The Communication Conundrum: Why Are We Getting Worse at Talking?

Communication is not difficult. At least, it shouldn’t be. And yet, despite living in an era of instant connectivity, our ability to communicate effectively, both in and out of the workplace, is arguably worse than ever. The speed and accessibility of modern communication tools should make things easier, but instead, they seem to have eroded fundamental aspects of clarity, etiquette, and responsiveness. So, why is this happening?

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The Culture Shift: A Blurring of Boundaries

One of the primary reasons for declining communication standards is the shifting culture around how and when we communicate. The lines between professional and personal communication have blurred. Expectations around formality, response times, and clarity are no longer universal. What is considered acceptable communication etiquette varies wildly between individuals, teams, and industries. Some people expect a reply within minutes; others think it’s acceptable to respond days later, or not at all.

 

Focus, Prioritisation, and Cognitive Bias

Our approach to communication is also influenced by how we think and what we prioritise. Consider a company that predominantly hires highly intelligent, analytical minds. Such individuals are often cautious, precise, and methodical, great qualities in many respects. However, this cognitive bias can hinder decision-making and communication because of an ingrained tendency to over-analyse and overthink. Progress stalls because communication, instead of being swift and clear, becomes bogged down in excessive caution. Additionally, those with highly analytical minds may not naturally place emphasis on relationship-building, leading to a lack of

warmth, engagement, and trust in interactions.

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The Impact on Internal and External Communication

When communication is slow, unclear, or impersonal, frustration builds, internally among teams and externally with customers. Lack of clarity leads to misunderstandings. Delayed responses create bottlenecks. A lack of consideration for how important information is to others can alienate colleagues and clients alike. In short, poor communication damages efficiency, relationships, and business reputation.

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It’s Not Rocket Science: Commit, Respond, and Be Considerate

Good communication is built on three simple principles: commitment, responsiveness, and consideration. If you say you’ll do something, do it. If you can’t, let people know. People appreciate honesty. More than that, think about what’s relevant and important to others, not just what’s on your own priority list. And the biggest crime of all? GHOSTING! Failing to respond at all. Ignoring people doesn’t just make you look unprofessional, it actively damages trust. A simple acknowledgment, even if you don’t have a full answer yet (or a plain and simple, no thanks), goes a long way. 

 

The Bottom Line

Communication doesn’t have to be difficult. It requires awareness, respect, and a little effort. If we all took a moment to recognise our biases, appreciate different communication styles, and simply commit to clear, timely responses, the frustrations of poor communication could be vastly reduced. It’s not about technology or tools, it’s about mindset and habits. So, let’s start doing better. Trust me, people will

appreciate it.

 

If you'd like to talk to me about cognitive bias, communication, and how I can help, please feel free to message me at antony@awpconsultancy.com