Emily Flores
You know that glazed look people get mid-conversation? The one that says they’re physically present but mentally elsewhere? It’s more common than you think, and often caused by habits we barely notice. Even the smallest patterns in tone or phrasing can drain others’ attention. Do you want to see which of these conversation killers you’re guilty of? Here’s a list of the ten most common examples.
Interrupting Constantly
Jumping in before someone finishes their sentence makes you look impatient. It screams, “My words matter more than yours!” And that vibe isn’t exactly endearing. Before you know it, people stop talking altogether, because they know you’ll just do it again.
Overexplaining Simple Points
If you catch yourself restating a simple thought again and again, take it as a cue to pause. Overexplaining doesn’t make your point clearer. Most people already follow along the first time. Brevity is what keeps attention anchored and conversations alive.
Going Off On Tangents
You start talking about your weekend, and suddenly you’re explaining how squirrels can’t burp. We’ve all done it. But when your stories spin off like a caffeine-fueled rollercoaster, listeners get dizzy and lose track. Staying on topic is merciful, so try landing the plane before everyone bails.
Checking Your Phone
Nothing kills a good conversation faster than a quick scroll mid-sentence. The habit even has a name, “phubbing,” and it signals distraction more than disrespect. You need to put the phone down and give your full attention to the person next to you. You’ll be surprised how much warmer and more genuine the exchange feels.
Speaking In A Monotone Voice
Human attention thrives on variation. When your voice stays at the same pitch and pace, listeners’ brains start to tune out. This is totally about rhythm. Even small vocal changes signal confidence and warmth, keeping your words as dynamic as the conversation itself.
Overusing Filler Words
Like, um, you know, when someone, like, can’t, um, stop, like, doing this? It’s exhausting. We all drop a few fillers. It’s fine, it’s human. However, as every sentence sounds like verbal popcorn, people stop following the message. Sometimes, silence is way more powerful than a dozen “uhhhs.”
Constantly Correcting Others
We get it: you’re right. You’re always right. Still, constantly correcting people mid-chat makes you insufferable. Nobody enjoys walking on eggshells, wondering if you’ll grammar-check their emotions next. It’s okay to let a minor mistake live rent-free for the sake of peace.
Bringing Up Negative Topics
Heavy topics have their place, especially when someone needs empathy. If every exchange centers on what’s wrong, the tone shifts from relatable to draining. People naturally respond to balance: acknowledging hardship while leaving space for humor or hope keeps dialogue alive.
Talking Too Fast
Isn’t it funny how rapid-fire speech can make you sound like either a genius or a nervous wreck? While some folks marvel at swift talkers’ apparent brilliance, others feel like they’re drinking from a mental fire hose. This speaking sprint often kicks in when we’re excited or anxious, but ultimately makes information harder to process.
Overloading With Jargon
The impulse to sprinkle conversations with technical jargon comes from a desire to show your expertise, but it tends to misfire spectacularly. Instead of demonstrating your knowledge, jargon-heavy speech creates invisible walls, where people feel excluded and conversations grow increasingly boring.