🗣️ “Why Is Everyone So Bad at Talking Lately?”

The Open Mind Institute
Aug 7
3 min read

The Reason Communication Feels Off (and What You Can Do About It)

Let’s talk about the thing we all feel but rarely say out loud:

Communication feels… harder than ever.

Since COVID, something shifted.

Conversations got clunkier. Misunderstandings got messier. And even the most confident communicators started second-guessing themselves.

Maybe you've noticed it too:

That awkward silence on Zoom
The “just checking in” email that never gets a reply
The fear of saying something wrong, so you just don’t say anything at all

We’re emailing more, talking less, and when we do speak, it’s often rushed, reactive, or just... surface-level.

What is going on?

For one, the pandemic scrambled our communication habits. We swapped watercooler chats for DMs. Meetings became marathons of muted screens and “Can you hear me now?” moments. And somewhere in all that, we lost the rhythm of real connection.

But it’s not just about tech or timing — it’s about trust, tone, and emotional safety.

Right now, more people than ever are saying:

“I don’t want to be judged.”
“I can’t tell if I’m being too much… or not enough.”
“I hate confrontation, so I just let things go… until I explode.”
“I feel like no one actually listens.”

If you can relate to any of that, you’re not alone.

And here’s the thing:

It’s not that you’re bad at communicating; maybe you just don't know your style.

Meet the 5 Communication Styles

(And Why They Can Make or Break Your Conversations)

Everyone has a default style—especially when emotions run high. Some people go quiet. Others go bold. Some get analytical. Others… get sarcastic.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the five core styles:

🦁 The Assertive One

You’re direct, honest, and respectful. You say what you mean and mean what you say — without steamrolling others. The dream style... but tricky under stress.

🦌 The Passive One

You don’t want to ruffle feathers. You stay quiet, avoid conflict, and put others’ needs before your own. People might call you “easygoing,” but deep down, resentment can build.

🐅 The Aggressive One

You go all in. You're passionate, strong-willed, and not afraid to speak your mind. But sometimes, people experience you as intense or intimidating — even when you're just being real.

🦊 The Passive-Aggressive One

You avoid the fight… but still throw some subtle shade. Maybe it’s sarcasm, silence, or “accidentally” forgetting to reply. You don’t like direct confrontation, but the tension still shows up.

🦉 The Analytical One

You keep it factual. You lead with logic, not emotion. You might love spreadsheets more than small talk, but others can feel you’re distant or hard to read.

Important note:

None of these are "good" or "bad."

They’re just patterns. And the power comes when you start to notice yours.