Barriers To Effective Communication
Barriers To Effective Communication
Barriers To Effective Communication
Effective Communication
Noise
Noise is any interference that occurs between the communicators, i.e. the sender of the message, and the receiver. Noise
appears in many forms it can be distractions due to pictures on the wall, or objects in the room. In written forms of
communication it can be the inclusion of irrelevant material, or an unsystematic approach to the topic. Other forms of
noise can include: interruptions by other people, a ringing telephone, or external noise such as traffic outside a building,
or people having a conversation close by.
Physical
Physical distractions are the physical things that can get in the way of the communication process. A basic physical
distraction can be the environment the room may be too hot or too cold, or chairs can be uncomfortable. A person
sitting behind a desk or standing behind a lectern automatically creates a physical barrier between sender and receiver.
Time and space also serve as barriers to effective communication. When departments of an organisation are
geographically separate, quick, face-to-face communication becomes much more difficult. In global organisations, the
time difference between colleagues in other continents can be a key communication barrier.
Mental attitude
The attitude of both the sender and the receiver can act as an obstacle in the communication process. Factors here
include: respect, culture, and assumptions based on personal bias or stereotyping. Lack of empathy between the
communicators can create a barrier as this entails putting aside preconceptions and prejudices. The relationship between
the sender and the receiver is also important if the relationship is good, communication automatically has a better
chance for success. Another key factor here is emotionality, e.g. if the speaker or the listener feels very strongly about a
certain subject this will influence the communication process.
Poor feedback
Feedback is the receiver sending back the message to the sender as they have perceived it. It is reaction and without
this, it is impossible for the sender to know if the receiver has accepted and understood the message. It can occur in a
number of ways: people can be asked to repeat what they have said, or non-verbal communication such as a frown or a
nod can provide valuable feedback to the sender. Feedback is especially important to help clarify muddled messages.
Non-verbal communication
About 55% of the meaning of a message is communicated through non-verbal interaction. This includes posture,
gestures, facial expression, tone and pitch of voice, style of dress, eye gaze and proximity (personal space). However,
non-verbal cues can be ambiguous and their meaning can vary with respect to culture, context and intention. Random
gestures can be interpreted to have some significance when none was intended. Style of dress can also have a huge
influence on non-verbal communication as this can affect peoples perceptions and stereotypes.
The different types of barriers to effective communication can all reinforce each other, leading to vicious cycles. By
anticipating potential barriers and attempting to avoid them wherever possible, the impact of communication can become
greatly increased.
Related Items
Related Resources
Overcoming Barriers to Effective Communication: Noise and Physical Barriers
Overcoming Barriers to Effective Communication: Mental Attitude