By Paul Dunning

Over the years we have accumulated a large amount of data here on our web site about each of the sixteen types.

This series of articles summarizes responses by communication workshop participants previously posted in To Communicate With Me and Communication Highlights.

In each personality type summary we highlight themes and then rank those themes by organizing them from most to least common responses.

The bulleted points are statements on each of the 3 themes identified from INTP responses.

A person who prefers INTP wants you to:

Let the conversation evolve

• Have fun

• A chance to play

• Let me think about it

• Take leaps

• Be flexible, let it flow, you are merely a guide, don’t appear to direct me

• Let me finish your sentences, free association

• Email is great, follow up reminders, even a letter

• Ask me questions, open ended questions, don’t box me in

Respect my competence

• Draw me out

• Recognize my intelligence and don’t ask me “how are you feeling”

• Show me respect

• Get me thinking, reflecting

• Challenge me

• Use metaphors, symbols, I’ll get it

Be straightforward

• Be open and honest, if you have an issue tell me

• Be direct and help me by giving me your parameters, priorities

• Give me your ideas, thoughts, about the issue

• Be direct

• What do you want from me?

What Does This Tell Us?

People with INTP preferences are most interested in having open-ended, straightforward conversations. They want their competence and intelligence to be respected.

You can find more information on type interactions in Introduction to Type and Communication.