Cognitive biases
Communication Audit
Communication Audit
Use this directive when clients report persistent interpersonal conflict but lack insight into their own behavioral contributions. It is indicated for situations where communication breakdown is a clear factor, helping to move the clinical focus from generalized complaints to an examination of specific, observable actions and their direct consequences in relationships.
The worksheet facilitates a structured self-inventory of communication habits without being prescriptive. By externalizing these behaviors, it allows the client to objectively identify patterns that help or hinder their interpersonal goals. This process builds the necessary self-awareness to set concrete targets for skill development and behavioral change.
Communication Audit
| Constructive Communication | Destructive Communication |
|---|---|
| You listen to understand, without interrupting. | You talk over others or dismiss what they say. |
| You state your thoughts and feelings directly. | You hint at what you want instead of asking for it. |
| You share relevant personal information to build connection. | Your words, tone, and body language do not match. |
| You talk about what is happening now. | You are vague, leave out key information, or change the facts. |
| You check to make sure you have been understood correctly. | You change the subject or give non-answers to direct questions. |
| You let the other person know you are listening and what you heard. | You act as if you know what others are thinking or why they do things. |
| You ask questions to clarify what others mean. | You use abstract theories or logic to avoid talking about feelings. |
| You state your needs and what you want clearly. | You tell people what to do instead of asking or discussing. |
| You take ownership of your actions using “I” statements. | You criticize or stay silent when encouragement is expected. |
| You use information the other person gives you to continue the conversation. | You ignore new topics or details offered by the other person, stopping the conversation. |
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