GROUP 5 – ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

REPORTING PLAN

“Understanding and Overcoming Physical Barriers in Communication”

OBJECTIVES:

 The students/classmates must be able to define and understand the concept of

physical barriers in communication.
 Identify common physical barriers in various communication contexts.
 Explore strategies to overcome physical barriers in communication.
MATERIALS:

 Visual aids
 Script, Participation of all members
 Real-life examples of Physical Barriers

BEFORE START ASK THE CLASSMATES THE DEFINITION OF “PHYSICAL BARRIERS IN

COMMUNICATION OR THEIR IDEAS”

INTRODUCTION:
 Define and explain the means of communications once again and introduce the
concept of physical barriers in communications

Communication is the process of transmitting information, ideas, thoughts, feelings, or

messages between individuals or groups through various methods and channels. It involves both
sending and receiving messages, with the goal of conveying meaning and understanding.
Communication can occur through verbal or non-verbal means, including spoken or written
language, gestures, body language, and visual or auditory signals. Effective communication is
essential for the exchange of information, building relationships, solving problems, and achieving
mutual understanding among people in personal, professional, and societal contexts.

(it’s just the meaning of communication but better if own words)

 Concept of Physical Barrier in Communication:
A physical barrier in communication refers to an external and tangible factor or condition
that obstructs, disrupts, or interferes with the transmission, reception, or understanding of a
message during the communication process. These barriers are rooted in the physical
environment or conditions surrounding communication and can hinder the effective exchange of
information between individuals or groups.

Aspects of Physical Barriers in Communication:

1. Noise Pollution:
o Aspect: Noise pollution, such as background noise, loud machinery, or traffic,
can disrupt communication by making it challenging for individuals to hear or
concentrate on the intended message.
o Impact: Noise can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and
incomplete communication, particularly in noisy environments or during online
conversations with poor audio quality.

EXAMPLE: Imagine a business meeting in a bustling downtown cafe. The background

noise from espresso machines, conversations at nearby tables, and traffic outside makes
it challenging for the team to hear each other's ideas and discussions clearly. This noise
pollution hinders effective communication during the meeting.

2. Distance and Space:

o Aspect: Distance and space refer to the physical separation between individuals
engaged in communication, whether due to geographical distance or the layout
of a physical space.
o Impact: Physical distance can limit face-to-face interactions, making it difficult to
convey non-verbal cues, establish rapport, and ensure that messages are
accurately received and understood.

EXAMPLE: In a global organization, a project team consists of members located in

different continents and time zones. They rely on virtual meetings and email
communication. Despite their expertise, the physical distance between team members
can lead to delays in responses and difficulties in building a strong team dynamic.
3. Technology Issues:
o Aspect: Technology issues encompass problems related to communication
devices, software, or infrastructure, such as poor internet connectivity or
software glitches.
o Impact: Technical problems can disrupt communication by causing delays,
dropped calls, distorted audio/video, or the loss of critical data, affecting the
accuracy and timeliness of information exchange.

EXAMPLE: During an important video conference call between international partners, a

sudden internet outage disrupts the call. The participants struggle to reconnect, leading
to delays and a loss of critical information sharing. Technology issues like this can hinder
effective communication in the digital age.

4. Physical Disabilities:
o Aspect: Physical disabilities, including hearing impairments, speech impairments,
visual impairments, or mobility limitations, can act as physical barriers to
communication.
o Impact: Physical disabilities may require accommodations, alternative
communication methods, or assistive technologies to ensure that individuals
with disabilities can effectively participate in communication.

EXAMPLE: Imagine you have a classmate, Sarah, who is deaf and communicates using
sign language. In your group projects and classroom discussions, there are no sign
language interpreters or tools to help Sarah participate effectively. As a result, she may
feel left out during meetings and discussions, making it challenging for her to share her
ideas and fully engage with the class.

5. Cultural and Language Differences:

o Aspect: Cultural and language differences are physical barriers that arise from
diverse cultural backgrounds, languages, and communication norms.
o Impact: These differences can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or
offense if individuals are unaware of or unresponsive to diverse communication
styles, vocabularies, and cultural norms.

EXAMPLE: Think about your school, where students come from various cultural
backgrounds and speak different languages. During group assignments or collaborative
projects, misunderstandings can arise because of differences in how people
communicate and express themselves. For example, your classmate Marco, who is from
another country, might have a different communication style and accent, which could
lead to confusion or misinterpretation if not addressed. Learning to navigate these
cultural and language differences is essential for effective teamwork and making
everyone feel valued in the classroom.