Communication Mistakes
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.
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;
- 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.
About the Author: Chris Farmer
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
-
Management training and advanced communication skills
Management training and advanced communication skills Management training is about improving the performance of oneself and others. In order to do that, you need people to develop themselves. But asking a person to engage in an act of self-development means asking them to change; and many people don't like the idea...
Read Article > -
What are the Factors of Effective Communication?
Being able to communicate effectively is vital to achieving your goals, as well as fostering good working relationships with colleagues. Great communication at work will benefit the sharing of creative ideas and problem solving.
Read Article > -
Six Top Tips to Improve Your Communication
Don't be misunderstood! Make it your mission today to improve your communication skills with your colleagues and friends. Here are our top tips to help you achieve this.
Read Article > -
Twelve Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills
Some people seem to have been born with the gift of the gab. Mastering communication skills is the key to your future success.
Read Article > -
Six Body Language Tips for Virtual Meetings
Discover 6 top tips for online body language with expert trainer Chris Farmer. Anyone can learn these simple techniques to get more from Zoom and Teams meetings.
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
Next Open Course Starts in 5 days, Online - Teams, places available