Here’s a truth that may be hard to swallow: your bad communication habits can have a hugely negative effect on your work. In fact, a recent study showed that, on average, large organizations lost $62.4 million annually as a result of poor communication. Even if your organization is smaller, losses occur due to communication errors. Discovering which bad habits you and your team have developed may be more enlightening than you imagined.
1. Interrupting
Interrupting is a bad communication habit that some don’t even realize they do. However, it is something that can have an overall negative effect on teams and businesses. According to a 2011 publication, interrupting can result in poor task completion time, more errors, complications with the decision making process, and more.
If you interrupt without realizing it, it’s likely because your focus is on what you will say more than on listening. Or, maybe you worry that you’ll forget what you want to say before it’s your turn to talk. No matter the reason, make an effort to skip the interruption.
2. Aiming to Sound Intelligent
Many people want to sound smart, but this makes for a difficult conversational exchange. When language is anything other than straightforward, there will be miscommunications. Jargon and fancy words might sound interesting to you, but it can confuse others. Leave buzzwords and overly technical language behind. Keep your language simple and conversations will flow more smoothly. Bad communication habits like this one can do far more harm than good.
3. Fast Talking
Although you may have a lot to say and want to get it all out, fast talking isn’t going to help anyone. Nor is rambling, which can be much in the same vein. Take a breath and figure out the point of what you need to say before you say more than you need to. Slowing down the tempo can also help others to grasp what is being said as you say it. The human brain requires time to process information; be sure to allow it.
4. A Lack of Listening
Have you ever been chatting with someone and they said something you’d already mentioned? Or, maybe they asked a question that you’d answered two sentences ago? It can be hard to carry on a conversation when the other person isn’t listening well.
Now, flip it around and consider how well you listen. Do you ever spend your time in conversation considering what story you’ll tell? If you are, you’re not listening. Take in what your conversation partner is saying – this can even help the company culture thrive!
5. No Awareness of Body Language
A bad communication habit is a lack of knowledge of what body language projects. This can be true as an individual giving off body language and also seeing it in others. When you are speaking and your arms are crossed, you could be signaling to others that you’re feeling defensive. In truth, you could be cold, but it is important to consider what they may pick up from your body language.
Alternatively, if you are speaking with someone and they are angled away from you, it can be a signal that they are not interested in the conversation. Excusing them from the conversation may be necessary, or changing communication tactics may help as well.
6. Over-apologizing and lacking confidence
When you start a conversation with an apology that isn’t necessary, you give the impression that you lack confidence in the topic. For example, when you say, “Sorry, can I maybe share an idea?” You give the impression that you aren’t allowed to speak and that you don’t feel great about the idea. This is true of the “sorry” and the “maybe.” These words lack confidence, which is one of many bad communication habits worth ditching. Use language that encourages others to listen to what you have to say.
7. Like, Um, So
Bad communication habits include filling your sentences with filler words that aren’t needed, such as “like,” “um,” “so,” and “now.” Although it can be difficult to break this habit, it is also one that pays off in the long run. Using filler words can be incredibly distracting. It also pulls away from the primary message of the communication. It is always best to erase the unnecessary from speech.
Bad Communication Habits Conclusion
Although there are many bad communication habits to break, these seven offer a starting point. Whether you are someone who interrupts or unintentionally adds unnecessary words, breaking the bad habit will take some effort. If you require assistance in determining or breaking your bad communication habits, Right Fit Communications, LLC can be of great benefit to you. Furthermore, if your team requires extra communication assistance, please reach out to determine how Right Fit Communications, LLC can help.