I used to think communication breakdowns only happened in bad rom-coms — the kind where a missed text or a botched conversation sends everything spiraling.

But in real life? Poor communication doesn’t always come with flashing red lights.

Sometimes, it’s subtle.

A half-mumbled sentence here, a blank stare there, and suddenly, you’re wondering if you’re talking to a wall instead of a person.

And let’s be real: dealing with someone who can’t communicate well can feel like being handed a map with no landmarks.

You’re just lost. But the clues are there if you know what to look for.

So, let’s walk through eight classic signs that you’re dealing with a communication-challenged individual.

Because spotting these red flags early might just save you from a whole lot of confusion and coffee-fueled vent sessions.

1) Lack of clarity

In any interaction, clarity is paramount. It’s how we ensure that our message is understood and our intentions are clear.

But what if the person you’re dealing with seems to struggle with this?

They mumble, their sentences are disjointed, or their points are lost in a sea of unnecessary details.

This lack of clarity can frustrate conversations, adding layers of confusion instead of understanding.

It’s like trying to navigate through a thick fog – you can’t see where you’re going or what’s coming.

This is a classic sign of poor communication skills.

A skilled communicator knows how to deliver their message in a clear, concise manner.

They understand that less is often more when it comes to effective communication.

If you’re dealing with someone who consistently struggles to make their point clear, you might be dealing with a poor communicator.

So, keep an eye out for this red flag and be prepared with strategies to navigate through the fog.

2) Trouble with active listening

Active listening is essential for effective communication.

It shows respect and interest in what the other person has to say.

But I remember a time when I was dealing with a colleague who seemed to have a problem with this.

Every time we had a discussion, he would repeatedly interrupt me or start formulating his response before I even finished speaking.

This wasn’t just frustrating, it made me feel like my thoughts and opinions weren’t being valued.

Despite my efforts to address this issue with him directly, the pattern continued.

This is another classic sign of poor communication skills.

A good communicator knows how to listen attentively and respond appropriately, rather than just waiting for their turn to speak.

If you find someone repeatedly failing to listen actively, chances are, they might need to work on their communication skills.

3) Overuse of negative language

Negative language can be a major roadblock in effective communication.

It can set a pessimistic tone and create a barrier between the speaker and the listener.

Did you know that our brains are actually wired to react more strongly to negative words?

According to research, when negative words are used, they can change the way we perceive reality, often leading us to form a more negative view of the situation.

So if you’re dealing with someone who consistently uses negative language, it may be a sign of poor communication skills.

Good communicators know how to deliver their message in a positive or neutral way, even when discussing challenging topics.

This helps to keep the conversation open and productive, rather than closing it down with negativity.

4) Non-verbal cues don’t match verbal messages

Words are not our only method of communication.

Our body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice all play a crucial role in conveying our message effectively.

But imagine dealing with someone whose words say one thing, but their body language screams something entirely different.

It’s confusing and can make it hard to trust what they’re actually trying to communicate.

This mismatch between verbal and non-verbal communication is a common sign of poor communication skills.

Effective communicators understand the importance of aligning their words with their non-verbal cues to ensure their message is clear and consistent.

If you notice this discord in someone, it’s a sign they may need to improve their communication skills.

5) Avoidance of eye contact

Eye contact is a powerful form of non-verbal communication.

It shows that we are engaged, present, and sincere.

But what happens when someone constantly avoids making eye contact during a conversation?

It can be disheartening and even a bit unsettling.

It makes you question whether the person is being genuine or if they’re hiding something.

This avoidance of eye contact can be a classic sign of poor communication skills.

It can signal a lack of confidence or discomfort in the conversation.

According to experts, good communicators understand the importance of maintaining appropriate eye contact to build rapport and trust.

If you’re dealing with someone who consistently avoids your gaze, it may be an indication of their poor communication skills.

6) Difficulty with expressing emotions

Expressing emotions in a clear and appropriate way is a key part of effective communication.

But I’ve found that some people really struggle with this.

Once, I was dealing with a team member who would often react explosively to minor issues, or conversely, would completely shut down when faced with constructive criticism.

It was like walking on eggshells, never knowing which version of them you’d get.

This inability to express emotions appropriately can be a sign of poor communication skills.

It can create an uncomfortable atmosphere and hinder honest, open conversations.

Effective communicators are able to express their feelings in a way that is appropriate to the situation, fostering understanding and empathy instead of tension and confusion.

7) Constant use of jargon or complex language

We’ve all been in a situation where someone uses jargon or complex language that leaves us feeling lost.

Whether it’s in a business meeting, a lecture, or even a casual conversation, it can be quite frustrating.

This overuse of complex language can be a sign of poor communication skills.

Good communicators know how to tailor their language to their audience, ensuring that their message is understood by everyone.

They’re aware that communication is not about showing off their knowledge, but about ensuring that their message is clear and accessible.

So, if you find someone constantly using jargon or complex language unnecessarily, it’s a sign they may need to work on their communication skills.

8) Unresponsiveness

Responsiveness is a fundamental aspect of good communication.

It shows respect, interest, and ensures the flow of conversation.

But when someone consistently fails to respond, it can be quite concerning.

This unresponsiveness can indicate a lack of regard for the other person’s time and effort.

It can also lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings, as the other party is left in the dark.

Effective communicators understand the importance of responding in a timely and appropriate manner.

They know that by doing so, they not only show respect for others but also help to build stronger, more productive relationships.

If someone you’re dealing with tends to leave your calls, texts, or emails unanswered, it’s a clear sign of poor communication skills.

Final thoughts

Communication isn’t a gift some people are magically born with; it’s more like a muscle that needs regular workouts.

And let’s face it — we’ve all had moments where our own communication skills flopped harder than a bad first date.

But the difference lies in learning the signs and being willing to improve.

If you’re dealing with someone who seems stuck in a loop of mixed signals and missed connections, know this: it’s not always personal.

Their communication style might be a tangled web of upbringing, habits, or just plain fear of being misunderstood.

And while it’s not your job to untangle them, understanding the patterns can help you decide how to navigate — or when to walk away.

In the end, good communication builds bridges; bad communication burns them.

So let’s keep flexing those conversational muscles — because clarity, empathy, and the right words at the right time?

That’s the real love language.