Last week, we delved into how to communicate via Whatsapp with the Type 1s, 2s and 3s. If you missed that first article, you can read it here.

Continuing the series, let’s focus on Type 4s, 5s and 5s.

Messaging the Type 4s

The ever emotionally aware Type 4s are ones who can hear the emotional tone that is being brought across in your very sterile Whatsapp messages. They are the ones who love using emojis to express how they feel, in addition to their very descriptive messages.

When messaging a Type 4, avoid:

  • using one word such as ‘Okay’ or short, direct phrases such as ‘Noted with thanks’ in your messages to them. Type 4s may read too much into these ‘curt’ texts and may feel they did something to make you angry with them;
  • getting too long to get to the heart of the matter of your text. Yes, they do get frustrated when they can sense that you are skirting and deflecting an issue in a text;
  • being too impersonal with them. They are all about the emotional connection to anyone they speak to, even if its over SMS or Whatsapp.

A Whatsapp message to a Type 4 may look something like this:

Messaging the Type 5s

Type 5s rarely read into tonality of messages and for them, messages over Whatsapp are functional and not for self-expression.

When messaging a Type 5, avoid::

  • phrases that are too ‘mushy’ such as ‘Hey bro’, ‘How are you, dear?’. They generally do not sit well with the more logic-driven Type 5s;
  • sharing your emotions first before presenting the information/reasons behind the text. The Type 5s want to know the information in the message first, emotions second (and only if applicable to contextualising the information).

A Whatsapp message to Type 5s may look something like this:

Messaging the Type 6s

The Type 6s need stability in all areas of their lives and Whatsapp messages are no different.

When messaging a Type 6, avoid::

  • not giving details behind your message. Type 6s generally do not do well with generic ‘I would like to meet with you’ without any further explanations as to why. So be sure to give details (and the assurance) as to why you are messaging in the first place;
  • being too creative in your messages. Just repeat the same phrase and word in all your messages to them;

Finally, here is what a potential Whatsapp message to a Type 6 may look like:

 

I hope this article has helped you better understand how to effectively message a Type 4, 5 and 6. Next week, we will close off this series with the spotlight on our Type 7s, 8s and 9s.

I would like to leave with you with this thought. Communication is key to building good relationships with people, even on Whatsapp or SMS. So, be sure to always be attentive to how someone may like to be ‘treated’ over SMS and you may find that all your conversations – online or offline – may be more meaningful.

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Learn to communicate better with the people in your life by attending our Enneagram Level 1 course! SkillsFuture credits can be used to offset the course fees, so contact us to find out how you can do that! We look forward in hearing from you!