What Five bad communication habits you need to break right away
If you wish to have better conversations, it is time to get rid of these bad habits. Communication is the oil that keeps all good relationships going, and learning to converse the right way plays a massive role in all of our daily lives. And whether you see yourself as a good communicator or as someone who would instead send an email rather than conversing face-to-face, chances are you have at least dealt with a few bad communication habits – habits that drive people crazy.
Here, take a look at this common faux pas. Are you guilty of any of them? If yes, you need to pull in the reins and put a stop to them – immediately.
- Multitasking
When you’re conversing with someone – they deserve your full attention, not just the half-hearted glances, but your full attention. So when you focus on your mobile devices, or you find yourself always fiddling with your hands or anything else, you should stop. Multitasking is not a bad thing – but in this context, it is – and unfortunately, we all are guilty of this. However, you need to be present during your conversations, no matter how futile they may seem.
- Constantly interrupting
We all want to be listened to – don’t we all? But, if you are one of those people who tend to cut in and interrupt others or try to complete people’s sentences, you need to keep yourself in check now.
You might think your interjections are a way to show the other person your level of engagement. However, it’s not what you think, and that only makes you a conversational hijacker.
- Using qualifiers
Qualifiers exist for every situation – at least nearly everything. But if you tend always to overuse them, then you may just be making people feel uncomfortable. For example, “Don’t take this personally, but….”; “I know how you feel, but…”; “this might be a bad idea, but….” All of these are qualifiers we often use. While these different statements might seem like a perfect way to patronize the other person or sugarcoat your next few lines, they come off as condescending – and that’s one thing you don’t want to ooze out when conversing with someone.
- Equating your experience
Human experiences are different. And while your actions might be filled with good intentions – it often comes off as you playing down their current situation. If you want to listen, then don’t try to always “lend support.” Never measure experiences – you only know yours. And even if your attempts to show empathy are quite admirable, the other person might not view the action the same way.
- Floundering
Have you ever dealt with someone who seems to just ramble on without making a real point? These people always appear to talk simply because they like the sound of their voices. You don’t want to garner a similar reputation. Don’t chime into discussions if you lack a clear purpose – that’ll only make you look stupid. When you decide to speak, you have to be clear and concise.
Learn to drop these bad habits, and you’ll be closer to being a good communicator, and remember, bad communication ends a lot of good things.
