Established, since 1997, leading UK based training provider.
Celebrating 25 years in business! CPD Member - The CPD Certification Service ilm Recognised Provider

Communication Mistakes

Communication Mistakes

Communication Mistakes

Here is the list of the most common communication mistakes:

  1. Standing too close.
  2. Talking too much.
  3. Talking without saying anything of value.
  4. Only half listening.
  5. 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.

Don't invade personal space.

Keep a respectable distance.

Talking too much.

Many people talk 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;

  1. Add value to others.
  2. Fail to add value to others.
  3. 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.

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years’ experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

Blogs by Email

Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!

Further Reading in Communication - Clear Communication

  • How to be a good conversationalist
    Conversational skills are essential both in business and socially, so here are some top tips to becoming a good conversationalist.
    Read Article >
  • Advanced Communications Skills
    Advanced Communications Skills Advanced Communications Skills - Choose your words carefully Mr Bond, they may be your last! It is possible to mess up BIG TIME, in the blink of an eye, by the clumsy use of language. Words have power. This power can make you more successful or it can...
    Read Article >
  • Presentation Skills for Nervous People
    Many people find making presentations nerve-wracking. But there is a success formula for making effective presentations, which can help even the most nervous speaker. Find out how you can be more confident and take advantage of FREE training today.
    Read Article >
  • Six Step Formula for Investigative Interviews
    Managers are often required to conduct interviews to obtain information that may be needed as evidence in court. Therefore it is essential that interviews are professionally conducted.
    Read Article >
  • Communication Methods
    Methods of Communication Communications skills training is mostly concerned with the proper use of language. The degree of your communication skills and your use of language can even determine how successful you will be. Those people who are training their communications skills and therefore, can more effectively handle words do far...
    Read Article >

Looking for Communication Skills Training?

If you're looking to develop your Clear Communication Skills, you may find this Communication Skills Training Course beneficial:

Open Training Course Pricing and Availability

3 June
Online - Teams
£475 +VAT
23 June
London - Central
£475 +VAT
2 July
Birmingham City
£475 +VAT
2 July
Gloucester (M5 J11)
£475 +VAT
More dates and locations available
Save £50 on this course

Next Open Course Starts in 4 days, Online - Teams, places available Book Now >