7 signs you’re a bad communicator (and how to fix them)

Communication has always been the key to a healthy lifestyle. Being a good communicator enables you to put forth your perspectives, present unique ideas, and attract people to listen to you without interruption. Good communication is a skill that can be developed over time and yields successful results in all spheres of one’s life. Nowadays, various communication coaching is available for developing effective business communication skills. One may wonder why there is a special segregative mention for business communication skills. It is so because a major source that drives our lives is our involvement in any business that helps us to earn a living. Having exceptional communication skills can increase the quality of our delivery, making us highly desirable and well-established. 

However, some might find themselves to be poor at this skill, and others who are poor but still don’t realize it. Well, if you belong to either of the categories, then this blog is just for you!

7 signs indicating that you’re a bad communicator:

1. Inability to listen: 

One of the major signs of being a poor communicator is having a poor attention span with respect to the person talking to you. This projects the lack of interest that distracts you from the person or device in front of you.  

2. Assumptions: 

This is a feeling where you think you already know what the other person is talking about. These assumptions are disastrous as they inculcate a sense of overconfidence that hinders your public and private relations making you a lesser acknowledged choice regarding having a meaningful conversation. This habit is extremely hostile. Conclusions derived based on these assumptions can often be hurtful and disrespectful to the other person’s feelings. 

3. Interruptions: 

A habit that people often find irritating is an interruption. This is when you constantly interrupt the person talking to you and do not let them finish their speech. This can be highly off-putting and mark you as a bad communicator. People find it annoying and undesirable.

4. Inability to compromise: 

Good communication demands some consideration and flexibility. No matter how small and insignificant the topic is, being rigid and non adjusting is a very negative sign. 

5. Dismissal of other people’s feelings: 

Being subjective and practical in a conversation is a much-needed trait. However, an excess of it may hurt or completely disregard the person in question. This is extremely unhealthy as having a sympathetic component in a conversation not only makes it interesting but also enhances the comfort between the communicators and offers a positive outlook on the problem at hand. 

6. Focus point: 

Your focus should be equally divided between the person and the issue. Failure to do so can lead to biased and harsh verdicts or statements that can later prove detrimental to your cause. Thus, having a true and balanced focus point is also essential. The lack of it makes you a poor communicator. 

7. Whataboutism: 

Some people may wonder what it actually means. It is a phenomenon where when asked a question, a person, instead of actually answering it, tries to question back and start a blame game. This shows insecurity and an inability to answer with reasonable and logical reference points. 

However, Communication is a skill that can be worked upon and developed over time. A bad communicator does not always remain a bad communicator. Effective training and coaching can help one to communicate with confidence and prudence.

The following methods can very well develop effective communication skills:

1. Increasing attention span: 

A person’s attention span can be elongated by practicing various exercises on a daily basis. It can be termed as a minor psychological situation that can be perfected. Some exercises are completing crossword puzzles, reading a long book, meditating, making a to-do list, etc. 

2. Develop listening skills: 

Inculcating the habit of listening is highly efficient. It reduces making assumptions and helps one to analyze the given situation subjectively. It also facilitates profitable business communications enhancing one’s PR and career growth possibilities.

3. Patience: 

It is one of the most important elements that a person should have in any matter of life. Patience is less of a skill and more of a way of life. Having patience automatically makes you a good listener and, thereby, a good communicator. Waiting for a person to finish their speech and patiently listening to all the information they give makes one a knowledgeable and attractive communicator.

4. Flexibility: 

A good communicator is never rigid. One should learn to respect, if not accept, others’ views. You may be right, but that doesn’t mean that others are wrong. Learning to have peace and compromise also makes one a good communicator.

5. Speak Smart Classes: 

One of the ways to become a good communicator is to attend smart classes. These classes are specially designed to upgrade your communication skills. They have exercises and courses structured to cater to the abilities that one lacks. They train you to specialize in public speaking, debating, and having meaningful conversations by following exercises like JAMS, tongue twisters, Pictionary, etc.  

6. Asking meaningful questions: 

One way to become a good communicator is to ask meaningful questions pertaining to issues discussed. This portrays your interest, knowledge, and keen observation about the matter, making you a good choice to have a conversation with.  

Although the above said are just a few, there are many other methods that can be adopted and put to use to become a good communicator. After all, it is not rocket science! The methods also vary depending on the comfort of the person involved. Thus, experimentation can also unveil your comfort zones, and you can enhance your skills accordingly.