Satir categories are especially useful for calibration, when maintaining rapport with someone, getting someone level headed, and giving emotionally charged speeches. Virginia Satir discovered over her many therapy sessions with families, that when stressed in communication, people exhibited certain stances or attitudes.

Satir learned that not only did the person exhibiting the stress stance feel a certain emotion, but seeing someone in the stance also evoked emotion.

The five Satir patterns, also incorporated in Neuro-linguistic programming, are Blamer, Placater, Computer, Distracter and Leveler. These categories give the description for the styles used in major portions of communication, and provide valuable information on the preferences and mannerisms of people when involved in a conversation. These patterns are also taught in Neuro-linguistic courses.