Successful relationships, whether personal or professional, are built on effective communication. However, many unintentionally commit common mistakes that can affect their interpersonal communication skills. Improving these skills, such as through an English Speaking Course, can help refine communication, making interactions clearer and more confident in various contexts. You can improve your connections and Interpersonal Communication Skills by being aware of and clear of these typical interpersonal communication mistakes.
Let’s see the seven mistakes in interpersonal communication, along with advice on how to avoid them:
Table of Contents
- Not Actively Listening
- Interrupting Too Often
- Overusing Non-Verbal Cues
- Talking Too Much About Yourself
- Using Vague or Ambiguous Language
- Focusing on Being Right Instead of Understanding
- Not Tailoring Your Communication to the Audience
- Conclusion
1. Not Actively Listening
There seems to be one general and devastating mistake that most people commit regarding interpersonal communication. We spend a lot of time planning what we will say next; in the meantime, we fail to listen. This results in a failure to grasp what is being discussed, a failure to pass important information, and a perceived lack of consideration for the other person’s idea.
To avoid this mistake, active listening thoroughly pays attention to the message’s content without interrupting or anticipating the reply. Maintain eye contact, make affirmative head moves, and respond where and when needed. Avoid checking phone calls or engaging in other unrelated exercises in the process. Another sign that you’re listening to the other person is paraphrasing or summarising what the other person has said.
2. Interrupting Too Often
Interrupting someone in the middle of their sentence is another typical communication mistake. It not only throws off the conversational flow but also gives the impression that you don’t completely respect what the other person says. Interrupting others is common because people are eager to express their opinions or think they know what the other person will say.
To avoid this mistake, be patient and wait until the other person has finished speaking, even if you have something important to contribute. Always remember that a conversation is two-way; letting others air their opinions will result in a deeper discussion. Try mentally recording your point or writing it down if you’re afraid you won’t remember it.
3. Overusing Non-Verbal Cues
This focuses on how nonverbal behaviours, including gestures, facial expressions, posturing, illustration, and touch, work in communication and how they may create and transmit unintended meanings. Leaning your arms may make you look defensive, and frantic nodding may make you look fake. Even when the gestures do not reinforce the message you are speaking, they create confusion for the listener and weaken your statement.
To avoid this mistake, avoid crossing arms, slouching, or folding legs in a position. Ensure you are also relaxed and that your body language matches your message. For example, look directly at the individuals when indicating interest, and to show agreement with someone, bend one’s head slightly forward, but do not overdo it. Be sure to mirror your movements and not overdo it.
4. Talking Too Much About Yourself
Talking too much about yourself and controlling the conversation is another communication hazard. While opening up about personal experiences can foster connection, continuously bringing yourself first can make the other person feel unappreciated. People who are anxious or eager to make a good impression are more prone to this mistake.
To avoid this mistake, aim for a dialogue in which each person contributes equally. Encourage the other person to share their opinions by posing open-ended enquiries and demonstrating your sincere interest in their experiences. Recall that a dialogue ought to feel collaborative rather than one-sided.
5. Using Vague or Ambiguous Language
Interference is mostly realised when people employ imprecise language in their conversation. That is why people facing such situations can cause confusion, misunderstandings, and frustration. For example, when a person delays deciding by using the phrase “I’ll get back to you later,” the other person does not know when the decision will be made.
To avoid this mistake, an objective discussion should be carried out clearly and delicately. In place of later as a response, give time that one could stick to, such as “I’ll get to you by 5 p.m.” If you are presenting concepts, ideas, or information to someone and feel lost in them, just say, ‘Let me simplify this to make it easier to understand.’ Clarity eliminates misunderstandings, is good for changing direction, and is simple to follow.
6. Focusing on Being Right Instead of Understanding
In many discussions, particularly arguments or conflicts, people get obsessed with demonstrating their correctness rather than attempting to comprehend the opposing party’s viewpoint. This can increase tensions and result in defensive communication, transforming a fruitful conversation into a fight.
To avoid this mistake, shift your attention from “winning” the discussion to comprehending what the other person says. Ask questions, demonstrate empathy, and view the discussion as a chance to learn new information. Respecting the other person’s viewpoint encourages healthier communication, even if you disagree with them.
7. Not Tailoring Your Communication to the Audience
Good communication doesn’t work for everyone. Depending on their upbringing, level of education, and communication preferences, a message that appeals to one person may confuse or repel another. For example, someone not knowledgeable about the topic area may feel alienated if you use technical language with them.
To avoid this mistake, think about who you are speaking to before you talk. Adapt your words, tone, and substance to the individual you speak with. For example, when chatting with someone outside your industry, use plain language; converse with colleagues who share your knowledge in greater detail. Changing how you go about things may ensure everyone understands and values your message.
Conclusion
Improve interpersonal communication by avoiding common mistakes like ambiguous language, interrupting, and failing to listen. Tailoring your communication, promoting understanding over being right, and ensuring clarity strengthen personal and professional relationships. Practising these skills helps prevent miscommunications and builds stronger connections. Consider The Knowledge Academy Free Resources help refine and develop interpersonal communication skills.