UXL Blog

There are some people who are expert communicators. They are inspirational, motivational, and they have a knack for getting people to understand exactly what they want to convey. These individuals inevitably build trust and make people want to confide in them. We should all strive to become such excellent communicators.

Part of becoming a great communicator means knowing what to avoid–the pitfalls that make others close up or respond poorly to you. Let’s talk about five communication approaches that rarely work (and what to do instead).

Steamrolling Ideas

Good leadership means compromise, and sometimes that involves letting go of some or your ideas or letting others have a say. If you’re especially enamored with an idea or solution, it can be tempting to steamroll over others in order to get your way. However, this approach rarely leads to successful communication or collaboration.

Instead: Try to adopt a more open-minded and collaborative mindset. Listen to others’ perspectives and be willing to embrace alternative ideas. This not only shows respect for others’ opinions but also fosters a sense of teamwork and creativity.

Being Indirect

When communicating, being indirect can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Indirectness can also be interpreted as a lack of self-confidence or uncertainty about the topic at hand. Instead of beating around the bush or using vague language, it’s important to be clear and direct in expressing your thoughts and intentions.

Instead: Be straightforward and concise in your communication. Clearly state your message or request, and provide any necessary context or details. This will help to eliminate any ambiguity and ensure that your message is understood correctly.

Interrupting and Dominating Conversations

Interrupting others or consistently dominating conversations can hinder effective communication. No one likes to feel small or unimportant. This communication style can make others feel unheard and disregarded, leading to a breakdown in communication and relationships.

Instead: Practice active listening and give others the space to express themselves. Allow others to finish speaking before responding, and show genuine interest in what they have to say. This promotes healthy dialogue and creates an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Using Jargon and Technical Language

Using excessive jargon and technical language can alienate others who may not be familiar with the terminology. This can lead to confusion and a lack of understanding, defeating the purpose of communication. It’s important to use language that is accessible and easily understood by the intended audience.

Instead: Use clear and simple language that everyone can understand.

Oversharing and Gossiping

Oversharing and gossiping can negatively impact communication and trust within a group. Sharing personal information that is unnecessary or irrelevant to the conversation can make others uncomfortable and can divert the focus from the main topic at hand. Gossiping about others can also create a toxic environment and erode trust among team members.

Instead: Focus on the topic or issue at hand and avoid sharing personal details that are not relevant. Be mindful of what you share and consider the impact it may have on others. Avoid gossiping or spreading rumors, as it can damage relationships and create a negative work or social environment.

To become an excellent communicator, it is important to understand what you need to avoid. Do you let any of these pitfalls slip into your everyday communication? If so, it is important to recognize these missteps and work on correcting them. Few people were born excellent communicators, but many can get there with a little time and intentional effort.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

Tags: better communication in the workplace, fixing terrible communication, improve communication at work, Margaret Smith business coach, Margaret Smith Minneapolis career coach, terrible communication approaches