Every personality type has a "native language"—a way of processing information that feels natural and compelling to them. Send a detail-heavy message to a big-picture thinker, and you lose them. Send a vague vision to a detail-oriented mind, and they delete you.
This isn't about manipulation—it's about translation. You're taking the same core message and expressing it in a way that resonates with how their brain naturally works. Here's your guide to speaking fluent OCEAN.
The Messaging Psychology Framework
Before diving into specific templates, understand these core principles:
Information Processing Speed: Some types need time to digest; others want instant clarity.
Decision-Making Style: Individual vs. consensus, logical vs. emotional, quick vs. deliberate.
Risk Tolerance: Innovation-seekers vs. stability-preferrers.
Social Context: How they view themselves in relation to teams and outcomes.
Speaking "Openness": The Innovation Language
High Openness (The Innovators)
Core Motivations: Future potential, competitive advantage, disruption
Language Patterns: Forward-thinking, possibility-focused, change-oriented
Information Preference: Concepts over details, vision over execution
Power Words: Revolutionary, cutting-edge, breakthrough, pioneering, disruptive, innovative, future-ready, ahead of the curve
Message Structure:
"Hi [Name],
I've been tracking the evolution of [industry] and noticed [company] is positioning itself as a [innovation indicator]. The companies that are winning right now aren't just optimizing the old way—they're pioneering entirely new approaches.
We just helped [similar company] become the first in their sector to [innovative achievement]. The results have been breakthrough: [specific outcome that represents innovation/first-mover advantage].
Given [company]'s forward-thinking approach, I'd love to share what we're seeing on the horizon and how the leaders are preparing for what's next.
Worth a brief conversation?"
Low Openness (The Optimizers)
Core Motivations: Proven results, risk reduction, incremental improvement
Language Patterns: Stability-focused, evidence-based, tradition-respecting
Information Preference: Proven methodologies, industry standards, case studies
Power Words: Proven, reliable, established, industry-standard, best practices, trusted, stable, consistent, time-tested
Message Structure:
"Hi [Name],
I've been researching best practices in [industry] and consistently see [company] mentioned as an example of solid, reliable execution. That's exactly the type of organization we love working with.
Over the past [timeframe], we've helped established companies like [similar company] improve [specific metric] by [percentage] using proven methodologies that have worked consistently across [number] implementations.
The approach is straightforward, low-risk, and builds on existing processes rather than disrupting them.
Worth a conversation about how this could strengthen [company]'s current operations?"
Speaking "Conscientiousness": The Detail Language
High Conscientiousness (The Systematizers)
Core Motivations: Efficiency, organization, controlled outcomes
Language Patterns: Process-focused, step-by-step, measurable
Information Preference: Detailed plans, clear timelines, systematic approaches
Power Words: Systematic, organized, efficient, detailed, structured, planned, methodical, comprehensive, step-by-step
Message Structure:
"Hi [Name],
I've been analyzing the operational challenges in [industry] and noticed that the most successful companies have systematic approaches to [specific process area where they likely have challenges].
We've developed a comprehensive 3-phase methodology that helps companies like [similar company] improve [specific metric] by [percentage]. The process includes:
Phase 1: Detailed current-state analysis (2 weeks)
Phase 2: Systematic implementation plan (4 weeks)
Phase 3: Measured optimization cycle (ongoing)I'd be happy to walk you through the detailed framework and show you exactly how it would apply to [company]'s current processes.
Would you prefer a detailed overview document first, or shall we schedule a systematic walkthrough?"
Low Conscientiousness (The Visionaries)
Core Motivations: Big picture impact, flexibility, quick wins
Language Patterns: Vision-focused, outcome-oriented, flexible
Information Preference: High-level concepts, bottom-line impact, adaptable solutions
Power Words: Impact, vision, flexible, adaptable, quick wins, transformational, big picture, dynamic, agile
Message Structure:
"Hi [Name],
The vision you've articulated for [company] around [specific goal/vision] really resonates with what we're seeing forward-thinking leaders prioritize.
We just helped [similar company] achieve [big picture outcome] in [short timeframe]. The approach was flexible and adapted to their unique situation, but the impact was transformational: [high-level result].
I'd love to explore how this kind of big-picture change could accelerate [company]'s vision.
Worth a quick conversation about the possibilities?"
Speaking "Extraversion": The Social Language
High Extraversion (The Connectors)
Core Motivations: Team success, collaboration, network effects
Language Patterns: "We" focused, collaborative, energetic
Information Preference: Social proof, team benefits, collaborative outcomes
Power Words: Together, collaborate, team, network, community, shared, collective, partnership, synergy
Message Structure:
"Hi [Name],
Your team at [company] has built an impressive network in [industry]—I've been following your collaborative approach to [specific initiative] and it's exactly the kind of partnership-focused thinking that drives real results.
We just finished working with [similar company]'s team to achieve [team-focused outcome]. What made it successful was how their entire organization rallied around the shared goal. The collective impact was remarkable: [team-benefiting result].
I'd love to explore how a similar collaborative approach could amplify what your team is already building.
Worth bringing the key players together for a brief discussion?"
Low Extraversion (The Focused)
Core Motivations: Individual effectiveness, quiet efficiency, personal mastery
Language Patterns: "You" focused, individual achievement, depth-oriented
Information Preference: Personal benefits, individual control, depth over breadth
Power Words: Individual, personal, focused, deep, mastery, control, precision, expertise, specialized
Message Structure:
"Hi [Name],
Your expertise in [specific area] is exactly what I was hoping to connect with. I've been researching leaders who have deep knowledge in [relevant domain] and your background stood out.
I recently helped a [similar role] at [similar company] solve a complex challenge around [specific issue]. The solution required someone with your level of focused expertise to implement effectively. The personal impact for them was significant: [individual-benefiting result].
I'd value the opportunity to get your perspective on this approach and explore how it might apply to your specific situation.
Would you be open to a focused discussion about the technical details?"
Speaking "Agreeableness": The Relationship Language
High Agreeableness (The Harmonizers)
Core Motivations: Mutual benefit, relationship building, consensus
Language Patterns: Supportive, inclusive, harmony-focused
Information Preference: Win-win scenarios, relationship benefits, inclusive outcomes
Power Words: Support, mutual, together, harmony, consensus, inclusive, cooperative, understanding, shared success
Message Structure:
"Hi [Name],
I've been following [company]'s approach to [relevant initiative] and really appreciate how you prioritize mutual success with your [partners/customers/team]. That philosophy aligns perfectly with how we work with our clients.
We recently supported [similar company] in creating a solution that benefited everyone involved—their team, their customers, and their partners. The collaborative approach led to [mutually beneficial outcome].
I'd love to explore how we could support [company]'s continued success in a way that creates value for everyone in your ecosystem.
Would you be open to a conversation about mutual opportunities?"
Low Agreeableness (The Achievers)
Core Motivations: Competitive advantage, direct results, winning
Language Patterns: Results-focused, competitive, achievement-oriented
Information Preference: Competitive advantage, direct ROI, winning scenarios
Power Words: Competitive, advantage, winning, outperform, dominate, excel, superior, achieve, results
Message Structure:
"Hi [Name],
[Company] is clearly winning in [specific area]—your [specific achievement] puts you ahead of most competitors in [industry]. I reach out because I work with market leaders who want to extend their competitive advantage.
We just helped [similar company] outperform their competition by [specific competitive metric]. While their competitors struggled with [common industry challenge], they achieved [superior result].
Given [company]'s track record of excellence, I'd love to explore how you could dominate even further in [specific area].
Worth a direct conversation about maintaining your competitive edge?"
Speaking "Neuroticism": The Security Language
High Neuroticism (The Risk-Aware)
Core Motivations: Risk mitigation, security, support systems
Language Patterns: Safety-focused, support-emphasizing, reassuring
Information Preference: Risk mitigation, proven safety, support structures
Power Words: Secure, safe, supported, guaranteed, protected, risk-free, backed, assured, reliable
Message Structure:
"Hi [Name],
I know the pressure to deliver [specific result] while managing risk is intense right now. That's exactly why I wanted to reach out—we specialize in helping companies achieve [goal] safely and securely.
We just helped [similar company] navigate [similar challenge] with zero disruption to their existing operations. Our approach included comprehensive risk mitigation and full support throughout the process. They achieved [safe result] with complete peace of mind.
I'd be happy to share how we ensure success while protecting what you've already built.
Would you like to discuss the safeguards and support systems we have in place?"
Low Neuroticism (The Opportunity-Seekers)
Core Motivations: Growth opportunities, bold moves, ambitious outcomes
Language Patterns: Opportunity-focused, confident, growth-oriented
Information Preference: Growth potential, ambitious goals, opportunity costs
Power Words: Opportunity, growth, ambitious, bold, confident, expansion, potential, breakthrough, maximize
Message Structure:
"Hi [Name],
The growth trajectory you've built at [company] is impressive—[specific growth indicator] shows you're not afraid to pursue ambitious goals. I reach out because I see an opportunity that could accelerate that growth even further.
We just helped [similar company] achieve [ambitious outcome] in [timeframe]. They took a bold approach that their competitors weren't willing to try, and the growth results exceeded everyone's expectations: [impressive growth metric].
Given [company]'s track record of bold moves, I'd love to explore how you could maximize this emerging opportunity.
Worth a conversation about the growth potential?"
Advanced Messaging Tactics
The Combination Play
Most people aren't extreme on any single dimension. Learn to blend languages:
High Openness + High Conscientiousness: "Innovative systematic approach"
High Extraversion + Low Agreeableness: "Team competitive advantage"
Low Openness + High Neuroticism: "Proven risk-reduction methodology"
The A/B Testing Approach
When unsure of personality type, test different language patterns in follow-ups:
Email 1: Innovation-focused language
Email 2 (if no response): Proven-results language
Email 3 (if no response): Risk-mitigation language
The Mirror Method
When they respond, mirror their language patterns:
If they write detailed responses: Match with detailed follow-ups
If they write brief, direct responses: Keep it short and punchy
If they use collaborative language: Emphasize partnership
Common Language Mistakes
The Personality Mismatch: Sending detail-heavy emails to big-picture thinkers
The Energy Mismatch: High-energy language to low-extraversion prospects
The Risk Mismatch: Innovation-focused messaging to security-conscious buyers
The Social Mismatch: Team benefits to individual achievement-focused prospects
Measuring Message-Personality Fit
Track these metrics by personality type:
Open Rate by Language Pattern: Which subject lines resonate with which types?
Response Rate by Message Type: What language generates engagement?
Meeting Conversion by Personality: Which types convert best to meetings?
Sales Cycle by Type: How long does each personality type take to buy?
"Fluency in personality languages isn't about changing who you are—it's about expressing who you are in ways others can easily understand."
The Implementation Framework
Week 1: Practice identifying personality types from LinkedIn profiles
Week 2: Test personality-specific templates on 5 prospects each
Week 3: Measure response rates and refine your approach
Week 4: Scale successful patterns across your prospect list
Remember: this isn't about manipulation—it's about meeting people where they are. When you speak someone's native language, you're not changing your message, you're translating it into words that feel natural to them.
Stop sending one-size-fits-all messages. Start speaking their language.