<P> The second defensive behavior is control, which is when one person is forcing a solution upon the other person . This means that the speaker is making a decision that affects both the speaker and the listener without considering what the listener wants or needs . The supportive behavior that contrasts control is problem orientation . This is when a person looks for a solution that will satisfy both people . Finding a solution that will please both people is more important than one person winning and the other person losing . </P> <P> Strategy is another form of defensive behavior, which can be used when a person feels threatened . This form is about manipulating the other person in order to come out on top . Strategy can be very hurtful as the speaker is being deceitful . Spontaneity is about being honest and truthful with the listener . There are times when the truth should not be so direct but knowing when to be direct and when to be subtle is key to good communication . </P> <P> The fourth type of defensive behavior is neutrality . This is when the speaker has little concern or interest in the conversation . Neutrality makes the listener feel unwelcome and unimportant . The opposite of this is empathy . Empathy allows for acceptance of the other person and their feelings . This can be taken as both verbal and non-verbal messages as communication is not linear and both communicators are giving and receiving messages at all times . </P> <P> Another form of defensive behavior in communication is superiority . This is when a person believes that they are better than the listener and can be shown by the way the speaker delivers the message . Equality is the contrasting behavior and shows that all people have self - worth . There are times when a speaker may be smarter or be better at something than the listener but speaking to them at the same level is important . </P>

Certainty and control are both defensive components in gibbs model