Barriers to effective communication and how to overcome them

Learning outcomes

By the end of this topic you should be able to:

1. Define communication noise

2. Distinguish between communication noise and barriers to communication
3. Identify communication noises that can interfere with communication
4. Identify barriers to effective classroom communication and suggest how to overcome them

Communication noise
Communication noise is the interference with the message sent over a channel to the receiver.
Noises interfere with effective communication process between senders and receivers. Noise in
communication include the following:

a. Environmental noise

It is the communication disturbance created by the environment Environmental noise

physically disrupts communication and could originate from transport, construction, industrial or
recreational activities. Eg very loud speakers in a party can make one not to get the message
clearly. Noise from a construction site next to a classroom would also make it difficult to hear a
teacher.

b. Physiological noise

Physiological noises are biological problems that prevent effective communication such as illness,
hunger, fatigue, pain, and side effects from medicines can also interfere with communication.

c. Semantic noise

Semantic noise is a communication noise created from confusion over the meaning of words or
phrases. Semantic noise occurs because of different meanings of the message between the sender
and receiver. It also refers to the wrong grammatical sentence that makes the receiver unable to
understand the meaning.

d. Organisational noise

Poorly structured communication can prevent the receiver from accurate interpretation. Eg Unclear
or badly stated directions can make the receiver to get lost.

e. Cultural noise

This refers to hindrances to successful communication between people of different cultures.

Different cultures have different meanings of some words, behavior and gestures. Usually, cultural
1
noise is created from nonverbal communication cues, for example, posture, gesture, eye contact,
space, touch, and dressing. The meaning of nonverbal cues is not the same in every culture and
society. Conflicting messages are part of the cultural noises in communication. Apart from that,
ethnocentrism, prejudices, stereotypes, and discrimination are also examples of cultural noises.
These factors bar effective communication in a group or team.

f. Psychological noise:

Psychological noise is a communication noise created from the communicator’s psychological

factors, for example, values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. This type of noise interrupts our
minds from concentrating on the message. People don’t like to listen or talk about those topics
that make them down or not interesting.

Barriers to effective communication and how to overcome them

Communication barriers can include anything that prevents or disables communicators to deliver
the right message to the right person at the right time, or a receiver to get the right message at the
right time. When it comes to effective communication there are certain barriers that every
individual or organization will face. The barriers make communication difficult, complex and
frustrating. They include the following:

a. Physical barriers
b. Attitudinal barriers
c. Physiological barriers
d. Linguistic barriers
e. Social environmental barriers.
f. Psychological barriers
g. Emotional
h. Cultural barriers
i. Technological barriers

Physical barriers

Are often due to the nature of the environment and they include:

i. Location of the individual

For example, a barrier may exist between learners and the chalk board. An example of such a
barrier could be the teacher’s desk, which may prevent learners from reading from the chalkboard.

2
 ii. Channel barriers: Use of inappropriate channel, outdated equipment eg a faulty radio
used for broadcast or a spoilt chalkboard.
iii. Long chain of communication
iv. Background noise eg from the next class
v. Poor lighting
vi. Extreme temperature can impair people’s morale and concentration
vii. Poorly fitted desks for the learner
viii. Poor ventilation
ix. Physical separation between sender of message and receiver

Attitudinal barriers

These are behavior or perceptions that prevent people from communicating effectively. They come
about as a result of attitudinal problems of either the teacher or learner in the classroom. Teacher’s
attitudinal barriers may be due to the following:

i. Lack of motivation or dissatisfaction at work

ii. Insufficient training to enable them to carry out particular tasks
iii. Resistance to change due to entrenched attitudes and ideas
iv. Inexperience
v. Unpreparedness

Learner’s attitudinal barriers include;

i. Negative attitude towards teacher/subject/school

ii. Lack of motivation

Physiological barriers

May result from individual’s personal discomfort imposed by the following:

i. Ill health
ii. Poor eyesight
iii. Hearing difficulties
iv. Physical discomfort
v. Imperception/Inaccurate observation which brings about inaccurate understanding
vi. Fatigue
vii. Side effects of drugs

3
Linguistic barriers

This is the barrier that is related to the language of communication. Linguistic barriers would
include aspects such as:

i. Use of difficult or inappropriate words.

ii. Poorly explained or misunderstood messages which can result in confusion.
iii. Ambiguity of words, which can lead to confusion.
iv. Verbalism: This means using too many words which may confuse a learner.
v. Speech impediments

Social environment barriers

They include factors such as

i. Age differences between the communicator and the recipient

ii. Social and economic differences
iii. Level of language and vocabulary used

Psychological Barriers

These are mental issues which may be barriers to effective communication. Some people have
stage fear, phobia, depression etc. All of these conditions are very difficult to manage sometimes
and will most certainly limit the ease of communication.

Emotional Barriers

The emotional IQ of a person determines the ease and comfort with which they can communicate. A
person who is emotionally mature will be able to communicate effectively. On the other hand,
people who let their emotions take over will face certain difficulties. A perfect mixture of emotions
and facts is necessary for effective communication. Emotions like anger, frustration, humour, can
blur the message and thus limit the effectiveness of communication.

Cultural Barriers of Communication

Different cultures have a different meaning for several basic values of society. Dressing, religions,
food, drinks, pets, and the general behaviour will change drastically from one culture to another.
Hence it is a must that we must take these different cultures into account while communicating. This
is what we call being culturally appropriate. People need to know about other cultures. They also
need to be courteous and tolerant of others.

4
Technological Barriers

The technology is developing fast and as a result, it becomes difficult to keep up with the newest
developments. Hence sometimes the technological advancement may become a barrier.

Difference Between Noise and Barrier in Communication

Although Noise and Barrier in communication are close in meaning, they are used in different
interaction contexts. Noise refers to the hindrances to communication between sender and
receiver. Noise may interfere with communication hence tampering with the accuracy of
message. Barrier on the other hand may interfere with the message or may completely block the
message from reaching receiver.