You Said What?!

“Communicate Your Message”

Communication gaps – the spaces between what you think you said and what the recipient actually heard – happen constantly. If your words and actions fail to convey your intended message, take that mistake as a warning. Realize that the true expression of your message depends not only on what you say, but also on how you say it and how you present yourself. You will know you are communicating effectively when the other person hears exactly what you mean. Try to avoid these 16 common, big communication mistakes and, if you stumble, here’s how to correct them:

Mistake 1: “Not Being on Your A-Game”

Being your best possible self requires a positive mind-set and a can-do attitude. When things outside your control go wrong, regulate your response. Getting angry in traffic or yelling at a flight attendant never improves anything. Take a breath when something goes awry, work calmly toward a solution and offer to help. Don’t cast blame. Understand other people’s viewpoints and listen to what they say. Plan worst-case scenarios, so events don’t catch you off guard.

Mistake 2: “Not Beginning with the End in Mind”

When someone says...