Signs You Might Need a Communication Skills Refresher
…No shade, we’ve all been there.
Let’s admit something real quick: We all like to believe we’re great communicators. We talk, we listen (kind of), we reply to emails (eventually), and hey—everyone understands us… right?
But sometimes, just sometimes, our communication style might be due for a little tune-up. Like your phone’s software or your coffee machine—things work better after an update.
So, if any of these feel a little too familiar, it might be time to hit that refresh button on your communication skills.
1. People Always Ask You to “Clarify”
You send a perfectly detailed message. You cover all the points. You even added bullet lists and emojis for good measure. And still— “Hey, just checking… what did you mean by this?” “Sorry, can you clarify what you meant by ‘ASAP ASAP’?” “Are you mad or just using short sentences?”
If your messages regularly get a follow-up request for clarification, there’s a chance you’re either: a) too vague b) too detailed c) accidentally sounding like a Bond villain
👉 Clear, concise communication isn’t about saying more—it’s about saying what matters.
2. You Rely on Tone of Voice in Texts (Spoiler: It Doesn’t Work)
We get it. In your head, that message sounded friendly. But on the screen?
“Noted.”
Yikes. Sounds like someone’s annoyed.
Text, emails, and Slack messages don’t come with tone or facial expressions. So if your communication depends on people “getting your vibe,” it might be time to sharpen how you write.
Pro tip: If you have to follow up with “Sorry if that sounded harsh 😅”… you already know.
3. Meetings with You Feel Like… Monologues
You know those meetings where one person talks non-stop and the rest of the room just… nods in polite exhaustion?
Yeah. That might be you.
🚨 Warning signs:
- People stop taking notes after 5 minutes.
- You hear more “Let’s take that offline” than “Great point!”
- Your screen-sharing ends and everyone looks… relieved.
A great communicator knows when to speak and when to stop. The best conversations are two-way—even in meetings.
4. You Talk More Than You Listen
Imagine someone who interrupts mid-sentence to say, “Yeah, I totally get it—one time I—”
Yeah. That’s not listening. That’s waiting for your turn to talk.
One of the easiest communication mistakes is assuming talking = understanding. But the real magic? Happens when we actually listen.
Listening shows respect. It builds trust. It helps you respond instead of react.
And it stops you from becoming the Office Oversharer™.
5. Feedback Feels Like a Personal Attack (Or You Deliver It Like One)
Let’s talk feedback—giving it and receiving it.
If you:
- Get defensive every time someone gives you input…
- Find yourself saying, “No offense, but…” before dropping a verbal grenade…
- Or use the word “constructive” like it gives you a free pass…
You’re not alone, but it’s a sign that your communication toolbox needs some new tools.
💡 Giving great feedback is an art. Receiving it with grace is a superpower.
6. You Use Email to Avoid Awkward Conversations
There’s a conflict brewing. Maybe a misunderstanding. Something needs to be cleared up. And instead of addressing it face-to-face (or even on a quick call), you hit send on a 2,000-word essay.
Classic move.
Email is great for clarity and record-keeping. But some conversations are just better… well, spoken.
So, if you find yourself writing “Per my last email” in a passive-aggressive tone, maybe it’s time for a new strategy.
7. People Quote Your “Phrases” Back to You
Do you say the same things so often that your coworkers have started finishing your sentences? Or worse—mocking them (lovingly)?
“If I had a dollar for every time you said ‘touch base,’ I could retire.”
Sure, catchphrases are fun, but communication is about variety, empathy, and adaptation. If people can predict your every sentence, you might be over-relying on autopilot mode.
Shake it up. Say what you mean. Maybe even… surprise them.
So… What Now?
If you saw yourself in even 2 or 3 of these signs, don’t worry—we all have blind spots.
The good news? Communication skills are 100% learnable. You just need the right space to practice, reflect, and grow. Whether it’s managing conflict, presenting ideas, or just being more understood—getting better at communication changes everything.
How We Make Communication Skills Stick
At Elite Career Centre, we don’t do boring workshops or death-by-PowerPoint sessions. We create fun, practical, and highly interactive training experiences that help people communicate better—with confidence and clarity.
We help teams turn awkward silences into meaningful conversations—and Zoom fatigue into real engagement.
