Barriers to Effective Communication

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Important Note

• Communication is complete and perfect when the receiver understands the message in the same sense and spirit as the Communicator intends to convey it.

• Most often communication is always obstructed by many obstacles, known as Barriers to Communication

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The following types of barriers are always present:

Semantic Barriers:

1.Language problems

2.Poor vocabulary

3.Poor knowledge of grammar

4.Poor pronunciation

5.Poor handwriting

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Types of barriers, cont’d

Physical Barriers:

1.Noise

2.Poor Timing

3.Distance

4.Inadequate or overload of information

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Types of barriers, cont’d

Organisational Barriers:

1.Organisational Rules and Regulations

2.Hierarchical Relationship

3.Lack of Staff Meetings

4.Poor Choice of Channel

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Types of barriers, cont’d

Psychological Barriers:

1.Selective Perceptions

2.Premature Evaluation

3.Different Comprehension of Reality

4.Attitude of Superiors or Subordinates

5.Poor Listening

6.Egotism

7.Emotions

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Summary of Barriers to Communication

• Physical barriers- yelling across the hall, communicating from different locations,

• Perceptual barriers- we all see the world differently

• Emotional barriers- withholding thoughts and feelings

• Cultural barriers- group behaviours• Language barriers- not everyone is familiar

with all languages or jargon

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Ways to overcome these barriers

• Physical barriers- try to use face-to-face communication frequently

• Perceptual barriers- recognize we have different values and try to recognize where the person is speaking from

• Emotional barriers- try to build trust

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Ways to overcome these barriers, cont’d.

• Cultural barriers- recognize differences in meaning, pacing, volume and gesture, space, and touch

• Language barriers- learn more about different cultures, relax, try to find a place where there are not many additional stimuli to take away from the exchange of messages

- ask what people need in order to communicate most effectively

- Solicit feedback

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Tips and Tricks

• Assess who you are speaking to- peer, professor, co-worker, boss, family• If possible- PLAN• Check on non-verbal and simple errors• In conflict, focus on the problem, not the

person• Listen and be honest with yourself

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Assertiveness

• Assertiveness- expressing thoughts, feelings, and beliefs in a direct and honest way.

• Use “I” statements (Attitude)• “I” statements include 3 parts:- Feelings, behaviour, effect- Let’s create a “You” statement for

motivation

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Listening “We were given two ears but only one

mouth, because listening is twice as hard as talking."

• How to listen:- Attending- Paraphrasing- Clarifying- Perception checking• Make active listening a habit (it takes 21

days to turn something into a habit!)

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Thank You

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