EFFECTIVE

COMMUNICATIO
N STRATEGIES
Jessa N. Alojado
Subject Teacher
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. identify the different barriers in communication;
2. explain why there is a breakdown of communication
OBJECTIVES in a
3. use various strategies in order to avoid communication b
Activity 1. LET’S INVESTIGATE!
Directions: Read and analyze the situation below and answer
the given questions in your notebook.
Questions:
1. Do you think Khim totally heard his
mother’s instruction? Explain why or why
not.
2. What do you think is the reason that could
have affected the successful sending of the
message from the mother to Khim?
3. What do you think is the best solution in
this situation to achieve effective
communication?
EXPLORE
1. What does “barrier” mean in communication?
2. Can you name the barriers in communication present in
the previous activity?
3. What causes communication breakdown?
4. Is listening necessary in communication? Explain.
5. How will you avoid breakdown in communication? Cite
a situation.
 Every element of
Problems communication is important in the
success or failure of sending and
that Emanate receiving a message between or
among the participants.
from the Also, it could give problem or
barrier during the process and may
Source/ lead to breakdown of communication.

Sender
1. PROBLEMS IN THE LANGUAGE
PROFICIENCY/SKILLS
The receiver will have difficulty understanding a speaker who has
problems in any of the following:
(1) choosing the right words to express the intended message due to poor
diction or vocabulary;
(2) weaving these words in grammatical or comprehensible language
structure;
(3) pronouncing intelligibly the words and employing appropriate stress,
juncture, and intonation; and
(4) using appropriate volume, pitch, and tone of the voice.
2. LACK OF SENSITIVITY TO THE RECEIVER’S
BACKGROUND

When the speaker does not consider the personal background

of the receiver (education, culture, personal feelings, etc.), a
breakdown in communication may result because the intended
message could not be understood.
The speaker must recognize the receiver’s age, culture,
educational background, socioeconomic status, gender, knowledge,
social status, needs, and preferences in preparing a successful
encounter with the receiver.
3. LACK OF PREPARATION

Speaking in front of your family and friends may not require

preparation. This may not be the case when you are asked to
deliver a speech in front of an audience.
You need to organize the content of your speech and how you
will deliver it considering the occasion, the purpose, and the profile
of the participants.
It also includes checking the accuracy of facts and details and
verifying the credibility of your sources.
4. NEGATIVE PERCEPTION OF SELF AND OTHER EMOTIONAL
PROBLEMS

A speaker who lacks self-confidence or who possesses

emotional problems may find it difficult to talk to other people
especially to the large number of people.
This is called stage fright or communication apprehension.
However, a good perception of yourself, a strong belief in
your capabilities, and a thorough preparation are good measures to
address any communication apprehensions you may have.
5. LANGUAGE BARRIER

People who speak different languages from one another will

have problems in understanding.
Also, the use of slang (not considered part of standard
vocabulary of language and that are used very informally in speech
especially by a particular group of people (Merriam-Webster) and
jargon (language used by a specific trade or profession) affect
successful communication.
 Barriers of Communication
Many times we are misunderstood because of our
actions or choice of words. And oftentimes, we speak
what is in our mind or give some instructions, but it
results to miscommunication because of barriers.
In order to avoid this from happening, you must
learn to become an effective communicator.
The table below presents some barriers to effective communication with
corresponding solutions.
 Professors Broom, Cutlip, and Center (2012) in their
pioneer book “Effective Public Relations” discussed the
Seven (7) C’s of Effective Communication. Presently, this
is widely used especially in public relations and
advertising.

FEATURES OF AN
EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATION
1. Completeness

Complete communication is essential to the

quality of the communication process in general.
Hence, communication should include
everything that the receiver needs to hear for him/ her
to respond, react, or evaluate properly.
2. Conciseness

Conciseness does not mean keeping the message

short but making it direct or straight to the point.
Insignificant or redundant information should be
eliminated from the communication that will be sent
to the recipient.
3. Consideration

To be effective, the speaker should always

consider relevant information about his/her receiver
such as mood, background, race, preference,
education, status, and needs, among others.
By doing so, he/she can easily build rapport with
the audience.
4. Concreteness

Effective communication happens when the

message is concrete and supported by facts,
figures, and real-life examples and situations.
In this case, the receiver is more connected
to the message conveyed.
5. Courtesy

The speaker shows courtesy in

communication by respecting the culture, values,
and beliefs of his/her receivers.
Being courteous always creates a positive
impact to the audience.
6. Clearness

Clearness in communication implies the use

of simple and specific words to express ideas.
It is also achieved when the speaker focuses
only on a single objective in his/her speech so as
not to confuse the audience.
7. Correctness

Correctness in grammar and sentence

structure eliminates negative impact on the
audience and increases the credibility and
effectiveness of the message.