83% of people make these 7 communication mistakes
#2. Saying hmm instead of restating what the other person said.
“ The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” — Peter Drucker
1. Omitting the word “we”
People who can’t communicate think everything is an argument.
If you are not single, you must have realized by now that relationships are not sporting events.
Or, at the very least, they should not be.
However, many people regard the other person as the “opponent.”
They communicate with a concept that amplifies the “me vs you” narrative.
You must reframe the situation and consider yourselves as a team.
Work to solve a problem rather than to win an argument.
Remember -The tongue is the only instrument that gets sharper with use.
2. Saying hmm instead of restating what the other person said
“The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” — George Bernard Shaw
Have you ever spoken to someone and had the uncomfortable feeling that they didn’t hear you out?
Sure, they could have responded with “hmm.”
But you were aware that they barely heard you.
That’s where rephrasing comes in. Try saying something like
“So, what I inferred here is whenever I talk to my ex, it makes you nervous?”
This kind of paraphrasing not only demonstrates to the other person that
you heard them but also show them that you have captured the gist of
what they wanted to say.
“Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic.
Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.” — Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter
3. Not being precise
“Say a little and say it well.” — Irish proverb
Make sure to communicate your idea quickly and keep it straight to the point.
Reduce your message to its essentials and eliminate jargon as one of the best ways to combat this.
People’s attention spans are allegedly getting shorter and shorter, especially online.
After presenting the main concepts, you can elaborate on them for an interested audience.
4. Lacking a proper structure
Remember structure in a message solves many problems.
They say “The best communication is driven by purpose.”
Prioritizing is a critical component of communications. Don’t let urgent things get always in the way of discussing what’s important.
Use a shocking statistic, an intriguing anecdote, or a brief quotation to make your point.
5. Using a Negative UnderTone
Consider these 2 examples.
“There are only 3 days left for the project. A lot of work is incomplete. I want you to put more effort into the next 3 days.
Now consider this statement.
“The Project deadline is Thursday. I know how hard you have been working and I can rely on you to make this project a success.”
Both have the same meaning but very different undertones.
“10% of conflicts are due to differences in opinion.
90% are due to the wrong tone of voice.” — Unknown.
6. Expecting people to be mind readers
No one can know what goes on in other people’s minds.
More often than men, women are usually the ones who do this.
Women speak subtly.
However, you must speak clearly if you want someone to understand you.
You can’t hold them responsible if they misinterpret your cryptic message.
7. Avoiding Awkward Conversations
I understand the need to avoid conflict in relationships but at what cost?
Awkward conversations will leave a bad after-taste but skipping them without addressing the underlying issue will slowly rot your relationship.
Allowing a problem to persist is much worse because it may result in more harm.
The anxiety can be reduced and difficult conversations can be handled more quickly if you learn to face your emotions head-on.
“the quality of life is directly proportional to the uncomfortable conversation you are willing to have” — unknown.
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I am open to constructive criticism in case you disagree with any of the above opinions.
Thank you for reading.
