Do you Make Any of These Communication Mistakes?
Do You Make Any of These Communication Mistakes?
There are six common mistakes people make in their communication styles. Do you do have any of the following bad habits?
- Talking too much about yourself.
- Not trying to understand what the other person really means.
- Forgetting most of what you hear.
- Bad language or speech habits.
- Poor voice tonality.
- Poor body language.
1. Talking too much about yourself.
Most people are egocentric, so they like to talk about themselves, what interests them, and what is happening to them.
Most people recognise, that in any conversation, there should be a balance between the various parties, where each one has a fair share of the air time.
Sadly, there are some people who don't understand this unspoken rule, and they hog the limelight.
They mistakenly believe that their role is to do all the talking.
They forget that the art of being a good conversationalist, is to direct the conversation onto topics that are of interest to their listeners.
Therefore, don't talk too much about yourself and what only interests you. Instead, ask more questions and have the other person share the conversational limelight.
2. Not trying to understand what the other person really means.
When the other person speaks, many people listen with an intention to refute, or rebut, or argue.
In many situations it is okay to refute what the other is saying. BUT in many other situations, it is better NOT to instantly try to answer, but instead, to strive to understand what they are saying and WHY they are saying it.
You may not agree with many people, but you should try to understand all of them.
Note the difference between agreement and understanding.
Don't try to refute people, try to understand them.
3. Forgetting most of what you hear.
Many people forget most of what they hear. It could be because they are not really paying attention to what is being said, or they do not try to remember what the person is saying.
The solution to this problem is easy:
Pay attention to what the other person is saying. The best way to do that is to try to visualise their message. If you cannot visualise their message, then ask the person questions until you do have enough information to form a visual image of their message.
Once you have a visual image in mind, then try to commit it to memory.
Do that simply by concentrating on the image and burn it into your short-term memory.
Please note that developing the habit of mental visualisation will help improve both your understanding and your memory.
4.Bad language or speech habits.
The next most common bad habit is bad language. That means swearing, unnecessary profanities, and careless or hurtful comments.
It would pay you to err on the side of caution, when it comes to your use of language.
If in doubt, leave it out.
Don't use insensitive or insulting language.
Instead, use eloquent, sensitive and encouraging language.
5. Poor voice tonality.
It is not only what you say that is important, HOW you say it, will make a big difference.
People respond to your voice tones, instinctively.
It is important to have a voice that is pleasant to listen to.
Therefore, do not be too loud, too shrill, too fast, or monotone. Try to speak not too loud, slightly deeper, slightly slower, and with more variable tones.
6 Poor body language.
How you look, is as important as what you say. Body language means how you use your face, hands, gestures, eye contact and dress code.
The errors are: bored facial expression, pointy fingers, aggressive arm gestures, too much or too little eye contact, and inappropriate dress code.
The corrections are happy, or relaxed facial expressions. Hands down below the eye line, Moderate eye contact, and dress slightly smarter than the expected average.
Definition: communication mistake
In business communication, a communication mistake is an error that occurs when people share ideas. It starts with what a speaker or listener does, such as hogging talk time, weak listening, rude words or closed body language. The slip blocks clear meaning and harms trust or results.
Show CG4D Definition
- Happens during any spoken, written or non-verbal exchange
- Caused by the behaviour of the sender or receiver, not by technology
- Blocks clear meaning and leads to misunderstanding
- Harms trust, rapport or the desired outcome
Article Summary
Cut the chatter about yourself, listen to grasp meaning, picture what you hear, choose kind words, steady your voice and open your posture; when you fix these six communication mistakes, people feel heard and your message finally lands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
How can I stop talking too much about myself in conversation?
How do I show I understand someone even if I disagree?
What simple trick helps me remember what I hear?
Which words should I avoid to prevent bad language at work?
How can I make my voice tone sound calmer and clearer?
Which body language cues signal openness and respect?
Why do common communication mistakes damage trust?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
72% of business leaders say poor communication lowers team output, costing firms about £9,800 per employee each year (Grammarly Business & The Harris Poll, State of Business Communication, 2024). 49% of employees feel disengaged in online meetings because speakers talk too much and do not invite interaction (Microsoft Work Trend Index, 2024).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
-
Virtual Presenting Skills
Learn virtual presenting skills that grab attention and structure online talks. Use clear language, quick tasks and action lists to keep listeners alert.
Read Article > -
Success Through Communication
Develop clear communication skills to share facts, feelings and vision. Use words, tone and body language to lift teamwork, cut errors and speed up success.
Read Article > -
The Most Important Question
Stop guessing and start asking. Learn how one simple question drives clear communication, cuts costly misunderstanding, boosts credibility and saves hours at
Read Article > -
The Importance of Business Communication Skills
Improve profits and morale by sharpening business communication skills. Learn how to share goals, listen to feedback and lead change with clear, positive
Read Article > -
Communication skills for trainers or presenters
Learn training skills that make each session informative, enjoyable and memorable. Structure content, blend explain-show-practise steps and add memory aids.
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 14 days, Birmingham, places available