Communication Mistakes
Here is the list of the most common communication mistakes:
- Standing too close.
- Talking too much.
- Talking without saying anything of value.
- Only half listening.
- Swearing.
Standing too close.
Everyone has a personal space around them, into which they permit only their closest friends.
If you unnecessarily impose yourself into their personal space, then you annoy and offend the other person.
When in conversation, unless you are good friends or family, maintain a distance of about one arm's length.
Talking too much.
Good conversation means a fair distribution of talking and listening. About 50-50.
But if you really want to be known for being a good conversationalist, then you should let the other person do most of the talking.
Operate on ratios of about 60-40 in the other's favour.
Ask more questions and make fewer assertions.
Talking without saying anything of value.
Many people speak without thinking; they blurt out the first thing that pops into their mind, much of it of no value to anyone.
Everything you say will either;
- Add value to others.
- Fail to add value to others.
- Detract value from others.
Ensure that when you talk, your conversation is geared towards adding value.
Only half listening.
Many people don't listen; they only pretend to listen.
The best way to improve your listening skills is to actively visualise what the other is saying.
If you cannot picture in your mind's eye, what the other is saying, then ask a clarifying question. "When you say that, what do you mean specifically?
Swearing.
Many people swear too often. This is a crude and common mistake.
It reduces the speaker's credibility and it shows a lack respect to the listener.
Nobody wants to hear you swearing.
Your vocabulary is capable of expressing itself without it.
Active listening
Active listening is a business skill where you keep full attention on the speaker, notice words, tone and body cues, show you understand by nodding or restating key points, hold back your own view until they finish, and ask short, clear questions to make sure you grasp the full meaning. This turns talk into shared understanding.
CG4D Definition
Context: Business communication
Genus: Skill
- Gives full attention to the speaker’s words, tone and body cues
- Shows understanding with nods, brief verbal signs or restating key points
- Keeps own views back until the speaker has finished
- Asks clear, short questions to clarify any unclear points
Article Summary
Most breakdowns at work stem from five avoidable communication mistakes: crowding personal space, hogging the talk, speaking without value, half-listening and swearing. Keep an arm’s length, talk less, add useful points, picture what you hear and use polite words; you will save hours and win trust.