If you want to avoid communication blunders and misunderstandings, then just read on and discover a few common communication errors that you might be making without even realizing it. We often miscommunicate, we obfuscate the point and we sometimes even cause an unintended reaction by trying to avoid a messy discussion. As a professional, a communication mistake can have a major impact on your performance since it can affect your ability to execute, to be heard, to influence and to be understood. There are actually very few people who have excellent communication skills, but it’s never too late to learn. Here are 7 common communication errors that you might be making without even realizing it:
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1. Not Making Eye Contact
This is one of the most common communication errors that a lot of people make on a daily basis. We often tend to stare at our phones when other people are talking to us; we watch TV or even type on our laptop. Well, this is something that can really upset the ones you are talking to. I’m sure you don’t like it either when people are not paying attention to you when you speak.
2. Interrupting
When you interrupt someone, you are basically telling them that what you have to say it’s more important than their thoughts or ideas. This is not such a nice message, right? A lot of studies have shown that women tend to interrupt out of excitement or out of being afraid that they will forget what they want to say, while men do it more as a power move.
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3. Not Using “We” Language
You should know that relationships are not a competition, so try not to view the other person as the enemy. Don’t speak with “me versus you” language; think of yourselves as a team, work together and not against each other.
4. Having Apathetic or Negative Body Language
Since actions speak louder than words, when you talk to someone, you should pay attention to your body language too .A lot of studies have shown that ninety percent of the meaning of a message is contained in your body language. Try to lean in towards the person you are talking to, be open and pay attention to what they are saying.
5. Making Assumptions before You Hear the Whole Message
You probably don’t like it when people make assumptions about what you are saying, so don’t do this to other people. Don’t roll your eyes at someone who is talking to you thinking that you already know what they are going to say. It’s actually impolite and you’ll hurt their feelings.
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6. Letting Your Emotions Control What You Say
Don’t let your emotions control what you are telling people! Words can hurt more than actions do, so pay attention to your feelings and don’t let them influence your communication. If you are angry, then just go and cool off, so you don’t regret what you say.
7. Attacking Other People’s Character Instead of Their Actions
If you want to criticize someone for something that they did, try not to attack their character. Tell them that you don’t agree with their actions. We all make mistakes sometimes, we are all human and none of us is perfect. You will never agree with all the things people say, so try to disagree with their words or with their actions and not with their character.
Being a good communicator does take some effort since you have to pay attention to a lot of details. You need to have patience and you need to practice if you want to improve this skill. Do you know any other common communication mistakes that we tend to make without even realizing it? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section!
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