Enneagram Talk Styles

The type 4 description is such bullshit. It's so stereotypical and ridiculous, is it meant to be realistic?

Originally Posted by MBTI Enthusiast

One way to type those around you is to examine their Enneagram talk style. Each type has a unique approach to speaking and writing, which can be picked up on in a matter of minutes. The following is a list of each type and their general mode of communication:

TYPE 1: SERMONS/PREACH & TEACH
Teaching, preaching, finding fault, admonishing, correcting, reminding of obligations
Self-talk: ‘That’s not right’

TYPE 2: SYMPATHIES/HELP & ADVICE/PRAISE & COMPLIMENTS
Befriending, supporting, comforting, offering friendly advice, pitching in, meeting needs, getting personal
Self-talk: ‘You need me’

TYPE 3: SALES PITCHES/PROPAGANDA/SELF-PROMOTION
Promoting, advertising, performing, exclaiming, motivational speeches, success stories
Self-talk: ‘Watch me shine’

TYPE 4: LAMENTS/SAD STORIES
Longing, lamenting, extolling, yearning, regretful sighs, poetic turns of phrase, self-expression
Self-talk: ‘I’m feeling …’

TYPE 5: LECTURES/THESES/TREATISES
Detailed explanations, informative displays of knowledge, definitions, facts, precise instructions, logical, rational arguments
Self-talk: ‘I’m thinking …’

TYPE 6: CAUTIONS/CAVEATS/SETTING LIMITS
Questions, warnings, second-guessing, trouble-shooting, worst-case scenarios, defending / testing
Self-talk: ‘But what if …’

TYPE 7: ANECDOTES/BRAINSTORMING/STORYTELLING
Joking, laughing, story-telling, entertaining, shifting gears, changing venues, sampling, imagining, checking out, moving on
Self-talk: ‘On a lighter note’

TYPE 8: COMMANDS/DIATRIBES/LAYING TRIPS
Arguing, debating, opposing, taking aim, scoring points, parting shots, military metaphors
Self-talk: ‘Do this my way’

TYPE 9: CHRONICLES/SAGAS/EPICS
Recounting sagas, epics, generalizing, day-dreaming aloud, voicing vague notions, wondering, meandering
Self-talk: ‘Nice ’n easy’

(Source)

Try adding this to your skill set the next time you are attempting to help others discover their enneagram types!

Interesting! I am fairly certain I am type 2. I have a brother and sister that I think are clearly type 3s, a BIL that is type 7, my dad is a type 8, and these talk styles definitely fit them. I've always thought my husband is type 5, but based on this, I'd say he is more of a type 6. Maybe he is a 6w5 instead of 5w6 -- interesting! Also, I've typed my daughter as a type 6 but from these talk styles, I'd say she is closer to a 1!

Originally Posted by TheGirlWithTheCurls

The type 4 description is such bullshit. It's so stereotypical and ridiculous, is it meant to be realistic?

Would you be willing to share your own impression of the type 4 talk style? I think my INFP brother is a type 4 - and I have a hard time putting his style into words....

Originally Posted by Lady Lullaby

Would you be willing to share your own impression of the type 4 talk style? I think my INFP brother is a type 4 - and I have a hard time putting his style into words....

I don't really think there is a 'way' we talk..not that I notice anyway. All my friends really say about the way I talk is that I'm argumentative and a bit random, but I don't think there's anything really distinctive about the way I talk..my family say I'm kind of airy with my head in the clouds a lot, so I guess some 4's might talk like they're distracted or not quite there in the conversation, but that might be just me.
Oh, and I think I ask a lot of 'why?' questions too.

Hmm interesting! I seem to have the characteristics of 1, 5, 6 and 8.

I seem to talk like a 9 the most, and I think like a 9 the most as well. 2 is not far behind, and 4 is in there a bit too. Not surprised, those are the enneagram types I come up as the most.

Oh yeah, and 7 to, if I'm around the right people. xD

5,7, and 9 sound most like me.

Wow, it's almost dead on for me...9w1, however 5 describes me too. I'm very condescending though.

TYPE 1: SERMONS/PREACH & TEACH
Teaching, preaching, finding fault, admonishing, correcting, reminding of obligations
Self-talk: ‘That’s not right’
PLUS
TYPE 2: SYMPATHIES/HELP & ADVICE/PRAISE & COMPLIMENTS
Befriending, supporting, comforting, offering friendly advice, pitching in, meeting needs, getting personal
Self-talk: ‘You need me’
EQUALS: 1w2: The problem lies here, here, and here. It's totally wrong. No it's ok! I'll help you fix it! *shoulder rub*
Yup, that's the way I talk.

Originally Posted by TheGirlWithTheCurls

The type 4 description is such bullshit. It's so stereotypical and ridiculous, is it meant to be realistic?

The type 4 description sounds like one that's under a heavy amount of stress to me. A square peg in a round hole isn't always emoting all over just because they feel a little out of place. :)