Conversation is key to any relationship, be it personal or professional. However, sometimes we can say things that unintentionally kill the conversation.
In this article, we will discuss 13 of the most common conversation killers and how to avoid them. By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your conversations are enjoyable and productive for everyone involved!
1/13 – You Always Need The Last Word
If you’re the type of person who always needs to have the last word, you may be inadvertently killing conversations. This is because people can feel like they’re not being heard or that their opinions don’t matter.
If you find yourself needing to always be right, try to take a step back and really listen to what the other person is saying. You may be surprised to find that you actually agree with them! Listening is an important skill in any conversation, so make sure that you’re really hearing what the other person has to say.
2/13 – You Need To Be Right All The Time
This is similar to always needing the last word, but it’s even more frustrating for the person you’re talking to. If you need to be right all the time, it means that you’re not open to hearing other people’s opinions or points of view.
Ego is venomous to conversation because it immediately puts up a wall between you and the person you’re talking to. In order to have a successful conversation, you need to be open to what the other person is saying.
The best way to avoid this is with facts. If you’re stuck in a civil discussion, but the other person has the data to back them up, then all you can do is graciously accept defeat.
3/13 – You’re The Only One Talking
This is also one of most common conversation killers because it’s just plain rude. If you’re the only one talking, then it’s not a conversation. It’s a lecture.
Nobody wants to be lectured to, especially if they feel like they can’t get a word in edgewise. So if you find yourself doing all the talking,
Take a step back and let the other person have a turn. You might be surprised at what you learn.
4/13 – Giving Unsolicited Advice
Unless somebody has asked for your opinion, it’s best to keep your thoughts to yourself. Even then, tread lightly.
People don’t like to be told what they should or shouldn’t do, especially by someone who doesn’t even know them that well.
If you want to offer advice, make sure it’s welcome first.
5/13 – The Philosophical Response
We all have that one friend who loves to get into theoretical debates about life, the universe, and everything.
And while there’s nothing wrong with a good philosophical discussion, sometimes people just want to relax and talk about something lighter.
Try to gauge the situation before you start spouting off about the meaning of life.
6/13 – You Are Not Listening
This one of most common conversation killers is pretty self-explanatory.
If you’re not listening to the other person, they’ll quickly lose interest in talking to you.
Make sure you’re giving them your full attention and really hearing what they have to say.
It can be easy to get caught up in our own thoughts, but it’s important to focus on the conversation if you want it to be successful.
7/13 – Being Funny At The Expense Of Others
It’s great to be funny, but not at someone else’s expense.
Nobody wants to be the butt of your jokes, so make sure you’re being mindful of how your words might affect others.
A good rule of thumb is to never say anything that you wouldn’t want said about yourself.
Think before you speak and you’ll avoid a lot of hurt feelings.
8/13 – You Like To Interrupt
We’ve all been in a conversation where someone just won’t let us get a word in edgewise.
It’s frustrating, and it makes it hard to really connect with the person.
If you find yourself interrupting often, try to take a step back and give the other person some space to talk.
Interrupting shows that you’re not really interested in hearing what the other person has to say, and it can be a real turn-off.
Nobody wants to feel like they’re not being heard, so make an effort to let the other person speak.
9/13 – Keep Complaining
Nobody likes a Negative Nelly. So try to avoid being the person who is always complaining.
If you’re always finding fault with other people or with the world in general, it can make you seem unhappy and pessimistic.
Nobody wants to be around someone who is constantly negative, so try to find some positive things to focus on instead.
10/13 – Bragging and Being Self-centered
We all like to feel special and important, but there’s a fine line between being confident and cocky.
If you’re always talking about yourself and trying to one-up everyone else, it can make you seem arrogant and insensitive.
Nobody wants to be around someone who is always trying to make themselves look good at the expense of others, so try to strike a balance.
11/13 – Being Judgmental
We all have our own opinions and beliefs, but it’s important to be respectful of others even if you don’t agree with them.
If you’re always putting other people down or criticising their choices, it can make you seem closed-minded and unkind.
Nobody wants to be around someone who is constantly judging them. So try to be more understanding and open-minded.
12/13 – Being Negative
Negativity is contagious, and nobody wants to be around someone who is always pessimistic and down in the dumps.
If you’re always seeing the glass as half empty, it can be a real drag on others.
Try to focus on the positive things in your life, and be grateful for what you have. Other people will be drawn to your positive energy.
13/13 – Rudeness and Lack of Manners
If you’re rude to others, it’s a major turn-off.
Lack of manners can also be a big issue.
Remember to mind your P’s and Q’s, and treat others with respect.
Conclusion
Despite our best intentions, we can all fall victim to conversation killers from time to time. The good news is that by being aware of these 13 offenders, you can work on avoiding them and keeping your conversations flowing smoothly. How do you usually handle difficult conversations? Let us know in the comments below!
