12 Communication Types To Avoid

Most of us communicate with others every day. Whether it's in friendship or business, conversation keeps us intertwined and interesting. Some people are easier to talk to than others. Since we are all individuals with unique personality traits how we share is part of who we are. Unfortunately there are those who, unwittingly or not, make conversation a trial. They cause us to cringe, to roll our eyes, to take a step away. The bad part is they don't seem to know just how annoying they are.

THE SPACE INVADER -

Everyone knows or has met one of these too close for comfort people. They have a habit of getting right in your face when they are talking to you. They know no boundaries where personal space is concerned. You can smell their breath and read the lines in their face. Stepping back doesn't seem to do any good. They move in and crowd you even in an empty room. They appear taller than they are, bigger than they are and much too friendly. Space invaders don't know where to draw the line when it comes to proximity. The best you can do is throw something very large between you and them and fast.

THE POINTER -

There's something about pointing that's insulting. It is a gesture of blame. No matter that the person you're talking to is using his finger for emphasis, it still feels like an accusation. It disrupts conversation because you can no longer listen. The pointing finger looms large and you can feel unfounded anger creeping in. You want to grab the finger and twist it but you don't. You have the urge to point back. The pointer is probably unaware of your antagonism as he continues to look like he's berating you. The best you can do is walk away.

THE KNOW-IT-ALL -

Somewhere in our subculture there are individuals who think they know everything. Communicating with them is like sitting in the back of the class near the coat rack. Whatever you have to say doesn't matter. They know more than you, have done more than you, and are definitely better than you. A conversation with this type is like a one upmanship. You can try but you'll never win. The best you can do when talking to the know-it-all is say nothing and adopt a dead eye glazed look.

THE WHISPERER -

This is the person who makes you want to go to a doctor to check your hearing. You tilt your head towards them with your best ear forward and still you can't make out a thing they are saying. Asking them to speak up doesn't seem to help as their top volume is drowned out by the sound of breathing. They are quiet souls and very annoying to converse with. The best you can do with the whisperer is nod your head often and say things like "I know what you mean" and "uh huh".

THE SPITTER -

The spitter is likely unaware that they are spraying you when they talk. These germ spewing communicators probably can't help it but it's wise to prepare evasion tactics. Stepping aside at the right moment is good. If you have previous experience talking with this person you might be able to calculate the distance of the spit projectile and step back just enough. Repeating "say it, don't spray it" will just embarrass them. The best you can do is learn practical dodging techniques.

THE JOKER -

This is the person who tries so hard to be funny all the time that they're not. They are the master of puns and could find humor in a war zone. Talking to the joker about anything serious is futile. They'll dig deep in their mind to find a way to entertain you. You will never really get to know this person. They may be fun to be around if you're drinking beer and watching people but don't bother to try a real discussion. The joker's humor usually borders on sarcasm. The best you can do is not expect much.

THE STARER -

The starer takes eye contact to a whole new level. They seem to have lost their ability to blink. When talking to this person you lose your train of thought. You feel a little spooked. You want to wave your hand in front of their face to see if they are in a trance but you don't. No one wants anyone listening to them that intensely. You start to wonder if you have a booger or if your make-up is running. The best you can do when talking to a starer is wear sunglasses.

THE INTERRUPTER -

The interrupter is impossible to have a conversation with. They talk at the same time as you are talking. They seem to know what's in your head. They assume they know what you are going to say before you say it. Then they jump in with "hey, I've got an even better one than that". The most annoying interrupter will even finish your sentences for you. They'll answer their cell phone or barge in on your thoughts like a bull. This communication type is rude and a bully. The best you can do is avoid them.

THE POKER -

This person is similar to the pointer only they touch you. Emphasis is sought with this communicator but the poking finger is darn right antagonistic. It's like they are picking a fight with you and you get the urge to slug them. This is not like a Facebook poke through cyberspace. This is real body contact poking. The poker needs to be aware that this conversation device will not be viewed as playful. The best you can do is grab their finger, shake your head and give them the evil eye.

THE YAWNER -

The yawner apparently doesn't want to talk to you. You can make excuses for them that they're only tired but it's probably not true. They are likely bored. This communication type will often sneak a peek at his watch. You feel like they can't wait to get away from you. Yawning seems contagious and you have to stifle yours. Maybe you are boring yourself. The best you can do is try to be more interesting or continue to stare at the yawner's tonsils.

THE REPEATER -

This person may have different reasons for repeating everything you say. They could be making fun of you. Or maybe they are only trying to acknowledge that they heard you. You say "It's on Main Street". They nod and say "Main Street". You say "The Patriots won". They say "Ah, the Patriots won" It can be irritating. If they say it in a funny voice, it's likely sarcasm. The repeater may not have an original thought. It's hard to say. But talking to them is like talking to yourself. The best you can do is talk very fast.

THE BACKSLAPPER -

Unlike the pointer or the poker, the backslapper means no harm. They are congenial people who like to touch. They are friendly types who appear to enjoy talking to you. It is the chronic backslapper that makes you suspicious. They start to act like politicians and you wonder if they are being sincere. They often smile too much. The backslapper may be congratulating you or manipulating you. It's hard to tell. The best you can do is keep a reasonable space between you.

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."  Voltaire (1694-1778)

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