Do you find yourself dominating conversations? Perhaps you have a tendency to interrupt. Or maybe you’re the type who always needs to one-up others. It’s also possible that your attention keeps drifting to your phone every few seconds. We all possess at least one—an annoying conversation habit.
We consulted the Young Entrepreneur Council to gather insights on the most off-putting behaviors exhibited by entrepreneurs and self-starters during conversations. Check to see if you’re guilty of any of these detrimental conversational habits. If you are, make it a priority to change immediately.
Conversational pitfalls to avoid right now
1. Over-talking
Individuals often eliminate their chances of closing a deal by saying too much. Respond only to the inquiries made by others. As a general guideline, aim to express about 20% of your true intentions. Providing excessive information tends to raise more questions, contributing to fear of uncertainty. Maintain brevity and clarity.
—Andy Karuza, NachoNacho
2. Self-aggrandizing
A touch of humility can be very beneficial. Your accomplishments should speak for themselves, and more often than not, others will commend your efforts when it’s appropriate. Avoid entering conversations boasting about yourself. Focus on getting to know the other person by asking questions and identifying shared interests.
—Darrah Brustein, Darrah.co
3. Using “I feel like”
While you’re permitted to express your instincts, relying solely on those feelings to justify your stance is problematic—not just because it’s bothersome, but it undermines your team’s ability to perform effectively.
—Aaron Schwartz, NPS Ventures
4. Ineffective delivery
If you struggle to communicate a persuasive elevator pitch or lack familiarity within your industry, you risk undermining your credibility. An ineffective delivery is unappealing as it indicates a deficiency in preparation. You must be ready to promote yourself; you never know who you might encounter and their potential influence.
—Rakia Reynolds, Skai Blue Media
5. Utilizing jargon
Whether speaking with prospective clients, users, or investors, no one enjoys feeling confused by the acronyms or terms you’re using. There’s a reason politicians favor clear language—they aim to unify understanding and garner support for their initiatives.
—Kim Kaupe, Bright Ideas Only
6. Cutting others off
Often, entrepreneurs, whose minds run at a rapid pace, unintentionally interrupt others, assuming they know what will be said next or rushing to their next thought. More entrepreneurs need to slow down, take a moment, and listen actively. While speed can be advantageous, absorbing what others convey is equally crucial.
—Peter Daisyme, Due
7. Glancing at your phone
Mobile devices should be set aside during conversations. No phone calls, texts, or browsing should occur. Engaging in this behavior signals a disinterest in the discussion at hand. If the conversation fails to capture your interest, consider shifting topics.
—Peter Boyd, PaperStreet Web Design
8. Starting with presumptive questions
Many people begin conversations with presumptive questions that may isolate part of their audience. For instance, asking, “Have you ever visited X?” can alienate someone who answers “No.” That’s not the most effective way to cultivate rapport.
—Eric Mathews, Start Co.
