Barriers to

Communication
 Noise
• Does not only mean a ‘sound’ but any break/disturbance
• Defined as any unplanned interference in the communication
environment, which affects the transmission of the message.
• Noise- classified as channel and semantic
• Channel noise -any interference in the mechanics of the medium used
to send a message. Example- a faulty background, noise in telephone
lines, illegible handwriting
• Channel noise develops externally
• Semantic noise is generated internally, resulting from errors in the
message itself.
• Example- connotative (implied) meaning of a word that is interpreted
differently by the sender and the receiver.
 Classification of Barriers
• Intrapersonal
• Interpersonal
• Organizational
 Intrapersonal Barriers
• Wrong assumptions
• Varied perceptions
• Differing background
• Wrong inferences
An illustration of varied perceptions
 While Writing and Speaking
• Be aware of your audience-how well do they understand your language-how
much they understand your logic
• Select words suited for your audience- be cautious especially while using
technical terms
• Explain unfamiliar words- do not oversimplify
• Get feedback
• Never use words merely to impress- even if you have an extensive vocabulary
 Interpersonal Barriers
• Interpersonal barriers occur due to the inappropriate transaction of words
between two or more people.
• Two types- Inefficient communication skills, negative aspect nurturing in
the climate (when negative tendencies nurtured by some people affect
others around them)
 Common reasons
1. Limited vocabulary
2. Incompatibility (clash) of verbal and non-verbal messages
3. Emotional outburst
4. Cultural variations
5. Communication selectivity (When the receiver in a communication process pays attention only
to a part of the message, he/ she is imposing a barrier known as communication selectivity.)
6. Poor listening skills
7. Noise in the channel
 Organizational Barriers
• Too many transfer stations
• Fear of superiors
• Negative tendencies
• Use of inappropriate media (graphs and charts, telephones, boards, emails,
computer presentations, video conferencing)
• Information overload