Oral Communication in Context

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Barriers and Strategies in Communication

Barriers and Strategies in Communication

In the previous chapters, we learned what communication is, how the

process happens, and touched on the models used in communication. We
have learned that certain factors can impede effective communication and in
this module we will discuss the various barriers we can encounter in
communication. You will also learn how to solve these barriers. At the end
of this chapter, it is expected that you:
1. Be able to identify reasons for communication breakdown;
2. Classify examples of these barriers; and
3. Be able to use the strategies taught to communicate across cultures
and avoid communication breakdown.

What is Effective Communication

Effective communication happens when the receiver does not only get the
message but he or she must truly understand it. Effectively communicating
with ones’ self or other can be hindered because of communication barriers.
These barriers, however, are not permanent and can be dealt with
accordingly. To be able to provide a solution, we must first learn to identify
these barriers.

Barriers in Communication
A. Language Barriers
English is not our native language; thus, we are called second
language learners. As second language learners, there will be
times when misinterpretation happens- this may be caused
using terminologies or nuances that are not familiar to us; thus,
creating confusion between the sender and receiver of the
message. Keep in mind that misinterpretation can also happen
even if we use our native tongue. Again, terms or jargons used
may be the root of this issue.
B. Psychological Barriers
Psychological state of mind can also be a hindrance to the
communication process. An example can be when someone is
stressed he or she can be easily irritated and may snap at the
people they talk to. The combination of the non-verbal and
verbal cues may not complement each other which in turn
results to a miscommunication. Another example can be when
you fear your teacher. Sometimes, when teachers tell jokes or
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playfully tease students, that student may automatically think
that he/she is being seriously reprimanded. The internal
scripting of one’s mind can make them worry about real or
imagined fears.
C. Physiological Barriers
Physiological barriers refer to the physical state of a person. A
receiver who is legally blind may not clearly grasp the whole
picture of the conversation because he is disadvantaged with a
disability that hinders him from reading non-verbal cues coming
from the speaker. Someone who is partially suffering from
tinnitus can have a hard time understanding spoken
communication because of the ringing in his ears.
D. Physical Barriers
Physical barriers can include geographical distance. Although
calls made through Facebook and Skype can help bridge
communication between continents, there are non-verbal cues
that cannot be read because of the context of the
communication. A person feigning sickness so that his mother
will not worry can get away with this because his mom will not
be able to assess the physical state and body language of her son
just from online calls.
E. Systematic / Systemic Barriers
This barrier refers to hindrances in the structure and
organization where there is inefficient or lack of appropriate
information systems or communication channels. Roles and
responsibilities may be unclear; thus, a person may be confused
as to what role he plays in the communication process.
An example can be an email coming from a big boss of a
business unit of a multinational company. A notification
regarding an issue suddenly appeared and she emailed all the
teams under her supervision. She asked the status of a certain
database but did not specify which team is responsible in giving
the feedback. Instead of solving the problem that instant, it took
her whole team one day and a half to resolve the issue. Nobody
replied to her email because nobody was sure which team is
supposed to handle that certain project.
F. Attitudinal Barriers
Conflict from this barrier arises because of poor management,
lack of motivation, resistance or internal or interpersonal
conflicts. The attitude of a receiver significantly affects how
he/she understands the message.
An example can be being in a team with a classmate who you
think is annoying. Communicating with her may become
difficult because there is a high possibility that anything she
says to you can be understood in the wrong way. Your
preconceived notion of her taints the message she sends to you.
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Barriers and Strategies in Communication

Strategies in Communication
In any problem, hundreds of solutions can be used to resolve it. Now that
you have familiarized yourself with the different communication barriers, it
is best to apply the following strategies to be able to cope with the
miscommunication or difficulty in communicating or at best, to eliminate or
avoid these barriers.
1. Practice active listening.
Go back to your module on listening so you can remember how to be an
effective listener. Knowing how to listen attentively and properly enables
you to have better relationships with other people and with yourself.
When listening to someone talk, clear your mind and focus on the speaker.
During this moment, do not think of other things you need to do or think of
another topic or person. Aside from listening to the message teach yourself to
identify different tones or delivery styles so that you would be able to
experience a richer communication exchange.
2. Pay attention to nonverbal cues.
Nonverbal cues give more meaning to a message. Body language, facial ticks
and changes in pitch when speaking deepens the communication experience.
Always keep in mind that diverse cultures can be different in spoken
language as well non-verbal communication. Always take the initiative to
study or learn more about the person or group you are interacting with. The
internet freely gives information about anything, use it to widen your grasp
on distinct groups and how to communicate effectively. They say at this age,
it is laziness to not find means to learn anything.
The old joke about men not understanding women can be used as an example
for this strategy. Some men may be too dependent in what is being said
rather than how it is being said. Being able to understand the spoken
message along with the nonverbal cues can help you gauge on how to
respond to the speaker.
3. Keep your emotions at bay.
Communication is irreversible; thus, whatever you say or write at the height
of anger, fear, sadness, or happiness can not be taken back. Always keep
your emotions at bay when communicating. As much as possible, try to
retain control when your emotions are high. The results can be frustrating if
we let our emotions take control of what we say, how we act, and how we
perceive or listen to others. Relax and maintain your composure. Countless
instances have been featured on television where someone said something or
acted on his/her emotions thus causing problems, accidents, and even death.
Harness your emotions when communicating so that you avoid any
problems.

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 4. Assert yourself.
Asserting yourself means you stand up for your thoughts, feelings, and needs
in an open and honest way that will not result to disrespecting others or
appear demanding and hostile. Effective communication is understanding the
other person and not forcing your opinions or disregarding theirs.
How can you be assertive without being hostile:
a. Always remember that your opinion matters just like everyone
else’s does.
b. Know yourself. Determine your needs and wants then learn to
express them without stepping undermining the rights of others.
c. It’s ok to express your emotions as long as you remain respectful.
Learn how to express negative feelings in a way that will not truly
offend the other person or group.
d. Accept feedback. Accept compliments. Ask when you need help and
be always grateful to others in addition to learning from your
mistakes.
e. Know your limits. Be brave enough to say “no”. Agreeing and
saying “yes” all the time may result to spreading yourself too much
which may affect the quality of your output or feedback. Being firm
and clear about what you want is beneficial for all parties as they
will know where they stand on issues.

References
Diaz, Rafaela Hernandez. (2014). Speech and Oral Communication for College
Students, Revised Edition. Quezon City: National Bookstore
Baraceros, Esther L. and Lintao, Rachelle, B. (2010). English 4: Oral
Communication in Context (First Edition). Quezon City: Rex
Bookstore, Inc.
Dapat, Jose Rizal O., Sadorra, Bryan Eli B., and Lumabi, Bethany Marie C.
(2016). Oral Communication in Focus. Quezon City: Lormar
Publishing, Inc.
Flores, C and Lopez E (). Effective Speech Communication 5th Edition.
National Bookstore: Philippines.
Galero-Tejero, E. () Doorways to English Language Proficiency: A self-
improvement program. National Bookstore: Philippines
Role of Communication Barriers in Ineffective Communication (n.d).
Management Study Guide. Retrieved from
http://www.managementstudyguide.com/role-of-communication-
barriers-in-ineffective-communication.htm
Brady, K. (n.d) 20 Things to do when you are extremely angry. Retrieved
from http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/20-things-
when-you-feel-extremely-angry.html
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Barriers and Strategies in Communication

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