Barriers to Effective Communication

mohammad.kool@hotmail.com
Definition

Any interference or noise that disrupts the

smooth flow of effective communication.

• These barriers may come from either the

sender/receiver or the conditions of
communication.
• They may confuse the listener or reader, create
misunderstanding and confusion, and may sometimes
lead to communication breakdown.
 Barriers to Effective Communication
A careful analysis of communication barriers reveal that
they are generally created by

• improper encoding
• bypassing
• frame of reference
• physical distractions
• psychological and emotional interference
• intercultural difference
 Improper Encoding

Selection of inappropriate or unfamiliar linguistic

code -------- Communication breakdown due to
misunderstanding or confusion.
 Bypassing

• Misunderstanding resulting from missed

meanings because of the use of abstract words
and phrases on which both senders and receivers
do not agree.

• Words mean different things to different people.

• Age, education and cultural background

influence the language a person uses.
 Frame of Reference

Your weakness in viewing others within your

frame of reference may also lead to confusion
and misunderstanding.

Understanding of other ’s point of view from your

angle.

Fixed notions (ideas) and prejudices.

 Physical Distractions

Physical discomfort may cause communication failure

• Noise
• High Room Temperature
• Fatigue
• Sickness
• Distance from the Speaker or Listener
 Psychological andEmotional
Interference
• Any psychological or emotional turbulence
or disturbance can prove to be a barrier to
effective communication.
• Sadness
• Fear
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Excitement
 Attitudinal Barriers
Attitudinal barriers are behaviors or perceptions
that prevent people from communicating
properly.

Attitudes are commonly formed by an individual's

opinions or personal feelings on a subject or
person and can be difficult to alter.

When attitudinal barriers override the sense of

professionalism in a workplace, it can become
difficult for a group to engage in productive
Attitudinal Barriers
 …………………..…….Continued
Abstracting ---- It can also be referred to as
"selective hearing."

Emotional Editing ---- It is an attitudinal barrier

based on your personal feelings about a person
or topic.

Prejudice ---- Prejudice is the act of excluding of

disliking someone or something because they
belong to a particular group.
 Assertiveness VS Aggressiveness
Assertiveness:
The term assertiveness is described as being self-assured and
confident. Assertive behavior includes politeness, firmness
and confidence, but there is definitely no sign of aggression.
Assertive persons are also keen listeners to other people's point
of view. They value the freedom of personal tastes and choices.
 Aggressive Behavior

An aggressive behavior is a type of behavior in which a

person burst out his views and opinions without
considering what others feel about the whole situation.
Such peoples impose their views forcibly on others.
 Intercultural Differences
Confusion of meaning during intercultural
communication due to different cultures and shared
values
 Overcoming Barriers

• Know your audience---- Try to know their needs,

perceptions, and expectations from you.
• Try to experience the world from the receiver’s
perspective.
• Use an appropriate and effective personal style
and avoid using a negative or angry tone.
• Encode your message well.
 ……..Continued
• Avoid physical and psychological barriers.
• Listen attentively.
• Avoid information overload.
• Be open, frank and positive.
• Appreciate and understand cultural
differences.
Verbal Communication
and
Nonverbal
Communication
 Verbal Non Verbal
Communication Communication
❑ refers to an interaction in ❑ refers to an interaction where
which words are used to behavior is used to convey and
represent meanings.
relay a message.
❑ All kinds of human responses
❑ For effective and successful that are not expressed in words
verbal communication, use are classified as nonverbal
words to express ideas communication.
which can be easily ❑ Examples of nonverbal
understood by the person communication are stares,
smiles, tone of voice,
you are talking to.
movements, manners of
❑ Consider appropriateness, walking, standing and sitting,
brevity, clarity, ethics, and appearance, style of attire,
vividness when engaging in attitude towards time and
this type of space, personality, gestures,
communication. and others.
 Appropriateness
❑ The language that you use should be appropriate to the
environment or occasion (i.e., whether formal or informal).

Brevity
❑ Speakers who often use simple yet precise and powerful
words are found to be more credible. Try to achieve brevity
by being more direct with your words. Avoid fillers and
insubstantial expressions which do not add to the message,
such as “uh,” “you know,” “I guess,” and others.
 Clarity
❑ The meanings of words, feelings, or ideas may be interpreted
differently by a listener; hence, it is essential for you to
clearly state your message and express your ideas and
feelings.

Ethics
❑ Words should be carefully chosen in consideration of the
gender, roles, ethnicity, preferences, and status of the
person or people you are talking to.
 Vividness
❑ Words that vividly or creatively describe things or feelings
usually add color and spice to communication. Hence, you
are encouraged to find ways to charm your audience through
the use of vivid words.
 Mastery of nonverbal communication is
important for several reasons:
1. It enhances and emphasizes the message of your speech, thus
making it more meaningful, truthful, and relevant.
2. It can communicate feelings, attitudes, and perceptions without you
saying a word.
3. It can sustain the attention of listeners and keep them engaged in the
speech.
4. It gives the audience a preview to the type of speaker you are.
5. It makes you appear more dynamic and animated in your delivery.
6. It serves as a channel to release tension and nervousness.
7. It helps make your speech more dramatic.
8. It can build a connection with listeners.
9. It makes you a credible speaker.
10. It helps you vary your speaking style and avoid a monotonous delivery.