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Communication Handout
Communication Handout
Thank you for this day and for all the blessings you have given to us. We ask for your
guidance and wisdom as we go about our lesson today.
Please bless us with open hearts and minds, ready to absorb and understand the lessons that
will be presented to us.
We also ask for your protection and care for our families and loved ones. Please watch
over them and keep them safe as we go about our daily lives.
We trust in your love and guidance, and we ask for your continued presence with us.
Some reasons:
Coordination; Effective communication ensures that all individuals and departments within an
organization are working together towards a common goal. By sharing information and updates,
teams can coordinate their efforts and avoid duplication of work or confusion.
Decision making; Effective communication enables stakeholders to exchange ideas and
information, leading to better-informed decision-making. When team members have a clear
understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and goals, they can make more informed decisions
that align with the organization's objectives.
Problem solvingClear communication helps in identifying and addressing problems effectively. It
enables individuals to share their concerns, ask questions, and propose solutions.
Employee engagement Good communication helps to create a positive work environment,
where employees feel valued and heard. This, in turn, can increase employee satisfaction and
motivation, leading to higher levels of engagement and productivity.
Channels of communication refer to the various methods or pathways through which
messages are exchanged between the sender and the receiver. There are several
channels of communication, including:
1. Verbal channel: This channel involves the use of spoken words and sounds to convey
messages, such as in face-to-face conversations, telephone calls, or video conferencing.
2. Nonverbal channel: This channel involves the use of body language, facial expressions,
gestures, and other nonverbal cues to convey meaning, such as in face-to-face
interactions or video calls.
3. Written channel: This channel involves the use of written words and symbols to convey
messages, such as in emails, letters, memos, reports, and other written documents.
4. Visual channel: This channel involves the use of images, diagrams, charts, and other
visual aids to convey messages, such as in presentations, infographics, or posters.
5. Electronic channel: This channel involves the use of electronic devices and technology to
transmit messages, such as in text messages, social media, or instant messaging.
In communication, noise refers to any interference or obstacle that can disrupt the
transmission or reception of a message. Noise can come from both external and internal
sources and can affect any channel of communication, including verbal, nonverbal,
written, visual, and electronic channels.
Some examples of external noise include:
1. Physical noise: External sounds such as traffic, music, or loud conversations that can
interfere with the ability to hear and understand a message.
2. Technical noise: Interference in electronic devices or technical issues in communication
channels, such as poor signal quality or a slow internet connection.
3. Environmental noise: Distractions in the environment, such as a busy work environment
or uncomfortable temperatures, can affect communication.
Nonverbal communication refers to any communication that does not involve words or
language.
1. Facial expressions: The expressions on our faces can convey a wide range of emotions,
including happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, and disgust.
2. Body language: The way we stand, sit, and move our bodies can communicate a lot
about our attitudes and feelings. For example, crossed arms can indicate defensiveness
or disinterest, while an open posture can suggest openness and receptivity.
3. Tone of voice: The tone, pitch, and volume of our voices can convey our emotional state
and can also be used to emphasize certain words or phrases.
4. Eye contact: Eye contact can indicate interest, attention, and sincerity. However, too
much or too little eye contact can also convey discomfort or dishonesty.
5. Gestures: Hand gestures can be used to emphasize words or convey meaning, such as
pointing to something or waving goodbye.
Effective communication often involves being aware of and using nonverbal cues to
enhance the message being conveyed. However, it is also important to consider cultural
differences in nonverbal communication, as some gestures or expressions may have
different meanings in different cultures.
Verbal communication refers to the use of spoken or written words to convey messages and
meaning. It is the most common and direct form of communication used in human interactions,
and it can take many forms, including conversations, speeches, presentations, phone calls,
emails, text messages, and more.
Oral communication refers to the use of spoken words and sounds to convey messages
and meaning between people. It can take many forms, including face-to-face
conversations, telephone calls, video conferencing, speeches, presentations, and other
types of spoken interactions.
Oral communication is often used in social and professional settings, and it can be
either formal or informal. Formal oral communication is typically structured and follows
specific rules and conventions, such as in business meetings or presentations. Informal
oral communication is more casual and spontaneous, such as in conversations with
friends or family.
Written communication refers to the use of written words and symbols to convey
messages and meaning between people. It can take many forms, including emails,
letters, reports, memos, texts, social media posts, and other written documents.
Written communication is often used in both personal and professional settings, and it
can be either formal or informal. Formal written communication is typically structured
and follows specific rules and conventions, such as in legal documents or academic
papers. Informal written communication is more casual and spontaneous, such as in
texts or social media posts.
These barriers often hinder the process of communication and reduce the effectiveness of the
communication.
The process of communication has multiple barriers based on the situation and ability of the
person. The intended communication (information) will often be disturbed and distorted leading
to a condition of misunderstanding and failure of communication.
Barriers in Effective Communication are simply obstacles in the communication process. The
word barrier literally means an obstacle, a hindrance, or a problem that comes in a way of
transmission of a message (flow of information) and blocks the communication process. Barriers
can hinder the communication process either completely or partially.
Communication barriers make communication ineffective either in the form of delay, distortion,
and incomplete information.
The Barriers to effective communication could be of many types and a few of them are as
follows:
► 1. Language Barriers:
Language Barriers is also known as Linguistic barrier and often called semantic barrier also. In
this barrier, the language used by the sender may not be understood by the receiver.
Sometimes the two people involved in communication may speak the same language but the
jargon (specific term) used to pass the information may break down the communication process
if the receiver doesn’t fully understand it.
The language barrier is one of the major barriers that limit effective communication.
Language act as the most commonly employed tool of communication.
Linguistic barriers occur due to the fact that each major region has its own language.
Example of Language Barrier in Communication:
The psychological state of a person (the receiver) will influence how the message is received.
People with low self-esteem may be less assertive and it is obvious that may not feel comfortable
while communicating. These people may feel shy and nervous about saying how they really feel
or read negative sub-texts (context) into messages they hear.
There are various psychological and mental issues that may be barriers to effective
communication.
Example of Psychological Barrier in Communication:
Many people have stage fear, speech disorders, lack of self-esteem, phobia,
depression.
All of these psychological traits and conditions are very difficult to manage
sometimes and will most certainly act as barriers to communication.
Emotional barriers are a part of psychological barriers but it is more depends on the state of mind
of the person. Feelings and emotions of communicators can hinder the delivery of information.
If the receiver is having any emotional or personal issues they are likely to be less attentive,
which could lead to poor communication..
A mature person can handle emotions easily and will be able to communicate
effectively. On the other hand, immature people and freshers who let their emotions
take over will face certain difficulties.
One should adopt a perfect mixture of emotions and facts to make communication
effective.
Example of Emotional Barrier in Communication:
It can be seen in many cases, Emotions like frustration, humor, fear, and anger can
affect the decision-making capacities of a person and thus act as barriers to
communication.
► 4. Physical Barriers:
Physical barriers are one of the most obvious barriers to effective communication.
Physical barriers in communication refer to any obstacle that prevents or interferes with
the effective transmission or reception of a message. These barriers can be either natural
or man-made and can occur in various forms, such as:
1. Distance: Physical distance between the sender and the receiver can act as a barrier,
particularly if the communication is face-to-face. The farther apart the two parties are,
the more difficult it may be to hear or see each other clearly.
2. Noise: External noise or distractions can also act as a barrier, making it difficult to hear
or understand the message. This can include background noise such as traffic,
construction, or loud music.
3. Technology: Issues with technology, such as poor internet connection, malfunctioning
equipment, or software glitches, can hinder communication and make it difficult to
transmit or receive messages.
4. Physical disabilities: Individuals with physical disabilities may face barriers such as
hearing loss, vision impairment, or difficulty speaking, which can make it difficult to
communicate effectively.
5. Environment: The environment in which communication takes place can also act as a
physical barrier. For example, a poorly lit room or one that is too hot or too cold can
make it difficult to concentrate and communicate effectively.
► 5. cultural barriers:
Cultural diversity within a country and cultural differences between people from different parts
of the world are major causes of cultural barriers.
This is because people are conditioned by their cultures and traditions, and they develop certain
habits of working, communicating, food habits, dressing, etc. according to their cultural
conditioning.
These different cultures have different meanings for several basic values of their
society.
Food habits, dressing, Religions, drinks, pets, and the general behavior will change
drastically from one culture to another.
Example of Cultural Barrier in Communication:
A simple thing like a greeting gesture of welcoming a person is very different in India
from a greeting in an Arab country or in Japan.
Food sources, recipes, and dress habits of a different culture can make a person
uncomfortable.
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Overcoming the Barriers to communication Or How to Communicate Effectively
Since there are several barriers to communication, there is a great possibility that our
communication may be jeopardized. Therefore, we must overcome these barriers to
communication to communicate effectively. To this effect, we must keep the following
points in our mind.
Connecting with the Audience
The first lesson in overcoming the barriers to communication is to get connected with the
audience. Therefore, speak in the language of the audience, know the audience and his
purpose.
Simple Words
Simple words come home to all the audience. To meet the objectives the message has to
be kept really simple. You will win the audience if your language is simple and you use
the words of day today conversation.
Body Language
Use of proper gesture and posture will make your communication more natural and
acceptable. Without proper body language the whole process may become mechanical
and monotonous and thus unacceptable. Your smile will make you amicable. If you look
at the eyes of the audience, they would listen to you.
Cultural Sensitivity
While talking to the audience, you must be culturally sensitive. You must be well aware
of the culture of the audience and all the related vocabulary otherwise the audience may
be offended.
Checking for Understanding (Feedback)
While talking to the audience, you must take a feedback to check whether they are able to
understand you. This can be done by two ways, Firstly, keep looking at the audience
while talking to them. It will ensure you whether they are listening to or not. Secondly,
you must ask them such questions as to ensure they are able to understand you or not.
Seeking Participation
Seeking participation is also very effective way of involving the audience in the process
of communication. Invite them to express their opinion also.
Effective Questions
Effective questions too are very helpful in involving the audience in the process of
communication. You can start your talk with thought provoking questions which will
increase the interest of the audience in your talk. Questions in between your talk will
ensure that the audience is listening to you and questions at the end will ensure that they
understand you.
Summarizing what has been said
Don’t forget to summarize your communication at the end of your message. It is very
effective.
Besides the above, you must ensure that your message has the following 7c’s of
communication: -
The 7 C’s of Communication
The 7 C’s of communication is a checklist with the help of which we can make our
communication effective.
According to the 7 C’s, communication needs to be:
1. Clear
When writing or speaking to someone, be clear about what you want to say. What is your
purpose in communicating with the audience? If you yourself are not clear about what
you want to say, how can you expect that your audience would understand you?
2. Concise
A concise message is one which gives maximum meaning using minimum number of
words.
In communication, being concise means expressing your message in a clear and brief
way, using as few words as possible without sacrificing the meaning or content of the
message. Identify the main point of your message and focus on communicating that
clearly and directly. Avoid including unnecessary details or tangents that can distract
from the main point.
3. Concrete
Generally, your message may have a lot of unnecessary words and unnecessary
repetitions. Remove the deadwood from your message and keep the solid meaning in it. It
is like winnowing the chaff and keeping the grains. When your message is concrete, your
audience has a clear picture of what you're telling them. Your message is concrete.
4. Correct
Your message must be grammatically correct with correct spellings and proper
punctuation. A grammatically incorrect message is a poor and loose message. It may give
an unintended meaning also. When your communication is correct, it wins your audience.
5. Coherent
A coherent message is one all whose sentences are connected together. In
communication, coherence refers to the clarity and logical flow of ideas in a message. It
means that the message is well-organized and easy to understand, with a clear structure
and logical connections between different parts of the message.
6. Complete
Ensure that your message is complete in all respects. People generally forget to include
important things in the message and they are reminded when the message has already
been sent and they have to recommunicate in this regard. In a complete message, the
audience has everything they need to be informed.
7. Courteous
Courtesy is an essential element of communication. You must make your message
courteous. Courtesy is like oil which removes friction and facilitates smooth functioning.
Courtesy removes bitterness and makes you friendly. Courtesy in communication refers
to the act of being polite, respectful, and considerate in the way we communicate with
others. It involves showing respect for the person we are communicating with,
acknowledging their ideas and opinions, and being mindful of their feelings.