COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN

CAUSE & EFFECTS

COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN
CAUSE & EFFECTS
BY:
BLESSY MARIE REDOBLE
JESSICA PRINCILLO
CHADRICK TARONA
what is communication breakdown?
what is communication breakdown?
Communication breakdown refers to the failure
of effective communication between individuals
or groups, leading to misunderstandings,
misinterpretations, or complete lack of
understanding. It can occur in various contexts,
such as personal relationships, workplaces, or
social settings.
Causes of communication breakdown can
include:
Causes of communication breakdown can
include:
Language barriers: Differences in language, dialect, or
accent can create difficulties in understanding each other.

Jargon and technical terms: Using specialized language that

the other person is not familiar with can lead to confusion.

Information overload: Providing too much information at

once can be overwhelming and make it difficult for the
receiver to process and understand.
Causes of communication breakdown can
include:
Distractions: External factors like noise, interruptions, or visual
distractions can disrupt the communication process.

Emotional barriers: Strong emotions such as anger, fear, or anxiety

can make it challenging for individuals to communicate effectively.

Lack of nonverbal cues: Missing out on nonverbal signals like body

language, facial expressions, and tone of voice can lead to
misunderstandings.

Poor listening skills: Not paying attention, interrupting, or not

actively listening can result in miscommunication.
 The effects of communication breakdown can
be severe and far-reaching, including:

Conflict and misunderstandings: Miscommunication can lead to disagreements,

mistrust, and conflicts between individuals or groups.

Inefficiency and productivity loss: Communication breakdown can result in

delays, mistakes, and missed deadlines, ultimately leading to decreased
productivity and efficiency.
 The effects of communication breakdown can
be severe and far-reaching, including:

Missed opportunities: Inability to communicate effectively can lead to lost

business deals, partnerships, or personal relationships.

Stress and anxiety: The inability to communicate effectively can cause

individuals to feel frustrated, stressed, or anxious.
To deal with communication breakdown, consider the following
strategies:
Use clear and concise language: Avoid using complex or technical language that the
other person may not understand. Instead, opt for simple and straightforward
communication.

Active listening: Pay attention to the person speaking, maintain eye contact, and
ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand their message.

Avoid distractions: Find a quiet and comfortable space for communication, and
minimize external distractions like noise or interruptions.

Be aware of nonverbal cues: Pay attention to body language, facial expressions, and
tone of voice to better understand the other person's message.
To deal with communication breakdown, consider the following
strategies:
Empathize and clarify: Put yourself in the other person's shoes and
try to understand their perspective. Clarify any misunderstandings
by repeating back what you've understood and asking for
confirmation.

Use visual aids: Visual aids like diagrams, flowcharts, or pictures

can help convey complex information in a simpler and easier-to-
understand format.

Take breaks and regroup: If communication is becoming too

difficult or emotional, take a break and revisit the issue when both
parties are calm and composed.
Examples of communication breakdown and how to
deal with them:
Examples of communication breakdown and how to
deal with them:
Language barrier:
Example: A Spanish-speaking employee is having trouble understanding
instructions from their English-speaking supervisor.

Solution: Provide translation support, such as a translator or translated

written materials, to ensure clear communication.

Jargon and technical terms:

Example: A doctor is explaining a medical procedure to a patient using
technical terms that the patient doesn't understand.

Solution: Use simpler language and provide explanations or examples to

help the patient understand the concept better.
 Examples of communication breakdown and how to
deal with them:
Information overload:
Example: A manager is presenting a complex project plan to their team, but the team
members are overwhelmed by the amount of information.

Solution: Break down the information into smaller, more manageable chunks, and provide
supporting materials like diagrams or flowcharts to help the team understand the project
better.

Emotional barriers:
Example: A couple is arguing about their finances, but their emotions are getting in the way of
effective communication.

Solution: Take a break and revisit the conversation when both parties are calm. Use active
listening skills and try to understand each other's perspectives.
Examples of communication breakdown and how to
deal with them:

Lack of non-verbal cues: Example: During a virtual meeting, one

participant has their camera turned off and is not using any hand
gestures or facial expressions to indicate engagement or
understanding.

How to deal with it: In such situations, you can encourage

participants to keep their cameras on if possible, as it helps
in conveying non-verbal cues. Alternatively, ask them to use
the chat feature actively by typing questions, comments, or
reactions. Reiterate the importance of active participation
and remind everyone that their input is valued.
 Examples of communication breakdown and how to
deal with them:

Distraction: Example: While having a face-to-face conversation with a

friend at a coffee shop, your friend keeps checking their phone and
responding intermittently without giving full attention.

How to deal with it: Politely express your concern about feeling unheard due to the
distractions. Ask if there's something urgent requiring attention or suggest finding a quieter
place where both parties can focus better. If needed, reschedule the conversation for another
time when they can be fully present.
 Examples of communication breakdown and how to
deal with them:

Poor listening skills: Example: In a team meeting discussing project updates, one team member
frequently interrupts others while they are speaking and shows minimal interest in what others
have to say.

How to deal with it: Set ground rules at the beginning of meetings that emphasize respectful
communication and active listening practices. When someone interrupts or shows disinterest in
others' opinions, politely intervene by reminding them about these guidelines and redirecting the
discussion back to its original speaker. Encourage each team member's participation by explicitly
asking for their input during discussions.
Remember that open communication is key when addressing any issues related to
lack of non-verbal cues, distraction or poor listening skills - fostering an
environment where people feel comfortable expressing concerns will help resolve
conflicts more effectively.