The 6 Signs You’re A Bad Communicator: And How To Fix It

“The number one advice I have, is communicate, learn how to communicate.”- Gary Vaynerchuk

We all have to communicate with others whether we like it or not. For some, talking comes naturally. They can talk for hours without taking a breath. On the other hand, there are those who would rather avoid conversations altogether. However, whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, good communication is essential for success in any field. Managers need to be able to delegate tasks and give clear instructions. CEO’s need to inspire and motivate their employees. Even engineers need to be able to explain their designs to non-technical people. The bottom line is that if you can’t communicate effectively, you’re going to have a hard time achieving your goals.

Bad communication can tank your career. Communicating poorly will make you look incompetent, unprofessional, and even arrogant if you’re not careful. Here are six signs that you might be a lousy communicator- and how to improve.

1.You use jargon.

If you want to improve your communication skills, make sure you’re using language everyone can understand. Jargon is terminology that is specific to your industry or field. It’s OK to use jargon when talking to people in the same industry as you are. However, if you’re using jargon with people who aren’t in your field, then they’re not going to understand what you’re saying. This can make it challenging to get your point across.

2 .You don’t listen enough.

Listening is just as essential as talking. In fact, many experts say that listening is the most critical communication skill of all. When you’re talking to someone, try to hear what they’re saying instead of just waiting for your turn to speak. Please pay attention to their body language, tone of voice, and words. And when they’re finished speaking, repeat what you think they said to ensure you understand them correctly—not interrupting.

3 You interrupt too much.

Have you ever been conversing with someone who couldn’t wait for their turn to speak? It’s incredibly frustrating. Interrupting shows that you don’t respect the person you’re talking to, making it difficult for them to get their point across. If you find yourself interrupts too much, make an effort to bite your tongue and let the other person finish what they’re saying before chiming in.

4. You don’t make eye contact.

We live in a world where it’s normal to multi-task; however, when you’re communicating with someone, it’s essential to give them your full attention. If you’re trying to do two things at once, then chances are that neither task will get your full attention. This can make it challenging to communicate effectively. When you’re talking to someone, ensure they have your full attention so that they know that you value what they say. Eye contact is essential for good communication. It shows that you’re interested in what the other person is saying and helps establish a connection with them. If you find yourself avoiding eye contact, try this exercise: Next time you’re in a conversation with someone, force yourself to maintain eye contact for at least 60 seconds without breaking it. Sometimes, what we say is only half the story; the rest lies in our nonverbal cues such as body language and tone of voice. If you find yourself discounting or ignoring nonverbal cues during conversations, try paying closer attention next time. Often, they can reveal as much information as the words coming out of someone’s mouth….if not more so! Nonverbal cues can help give context clues as to what someone might really be thinking or feeling, so it definitely pays off to pay attention to them.

5. You get defensive quickly.

One of the quickest ways to end a productive conversation is by getting defensive. When we feel like we’re being attacked, our instinct is to put up our defenses and stop listening To what the other person is saying. To be a better communicator, it’s vital To learn how to manage your emotions. This doesn’t mean that you need to agree with everything that the other person says; however, it does mean that you need to be able to see their perspective and manage your emotions accordingly. You tend to withdraw when things get emotional. Some people shut down completely when they get overwhelmed emotionally, while others might lash out aggressively. Neither of these reactions is particularly helpful when trying to communicate effectively. If you get emotional during conversations, try taking a step back and focusing on breathing evenly until you feel more composed. Once you’ve had a chance to calm down, come back to the conversation and explain how you were feeling at that moment. This will help prevent misunderstandings and foster more respectful communication between both parties involved.

6) You don’t ask questions.

Asking questions shows that you care about the other person and want to learn more about them. It also allows for two-way communication instead of one-way communication. If you want to be better communicator, then ask questions and encourage others to do the same

Bonus:  You don’t know when (or how) to end a conversation

Knowing when (and how) to end a conversation is also an important communication skill . If you ramble on long after the other person has lost interest, try changing the subject or politely excusing yourself. Ending a conversation abruptly, however, can come across as rude or dismissive. Next time you find yourself in a situation like this , take cues from the other person . Follow their lead if they seem uncomfortable or eager to end the conversation.

Communication is essential in our personal and professional lives yet many of us still struggle with it daily basis… If any of these points resonate with you, don’t worry! There are always ways that we can improve our communication skills… Remember that effective communication requires practice…and a lot of patience!