1.Detective

2.Magician

3.Drill Sergeant

4.Hangman

5.Guru

6.Historian

7.Sign Painter

8.Florist