Communication Mistakes

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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 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.

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Further Reading in Communication - Clear Communication

• What is the Conversation Cycle?
  Conversations involve the sharing of information, ideas and opinions. Each person in the conversation must have the opportunity to inform, invite, listen and acknowledge to complete the conversation cycle.
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• Define Your Key Terms
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• How to Politely Say 'No' to Your Boss
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• Six Essential Business Communication Skills
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• How to Start a Presentation
  The start of your presentation sets the terms for the rest of the performance. If you start well, then you will probably succeed. Here are some useful tips for getting your presentation off to a good start.
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