As the New Year begins, experts say improving communication skills could have a transformative effect on personal and professional relationships. Professors and communication specialists highlight common habits that can strain interactions and suggest ways to replace them with more effective practices.
Meredith Harrigan, a communication professor at the State University of New York at Geneseo, notes that many people assume communication is simple or instinctive. “People tend to think it’s just something we naturally do well, rather than something we can practice and give intention to,” she said.
One habit experts suggest leaving behind is over-reliance on artificial intelligence. Audra Nuru, a professor at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, observed that messages generated with AI often feel “polished but oddly interchangeable.” She warns that overly automated communication can appear distant or insincere. Nuru advises using AI tools as brainstorming aids rather than substitutes for personal expression, preserving the warmth and quirks that make human communication authentic.
Other habits that undermine connections include leaving people on read and breadcrumbing. Ignoring messages can create unnecessary anxiety, while sending intermittent attention without meaningful follow-through—known as breadcrumbing—can keep recipients in a state of uncertainty. Experts recommend brief acknowledgements and clear intentions to maintain trust and reduce stress.
Minimizing others’ concerns is another common misstep. Harrigan says many people respond to friends or colleagues with phrases like “it’s not that bad,” unintentionally invalidating their feelings. Instead, she encourages asking questions to understand perspectives and provide genuine support.
Experts also caution against public video calls, skipping pleasantries, or using conversations to trap friends into favors. “Being mindful of surroundings, greeting others warmly, and being upfront about intentions helps maintain respect and clarity in communication,” Harrigan said.
Other patterns, such as gunnysacking—accumulating grievances and releasing them in an outburst—and misdiagnosing conflicts, particularly with mental health terminology, can damage relationships. Jimmie Manning, a professor at the University of Nevada, recommends addressing issues as they arise and reflecting on whether minor annoyances are worth escalating.
Honesty, while essential, can be misused if framed as justification for harsh words, and struggles with differing viewpoints often lead to defensive or combative conversations. Nuru suggests slowing down, considering timing and purpose, and remaining open to alternative perspectives to foster understanding.
Experts say practicing these habits is not about perfection but about building intention and awareness. “Improving communication can strengthen relationships and even enhance well-being,” Harrigan said. By replacing harmful habits with mindful strategies, individuals can start the year with skills that benefit every aspect of life.
