Final answer:
The statement is false, as expressive people often engage directly with others to convey their identity and emotions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Expressive people are formal and avoid dealing directly with people' is false. Expressive behaviors are characterized by actions that communicate an individual's emotions, identity, and personality to others. An expressive leader, for instance, focuses on ensuring everyone's emotional well-being and is thus highly engaged with group members. Expressive behavior is also prevalent in politics, where actions often reflect personal identities and affiliations more than strategic goals. In group settings, these behaviors serve emotional needs and facilitate connections, despite physical distances, as seen in online groups that can provide expressive function even when members are globally dispersed.