10 Bad Communication Habits That Undermine Your CREDIBILITY (ep. 187)

Bad habits in your communication, like apologetic language, upspeak, and jargon overload, can undermine your credibility. Dr. Andrea Wojnicki shares fixes for 10 bad habits so you can start communicating with confidence and credibility. 

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TRANSCRIPT

Do You Have Bad Communication Habits?

Let’s be honest—we all do. Yes, even communication coaches like me. I’m not talking about quirks my teenage kids tease me about. I mean legitimate habits that undermine how we show up—especially as leaders.

Recently, I caught myself overusing the word “right?” at the end of sentences. It was like I needed agreement from you, the listener. Once or twice per episode? Fine. But it got repetitive—and annoying. So I stopped. I also caught myself saying “you guys” instead of something more inclusive like “everyone.” Not great.

The Perks of Hosting a Podcast

One benefit of podcasting (and YouTube)? You get to review your own communication patterns. And let me tell you—it’s eye-opening.

So, what are your bad communication habits?

Bad communication habits can be distracting, annoying, and worst of all—they erode your credibility. That’s a big deal, especially if you’re an ambitious professional or executive (which I bet you are, since you’re here!).

Episode 187: 10 Bad Communication Habits That Undermine Your Credibility (and What to Do Instead)

Welcome to Talk About Talk. I’m Dr. Andrea Wojnicki—please, call me Andrea. I coach executives to communicate with confidence and credibility. At TalkAboutTalk.com, you’ll find info on 1:1 coaching, corporate workshops, a free communication skills newsletter, and more.

Ready to level up your communication?

Let’s dive in.

Download the Free Checklist

Follow along with this episode using the free downloadable checklist at talkabouttalk.com/badhabits. It lists all ten habits and what to do instead. Great for self-evaluation or as a conversation starter with colleagues or your boss.

Bad Habit No. 1: Weak, Apologetic Language
Phrases like “This might be a dumb idea…” or “Sorry, can I just…” diminish your authority before you’ve even started.

Fix:

• Cut qualifiers like “maybe” or “I think.”
• Replace “sorry” (unless warranted) with confident framing like, “Here’s an idea to consider.”
• Use silence instead of hedging.

Try reviewing transcripts of your meetings and searching for “sorry,” “just,” and “maybe.”

Bad Habit No. 2: Upspeak
That rising tone at the end of a sentence? It turns statements into questions and signals a lack of confidence.

Fix:

• Practice “landing” your sentences.
• Use tools like a post-it with a question mark and an X through it.
• Deliver statements with conviction—no upward lilt.

Bad Habit No. 3: Rambling (a.k.a. “Epic Storytelling”)
Rambling dilutes your message and frustrates your audience. Senior leaders especially need to speak with precision.

Fix:

• Start with a clear headline: “Here’s what I recommend.”
• Use structure: “Let me give you three reasons why…”
• Pause intentionally and stay focused.

Bad Habit No. 4: Filler Words
Overusing “um,” “like,” or “right?” distracts your audience. They stop listening to your message and focus on your delivery flaws.

Fix:

• Watch yourself on video.
• Ask a trusted colleague to flag filler words.
• Practice intentional silence instead.

Bad Habit No. 5: Lack of Eye Contact
Avoiding eye contact can make you seem disengaged—or worse, untrustworthy.

Fix:

• In person: hold eye contact for a few seconds at a time.
• On Zoom: look directly into the camera, especially when making key points.

Bad Habit No. 6: Monotone Delivery
A flat tone, even with smart content, loses the room.

Fix:

• Vary tone, cadence, and volume.
• Emphasize key words.
• Think: how would you read a children’s book?
• Use dramatic pauses to draw attention.

Bad Habit No. 7: Getting Interrupted
Allowing interruptions can signal low authority—especially from peers or subordinates.

Fix:

• Politely assert yourself: “I’d love to hear your thoughts—right after I finish mine.”
• Say it calmly and confidently.

Bad Habit No. 8: Using Corporate Jargon
Buzzwords like “value-added” or “scalable solutions” can confuse and alienate.

Fix:

• Speak plainly.
• Test your language with someone outside your field.
• If they pause or ask for clarity, simplify.

Bad Habit No. 9: Dodging Tough Questions
When you deflect hard questions, you risk losing trust.

Fix:

• Acknowledge the question: “That’s a great question.”
• Share what you know.
• Be honest about follow-ups if needed.

Bad Habit No. 10: Confidence Without Warmth
Confidence is key—but without warmth or a growth mindset, it can come off as arrogance.

Fix:

• Use names, smile, and ask genuine questions.
• Admit where you’re still learning.
• Show curiosity and openness.

Wrap-Up: Time for Self-Assessment

That was a lot—but it’s worth it. Visit talkabouttalk.com/badhabits for your free checklist. Use it to evaluate your habits and prioritize your improvement.

📩 If you enjoyed this episode:

• Subscribe to Talk About Talk
• Leave a review—every rating helps!
• Share this episode with a friend or colleague who could use a communication tune-up

For more communication tips, sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter or explore executive coaching options at TalkAboutTalk.com.

Thanks for listening—Talk soon!

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