Effective communication can make or break your personal and professional life.
But it’s not just about what you say—it’s also about what you leave behind.
Today, we dive into seven habits that might be holding you back from becoming a high-quality communicator. Are you unknowingly sabotaging your interactions?
Let’s find out.
1) Neglecting non-verbal cues
Did you know that some experts believe over 90% of our communication has nothing to do with the words we choose?
That’s right. Our body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice often speak louder than our words.
As a high-quality communicator, it’s important to not only be aware of your own non-verbal cues but also to pay attention to those of others. This can provide you with valuable insights into what they’re truly thinking and feeling.
So don’t just focus on the words. Pay attention to the whole picture. It’s a game-changer in effective communication.
2) Interrupting others
We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of a conversation, and someone abruptly cuts you off. It’s frustrating, isn’t it?
Interrupting others is a surefire way to get your conversation off on the wrong foot. It sends a clear message that you value your own thoughts and opinions more than those of the person you’re speaking with.
Great communicators understand that listening is just as important as speaking, if not more so.
They know that, as Stoic philosopher Epictetus put it, “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” They give others the time and space to express their thoughts without interruption.
Next time you find yourself eager to jump in, take a step back. Allow the other person to finish their thought.
3) Using complicated jargon
In the quest to sound smart and authoritative, it’s easy to fall into the trap of using complicated jargon.
I know this because I was guilty of it early in my career—I thought throwing in complex words would make me look intelligent and impressive.
But here’s the thing—effective communication isn’t about sounding smart. It’s about making sure your message is understood. Using complex words or industry-specific terms can alienate your audience, especially if they’re not familiar with the terminology. It creates a barrier that hinders understanding rather than building it.
As a high-quality communicator, strive for clarity over complexity. Use simple, straightforward language that anyone can grasp.
The goal is to get your message across, not to obscure it with fancy words. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way.
4) Not being empathetic
This is a huge one.
Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is the heart of all human interaction. It’s what allows us to connect with others on a deeper level.
When we communicate without empathy, our words can come across as cold and detached. It creates a distance between us and the person we’re communicating with.
Being an exceptional communicator means putting yourself in the other person’s shoes. It’s about understanding their perspective, their feelings, and their needs.
This isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it.
5) Avoiding eye contact
Ever tried talking to someone who’s looking anywhere but at you? How did that make you feel?
Avoiding eye contact can send all the wrong messages—it can make you seem disinterested, untrustworthy, or even uncomfortable in your own skin. When you’re avoiding someone’s gaze, they might wonder if you’re distracted, hiding something, or simply not confident in what you’re saying.
High-quality communicators know that eye contact is a powerful way to connect. It shows confidence and, as noted by Robert A. Lavine, a psychologist and neuroscience writer, “can show that you are paying attention in a friendly way.”
Of course, balance is key.
Too much eye contact can be intimidating or even awkward, but finding a natural rhythm shows you’re present in the moment.
6) Listening to respond rather than understand
Bestselling author Stephen Covey famously said: “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” If we’re honest, most of us have been guilty of this at some point.
When you’re listening to respond, your mind races ahead, thinking of what you’ll say next, rather than fully absorbing what the other person is saying. The result?
You miss crucial details, the speaker feels unheard, and the conversation lacks true depth. This habit can make your responses feel shallow or disconnected from what’s actually being said.
High-quality communication is all about understanding, not just getting your turn to speak.
7) Being distracted by your phone
This one sounds obvious, but it had to be on this list. How many times have you been in a conversation, only to find yourself checking your phone “just for a second”?
It’s called “phubbing”—snubbing someone in favor of your phone—and it’s a huge problem nowadays.
While it might seem harmless, it can cause major problems in relationships of all kinds. Whether it’s during a work meeting, a family dinner, or catching up with a friend, phubbing sends a clear message: whatever is on your screen is more important than the person right in front of you.
One study even suggests that phubbing decreases marital satisfaction. When your partner feels they’re competing with a screen, it breeds feelings of neglect, frustration, and disconnection.
But it doesn’t just apply to marriages—the same goes for any interaction where genuine connection matters.
A high-quality communicator makes a conscious choice to be fully present. That means putting your phone away, resisting the urge to check every buzz or notification, and giving the person you’re speaking to your full attention.
Final thoughts
Effective communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about truly connecting.
By saying goodbye to these habits and replacing them with more mindful, intentional behaviors, you can elevate the way you interact and build stronger, more meaningful relationships.
Every conversation is an opportunity to listen, understand, and connect on a deeper level.
Start today—it’ll change the way you engage with the world.
