I used to believe that I was a communication expert because I could talk about anything all day long. However, I recently realized that it does not necessarily constitute real communication. In reality, I'm awful at it.
1. I Tend To Babble
Instead of getting to the point, I get sidetracked and go off on tangents. Although I think I'm expressing my emotions, I'm actually muddling the issue and the other person's understanding. Because there is so much needless dialogue surrounding the root of the discussion, no one can concentrate on what I'm saying. I talk in circles that only I understand.
2. I Forget That Listening Is More Important
I was once an excellent listener, but I became tired of feeling like no one was listening to me in return. I began to speak first and loudly, ensuring that I got my message across, but I lost my listening abilities in the process. I'm attempting to strike a happy balance. Sometimes, I catch myself just waiting for someone else to finish speaking so that I can start, and that annoys me.
3. I Ramble When I'm Nervous
I'm terrible at dealing with conflict. I become extremely anxious and restless. I can't make eye contact, and I'm always fidgety. My speech, like my body, becomes strange. Rather than talking about the problem at hand, I try to bring up anything else I can think of. When I eventually get there, I avoid the issue until I'm not sure what's going on anymore. This strategy is ineffective, to say the least.
4. I Hate Conflict, So I Lose The Strength Of My Position
When faced with disagreements or arguments, I tend to back off from my stance and feel like I am wrong for reacting the way I do. It can be frustrating as I don't want to come off as someone who always thinks they are right. However, I want to be able to hold my ground while still acknowledging the other person's perspective.
5. I Bend Easily To The Opinions Of Others
My fear of being wrong and damaging my relationships causes me to lose my strength during conflicts. I struggle to strike a balance between being firm and flexible. I tend to give in quickly to avoid upsetting others, even if it means compromising my own beliefs. When someone confronts me with an issue, I feel like a terrible person for causing them to feel that way.
6. I Talk At People Instead Of To Them
Due to my anxiety and fear of being vulnerable, I often disconnect during conflicts and struggle to express my feelings effectively. I become overwhelmed with emotions and stress easily, and I don't know how to prevent it. I am sensitive and emotional, which leaves me feeling drained after any serious conversation where I let my guard down.
7. I Think That Others Understand What I Mean Just Because It Makes Sense To Me
While I may talk a lot, effective communication requires me to express myself clearly to the other person involved. Unfortunately, I tend to keep my thoughts and feelings to myself, which often results in communication breakdowns. Even though it is the most important element, I struggle to convey my message to others, leading to failed attempts at communication.
8. I'm Not Good At Changing My Wording To Make Myself Clear
It's apparent to me when my words are unclear and cause confusion for others. I can easily recognize when they don't comprehend my message or misinterpret it. This can be frustrating for me since I struggle to rephrase my words effectively to convey my intended meaning. This often leads to both of us feeling exasperated, and it makes me feel hopeless about ever having successful communication.
9. I Often Feel Unheard Or Misunderstood
Occasionally, the other person may not be invested enough to listen, but usually, it's because I'm not articulating my thoughts accurately. I tend to get frustrated and quit trying because I lack the knowledge to express myself more effectively and convey my message clearly. I'm uncertain if I require guidance in conversing with people or some form of training to enhance my communication skills.
10. I'm Overly Sensitive To What Others Have To Say
I become anxious and apprehensive before having an important conversation with someone. I'm sensitive to any criticism they may have of me, and I tend to take it personally. I understand that my low self-esteem is the root of this problem and it's something I need to work on.
11. I Get Nervous About How Others Will React To Me
I can't speak my mind without worrying about how it will impact the other person. I fear that I'll upset them or make them angry. I struggle to handle these situations and realize that if I want to communicate like an adult, I need to learn to deal with these emotions.
12. I Overthink My Words Before I Actually Speak
Before having a conversation, I often play out different scenarios in my head, which makes it difficult for me to stay in the present moment during the actual conversation. If things don't go as planned, I'm left feeling lost and unsure of how to proceed. I know that I need to be more present and authentic, but it's a challenge for me.
