Barriers to communication
There are a few things which can be seen as barriers to communication and we will go into detail about some of the ways that can stop your message getting understood.
Jargon-Terminology that nobody understands which could be simplified instead so that everyone understands what it is you’re saying.
Insufficient Knowledge of the Subject-If the sender lacks specific information about something, the receiver will likely receive an unclear or mixed message. Its best to know what it is you’re talking about.
Information Overload-If you receive a message with too much information, the amount of information is coming so fast that you may have difficulty interpreting that information. A way around this is revealing small chunks of information at a time.
Language differences-When the person you’re trying to communicate with speaks a different language to you then you aren’t really going to be able to communicate effectively. Gestures could help the person understand what you’re trying to say.
Criticizing the speaker-You can be distracted by critical evaluations of the speaker. Focus on what they are saying - the message - rather than the messenger.
Getting distracted by external noise-Noise may be extremely distracting. This can range from other people having their own discussion or perhaps some construction work going on elsewhere. It is important to block these sounds out so that you can give your full attention to the speaker.
Lacking Confidence-Lacking confidence can be a major barrier to effective communication. Shyness, can hinder your ability to make your needs and opinions known. A lot of people are shy and don’t want to express their opinion incase it upsets others. Overcoming this fear is key to being able to communicate effectively
Differing views-Sometimes when both parties have different views neither of them want to consider the others view and so it is a stalemate, with neither of the sides listening to what the other side has to say. This can happen quite often in conversations. Accepting the other person’s views while keeping an open mind and understanding what they’re saying is a way around this.
Cultural differences- Behavioural differences between employees of different cultures can cause misunderstandings. Every culture has guidelines about what is considered appropriate behaviour. In some cultures, looking someone in the eye when they are talking to you is considered rude, while in other cultures not doing so is considered disrespectful. Knowledge of other cultures can help prevent this.
Body language- In communication, a gesture can enhance communication if applied well. They can also distort communication if not matched with the message. A simple message of ‘Congratulations” or a compliment, can be communicated honestly or sarcastically depending on the facial expression used while saying it. Mastering the use of body language can solve this barrier.
Physical barriers- Not being able to see the gestures, posture and body language of the speaker can make communication less effective. Also if there is a deaf person present you must find another way of communicating the message effectively.
Grammar mistakes-In written communication bad spelling and grammar can be barriers to communications you will question the person’s knowledge of whatever they’re trying to say if they can’t even spell properly or use appropriate grammar. Making sure everything makes sense and is correct will remove this barrier.
Use of inappropriate language-If the language used is inappropriate to the subject being discussed the audience will question the seriousness of the situation and may stop listening to what you say afterwards. Watching what you say beforehand can prevent this happening.
Lack of concentration- There will always be someone who isn’t quite engaging with what is being said. They might just not be paying attention to what is being said in the interview or meeting. Overcoming this barrier can be done by engaging the audience perhaps by use of questions or a poll for their opinion.
There are a few things which can be seen as barriers to communication and we will go into detail about some of the ways that can stop your message getting understood.
Jargon-Terminology that nobody understands which could be simplified instead so that everyone understands what it is you’re saying.
Insufficient Knowledge of the Subject-If the sender lacks specific information about something, the receiver will likely receive an unclear or mixed message. Its best to know what it is you’re talking about.
Information Overload-If you receive a message with too much information, the amount of information is coming so fast that you may have difficulty interpreting that information. A way around this is revealing small chunks of information at a time.
Language differences-When the person you’re trying to communicate with speaks a different language to you then you aren’t really going to be able to communicate effectively. Gestures could help the person understand what you’re trying to say.
Criticizing the speaker-You can be distracted by critical evaluations of the speaker. Focus on what they are saying - the message - rather than the messenger.
Getting distracted by external noise-Noise may be extremely distracting. This can range from other people having their own discussion or perhaps some construction work going on elsewhere. It is important to block these sounds out so that you can give your full attention to the speaker.
Lacking Confidence-Lacking confidence can be a major barrier to effective communication. Shyness, can hinder your ability to make your needs and opinions known. A lot of people are shy and don’t want to express their opinion incase it upsets others. Overcoming this fear is key to being able to communicate effectively
Differing views-Sometimes when both parties have different views neither of them want to consider the others view and so it is a stalemate, with neither of the sides listening to what the other side has to say. This can happen quite often in conversations. Accepting the other person’s views while keeping an open mind and understanding what they’re saying is a way around this.
Cultural differences- Behavioural differences between employees of different cultures can cause misunderstandings. Every culture has guidelines about what is considered appropriate behaviour. In some cultures, looking someone in the eye when they are talking to you is considered rude, while in other cultures not doing so is considered disrespectful. Knowledge of other cultures can help prevent this.
Body language- In communication, a gesture can enhance communication if applied well. They can also distort communication if not matched with the message. A simple message of ‘Congratulations” or a compliment, can be communicated honestly or sarcastically depending on the facial expression used while saying it. Mastering the use of body language can solve this barrier.
Physical barriers- Not being able to see the gestures, posture and body language of the speaker can make communication less effective. Also if there is a deaf person present you must find another way of communicating the message effectively.
Grammar mistakes-In written communication bad spelling and grammar can be barriers to communications you will question the person’s knowledge of whatever they’re trying to say if they can’t even spell properly or use appropriate grammar. Making sure everything makes sense and is correct will remove this barrier.
Use of inappropriate language-If the language used is inappropriate to the subject being discussed the audience will question the seriousness of the situation and may stop listening to what you say afterwards. Watching what you say beforehand can prevent this happening.
Lack of concentration- There will always be someone who isn’t quite engaging with what is being said. They might just not be paying attention to what is being said in the interview or meeting. Overcoming this barrier can be done by engaging the audience perhaps by use of questions or a poll for their opinion.