I have an MA TESOL. I taught overseas to non-native speakers of English for 16 years without any serious communication issues. Because the students were listening attentively.
I returned to working in corporate America about 4 years ago. The vagueness with which people speak here and the overwhelming confidence that they have communicated clearly has been maddening. I know it’s not me. I could point out the proof in our conversations, if they asked, which they never did.
Americans in general are very poor listeners. I hear so many assumptions being made all the time.
I’m accused of being the one with a communication problem. 99% of the time, I could explain using clear logic who really has the communication problem, but I am usually shut down. It’s one of the most irritating things about moving back here.
Condescending neurotypical assumptions are, in my expert opinion, where the vast majority of communication breakdowns occur.