Which works best for you? Being direct or indirect? Do you say what you think or do you hope people can read between the lines if you use the indirect approach?

I am too impatient to use the indirect approach. I cut to the bottom line.

The indirect approach only works with people with a certain level of intelligence, sensitivity and sophistication. Then it's basically being polite. However, if you feel that this approach is going over someone's head then you need change your approach and well, beat them about the head with a blunt instrument until they get the message. :)

It depends. Different things work with different people. +5

Being direct is honest...you dont want to send any mixed messages with indirectness...unless your trying to spare someones feelings.

Being direct is best. It's silly to ask people to guess what you mean or want.

I employ both techniques!! depends on the company I'm in! :-/

I tend to use both, but I favor the direct approach. While there is merit to both approaches, it's best to know which one works best on which person. For me, the indirect approach takes too long. If I want to say something to someone, I'm very up-front about it. But that doesn't strike it home for some people; they're both equally useful.

i am usually pretty direct.

sometimes being indirect were people have to work out what you mean ensures they get the message (like a tarantino movie)it all depends on recipient

Both ways are successful. I like innuendos sometimes to keep the other on his/her toes. On ocassion, what is not said is the loudest message.

I tend to be very direct, even to the point that I've been told to be more tactful but, If I was very direct about something, that was just my intent. When I was younger I was more likely to beat around the bush but as I've aged and matured, I prefer to be very blunt.

i'm usually pretty direct. I wasn't always this way, but i have found over the years that it is the best way to be, because some people can only grasp onto what you are saying when you throw it in their face.

Being direct intimidates most people that I talk to. I have learned to be less direct and sometimes to outright sugarcoat what I say. I don't always feel like I am being myself, though.

Indirect approach can be time consuming and easily misunderstood the interpretation. I say direct but mostly i like to keep it shady.

Im pretty indirect. I give hints but generally i let people read between the lines.

I think it makes life easier by being direct.
If you are subtle, then people can decide for themselves what you are saying, rather than what you are ACTUALLY saying.
The direct approach works for me.

Well, just recently I started the "Direct Approach".... Only because in past experiences I have been "Indirect" & ended up regreting it later. I would have a "SHOULDA ,COULDA ,WOULDA party & wished I had said what was on my mind in the first place....So I say be "Direct " at all times that way you will have it off your chest & no regrets later on........

It depends on the person I am dealing with. I prefer direct without being rude and insensitive or too demanding. I prefer to ask not tell. However, some people have no "people sense" and others pretend to not hear the most direct communication. I dislike manipulation, to use it or to receive it........but..........peoples personalities are such that sometimes no matter how direct or fair, or whatever they think it is all about them, so nothing works.