DNC Steps: Uncontrollable AoEs are bad.

[Esp]

I don't seem to have this problem as a SMN, and like half its kit is AoE. Just remember to drag your mob off to the side before you shoot your phoenix fireblast.

This here is true. You can always drag you opponent away from other mobs before using Standard finish. I'll admit this doesn't always work though, in like FATEs for example, since FATE mobs tend to link even if one is pulled sometimes.