How to be a very annoying communicator

Via Crucial Confrontations,

A few common, dysfunctional communication tactics:

Praise Sandwich
Hide criticism within compliments.

"I appreciate the effort you've put on this project.  By the way, is there a reason why you've blown the budget by 200%?  Great demo last week."

What's amazing about this one is that I've actually seen this recommended as a "best practice"...

See also Why the Sandwich Feedback Technique is Ineffective and Why I Hate the "Sandwich" Technique.

Entrapment / Surprise Attack
Lure the other person into denying a problem and then punish him or her for lying.

"How's the project doing?"

"It's doing fine."

"You're at least 3 months behind schedule!  How's that supposed to be fine?!?"

Charades
Only provide nonverbal hints and subtle innuendo.

"I didn't know you didn't like how I implemented that feature."
"Did you not see me smirk during the demo?!?"

"I didn't know you had a problem with me coming in later."
"Did you not see me glancing at my watch?!?"

Pass the Buck
Blame someone else for why you are making an unpopular request.

"If it was up to me, we'd just adjust the schedule, but the boss says that we need to get this done so you all are just going to have to work late."

Read My Mind
Force the other person to "self-discover" what's on your mind.

"So why do you think I've asked to talk to you today?"

"Is there something wrong with the project?"

"What do you think?"

"Are we not going to deliver on time?"

"No, that's not it."

"Is one of the stakeholders unhappy?"

"Nope."