Communications barriers

Barrier Description
Wording or The language used by the sender is not suitable, either for its
terminology purpose or for its intended hearer. Jargon or emotional ‘trigger
words’ may be used.
Clarity of The message is not clear or is difficult to pick out from other, trivial
message messages that surround it. It may include incorrect or incomplete
information.
Verbal skills Accent, language, tone of voice, speed or inability to say things
clearly can all negatively affect the way we communicate.
How the The receiver may interpret the message differently from the way it
message is was intended. This may be because of cultural or language
interpreted differences, or just because the customer heard what they wanted
to hear.
Body language If the body language of the sender is interpreted as contradicting
the words they are using, the message given will be confusing.
Poor listening If active listening skills are not employed, this will affect the ability
skills to fully communicate.
Environmental Background noise in the room and psychological noise (such as the
factors fatigue, anger or frustration of customers) can have a negative
effect.
Information Passing on so much information all at once that it is difficult to
overload grasp.
Personal This can include differences such as age, social or business
differences background or status.
Communication Using an unsuitable method or style of communication for the
style or medium message, eg being either to formal or informal for the occasion.