Deadly Communication Sins to Avoid

This is a list of all of the things you don't want to be doing when communicating with others. If you want to come off with charisma, grace, equipoise and equanimity, stay away from these many deadly sins in your conversations!

Insincerity

This includes flattery for its own sake.

Judgment

Don't cast judgment on others, or offer unsolicited advice.

Callousness

Show empathy, and try actively not to be abrasive.

Gossip

Don't be a blabbermouth or a chatty Kathy.

Punching Down

If you make fun of someone, make sure they're of equal or greater status.

Contrarian

Don't play Devil's Advocate just because you can. Use the Socratic method.

Excuses

Avoid finding reasons why you can't, and find reasons you can. Quit the self-pity party.

Know-It-All

Assume you don't know many things, and be ready to learn from everyone else.

Being Mushy

Don't patronize people or talk to them like you would to an infant.

Grandiosity

Rather than using flowery language, aim to speak simply, precisely and directly.

Braggadocio

Nobody likes self-aggrandizement. Let your actions and friends speak to your character.

Hyperbole

Don't exaggerate, unless for humor's sake. Be honest and candid. Never lie.

Negativity

People will only want to be around you if you make them feel good.

Pedantry

Never focus on unnecessary details to the detriment of the underlying message.

Limping In

Speak with conviction. Don't make statements sound like questions.

Overintensity

Remember to smile and lean back. Don't "lock in" too soon. Use push/pull to give people a sense that you aren't over-interested. Don't speak too rapid-fire... low in speed and low in pitch is usually best.

Gaucheness

Don't be tacky or inconsiderate, especially with humor.

Evasiveness

Don't hide behind weasel words or dance around the subject with "FedSpeak".

Oversharing

Avoid "TMI" moments, and respect the boundaries of each relationship.

Condescension

Don't take a tone with people that makes it seem like you're better than them.

Too Much Text

Many people do poorly with a "wall of text". Meet face-to-face, or via phone calls.
_{Yes, I recognize the irony of putting this rule in the middle of a wall of text.}

Aloofness

Not engaging in communication early and often, or not using kinesthetics for connection.

Hypocrisy

Your actions should be congruent with your words.

That's MY list... what other communication sins can you think of?

Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading.

Since this is such a popular post, I'll be starting a video series about these soon!