Al-Quds University - College of Dual Studies

Communication Skills Course

Lesson 3 Overcome Barriers

to Communication
Lesson Objectives

• Understand how to overcome

communication barriers.
• To be able to apply that in a practical
case.
Recall of communication barriers
Briefly give example of Communication barriers
Strategies and Techniques:

 Active listening,
 Clear and concise expression,
 Using simple language,
 Being aware of non-verbal cues,
 Fostering a safe and open environment, etc.
Real-life Example

• A manager uses simple language,

provides clear instructions, and
ensures an open environment
where employees feel comfortable
asking questions, leading to more
effective communication.
Language that creates and avoids misunderstandings

Examples of Vague Language: Examples of Clear Language:

The meeting will start around 10:00 The meeting will start at 10:00 a.m.
a.m. tomorrow. sharp tomorrow.

You might mention a few more details
about the product.
Maybe, you can help with the setup
beforehand.
Do you have the meeting agenda?
Could you arrive ten minutes early to
turn on the projector and distribute
the handouts?
Overcoming barriers Do’s & Don’ts
ELEMENT DO
Language Choose words that are familiar,
unambiguous, and easy to interpret.
Ask for feedback to make sure your
listener understands.
Nonverbal signals Match your body language to your
verbal language.
Move with purpose.
Media Choose the medium that is right for
your purpose and audience.
Physical Reduce physical distractions before
distractions you start to communicate.
DON’T
Don't use filler words that can lead to
misunderstandings.
Don't use language that your audience
is unlikely to understand.
don't distract your listeners by
fidgeting or turning away.
don't choose a medium that reduces
the quality of the communication, such
as a noisy cell phone.
don't ignore your listeners discomfort
or put up with barriers such as a poor
telephone connection.
Understanding cross-cultural issues:
Essential Elements
 Keep your message simple
 Speak slowly and clearly
 Watch for signs of understanding
 Listen carefully and uncritically
Understanding cross-cultural issues
Respect differences
in cultures

Watch for signs of

misunderstanding
 Cross-cultural Do’s & Don’ts
ELEMENT DO DON’T

Message Keep your message simple, clear, and Don't use cliches, idioms, or obscure
familiar language

Speaking peace Speak slowly and clearly Don't exaggerate the slow pace;
speak naturally

Feedback Be extra attentive to feedback that Don't wait for your listener to ask for
signals your listener does not explanations
understand your message

Listening style Listen patiently; you'll eventually catch Don't correct the grammar or
on the rhythms of an accent punctuation of a non-native speaker
 Group In Class Work
• The students are asked to split into groups (each group of 4 students at least).
• Each group should work on the following task: You have been asked to make a
presentation to a group of German students (visiting AQU from a German
University), and talk about the DS program at AQU, your personal experiences as
a student and as a trainee at a company, and the challenges that you face in your
everyday life – as a student who lives, studies, and works in Palestine.
• Notes:

• Pay attention to cross-cultural differences.

• Consider barriers to communication.

Groups Presentations ..
 Homework
Ask students to write a reflective journal entry about a time they
experienced a communication barrier and how they handled it. The
journal should include what they learned from the experience and how
they would handle a similar situation differently using what they
learned in class. This assignment will encourage students to apply the
concepts learned in class to their own experiences and deepen their
understanding of the topic.
Thank you