Introduction to Mass Communication

Barriers to Communication

Welcome to Virtual Learning

Muneer Ahmed
UCPQC
r1-muneer@ucp.edu.pk
 Barriers of Communication
Barriers are obstacles to the process of communication.
Barriers of communication can be divided into three major
categories.

Physical Barriers
Semantic Barriers
Psychological Barriers
 Physical Barriers
There are several physical barriers like-

Noise:
It is one of the most common barrier to communication.
If there is too much noise in the environment we cannot hear what
others are saying to us, nor can they hear us.

Therefore to ensure clarity in communication noise must be

reduced or minimized.
 Physical Barriers
Physical Barriers are often due to the nature of
the environment:
If staff are located in different buildings or on different
sites
Poor or outdated equipment
Staff shortage
Poor lighting
Too hot or too cold environment.
 Semantic Barriers
Because of multiple meanings for words communication
can get distorted resulting in a misunderstanding of the
actual message. These distortions can be accidental or
deliberate.
One of the examples of a deliberate distortion of a
message can be an advertisement slogan, which
says “SALE upto 50%”. These kinds of advertisements
generally give a wrong picture as the customer can only
concentrate on 50% only and not on the word ‘upto’.
 Semantic Barriers
Effective communication starts with a clear message. Contrast these two
messages: "Please be here about 7:00 tomorrow morning." "Please be here
at 7:00 tomorrow morning." The one word difference makes the first message
muddled and the second message clear.

Muddled messages are a barrier to communication because the sender leaves

the receiver
unclear about the intent of the sender. Muddled messages have many causes.
The sender
may be confused in his or her thinking.

The problem may be semantics, e.g., note this muddled newspaper ad: "Dog
for sale. Will eat anything. Especially likes children. Call 888-3599 for
more information."
 Semantic Barriers
SIMILAR SOUNDING WORDS
These words are known as Homophones
Pronunciation Spelling Meaning
Examples: • pale/pail • alter/altar • buy/bye/by •
rain/reign
Different Languages
No Clarity in Speech
LANGUAGE BARRIERS Using Jargons
Not being specific
 Psychological Barrier
There are a few barriers which come under this category-
Emotions:
Sometimes we are attached to a particular thing very
much and we expect the same kind of response from
others.
But others may not be that much emotionally attached
to that thing.
This can create misunderstanding among people.
 Psychological Barrier
People’s state of mind
Attitudes/Behavior etc.
Personal Problems
Over occupied about different issues
Ego/ self-centered/ jealous flattery etc.
 Other common Barriers to Effective
communication
Different languages
Individual linguistics ability
Physiological barriers
Presentation of information
Lack of feedback
Poor listening skills
 System Design Faults
It refers to problems with the structures or system in
place in an organization.
An unclear organizational structure

Inefficient or inappropriate information systems

lack of supervision or training,
lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities
 OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO
COMMUNICATION
 Create a climate of trust and openness
 Develop and use formal information channels in all directions
 Encourage the use of multiple channels including formal and
informal communications
 The organizational structure should fit communication needs.
 For Physical Barriers-
Appropriate Seating Arrangement
Ensure Visibility & Audibility
Environmental Comfort
Minimize Visual/Oral Distractions For Semantic
Barriers-
 For Semantic Barriers-
Use of Simple Language
Symbols & Charts
Active Listening/ Constructive feedback
 For Socio-Psychological Barriers
Calling Attention & Motivation
Assistance & Sympathy
Understanding of Traditions & Customs
Information of all Sides of Culture
Thank you