Everyone says something they didn’t mean and immediately regret sometimes — we’re only human, after all.
That being said, some people tend to put their foot in their mouth more than others, and that’s largely because they’re impulsive and lack a filter. If this sounds like you, and you want to avoid offending or upsetting people so often, here are some communication tips you may find helpful.
1. Take a second to think before you speak.
Giving yourself just a brief moment to pause before responding can make a huge difference. It helps you process what you’re about to say and decide if it’s really the right thing. You don’t need to overthink everything, but that little pause can stop you from blurting out something you’ll regret later.
2. Really listening when someone’s talking.
If you’re fully focused on what the other person is saying, you’re less likely to interrupt or say something inappropriate. Active listening means you’re engaged in the conversation, not just waiting for your turn to talk. It also helps you respond more thoughtfully because you actually understand what they’re saying.
3. Think about who you’re talking to.
Adjust your words depending on who’s in front of you. What’s okay to joke about with close friends might not fly in a work meeting or with someone you just met. Knowing your audience helps you avoid awkward or uncomfortable moments. It’s all about being aware of the setting and the people around you.
4. Don’t assume you know everything.
Jumping to conclusions can get you into trouble. If you’re not sure about something, just ask instead of assuming. Asking questions shows you’re interested in understanding the situation better, and it prevents you from saying something that might be totally off base. It’s always better to admit you don’t know than to get it wrong.
5. Avoid touchy subjects with new people.
When you’re in a new social setting, it’s best to steer clear of heavy topics like politics or religion until you know people better. You don’t want to unintentionally spark a debate or make someone uncomfortable. Stick to neutral topics until you get a sense of what’s okay to discuss with the group.
6. Embrace the silence.
It’s okay if there’s a pause in the conversation—don’t feel the need to fill every quiet moment with words. Trying to force conversation often leads to saying something awkward or unnecessary. Let the conversation breathe a little, and remember, silence isn’t always a bad thing.
7. Be careful with jokes.
Humour can be tricky, especially if you’re not sure how it’ll land. What’s funny to you might not be funny to someone else, and sarcasm can easily be misread. If you’re unsure whether a joke is appropriate, it’s probably best to keep it to yourself. Better safe than sorry when it comes to humour.
8. Stay away from gossip.
Talking behind people’s backs almost always backfires. Not only is it unkind, but you never know when your words might get back to the person you were gossiping about. It can also make people wonder what you might say about them when they’re not around. Focus on positive or neutral topics to keep things light.
9. Learn to manage your emotions.
Strong emotions can cloud your judgment and make you say things you don’t mean. If you’re feeling angry or frustrated, take a break before continuing the conversation. It’s better to step away and cool off than to say something hurtful in the heat of the moment. Emotional control is key to better communication.
10. Put yourself in their shoes.
Before speaking, try to think about how your words might affect the other person. Empathy helps you choose kinder, more thoughtful ways to express yourself. You don’t have to agree with everything they say, but being considerate of their feelings can help you avoid saying something you’ll regret.
11. Admit when you don’t know something.
It’s much better to say “I don’t know” than to fake it. Pretending to be an expert when you’re not can lead to embarrassing slip-ups. Owning up to not knowing something shows humility, and it can actually open up more interesting conversations where you can learn something new.
12. Don’t overshare too soon.
Be mindful of how much personal information you share, especially with people you don’t know well. Oversharing can make people uncomfortable and create awkward moments. It’s okay to be friendly, but keep some boundaries. If you’re not sure whether something is appropriate to share, it’s probably best to hold back.
13. Use “I” statements when giving your opinion.
When expressing your thoughts, try framing them as personal opinions rather than universal truths. Saying “I think” or “In my experience” makes it clear that you’re sharing your perspective, not presenting it as the only right answer. It helps keep conversations open and prevents people from feeling attacked.
14. Pay attention to your tone and body language.
It’s not just what you say, but how you say it that matters. Your tone, facial expressions, and gestures can completely change the message you’re sending. Make sure your non-verbal cues match your words, so there’s no misunderstanding. Sometimes, it’s your delivery that causes problems, not the words themselves.
15. Own up and apologise if you mess up.
We all say things we regret sometimes, and that’s okay. What matters is how you handle it afterward. If you realise you’ve said something inappropriate or hurtful, don’t ignore it—apologise and take responsibility. A sincere apology can go a long way in repairing any damage.
