Communication Barriers
In the previous chapter, you have read about the importance of communication in our daily lives and the different methods we use to communicate. In this chapter, we will discuss the barriers which hinders the communication.A communication barrier is an obstacle that prevents the receiver from receiving and understanding the message that has been sent by a sender. If a message is not understood clearly, it may lead to communication gaps, causing confusion and misunderstanding.
It is therefore essential that the communicator seeks feedback to check the message was clearly understood. These barriers may be internal barriers or external barriers.
TYPES OF COMMUNICATION BARRIERS
There are many barriers that hinder our ability to communicate. We will now learn about each type of barrier and the various causing them.
BARRIERS RELATED TO THE FORMATION OF MESSAGE
These barriers occur due to problem in the composition or formation of the message itself. Multiple factors cause these barriers like lengthy messages, language problems, intonation issues, or the non-verbal communication used. For example, if you are watching a Hollywood movie, the actor speaks English in an American accent, and sometimes that is being conveyed.
Lengthy or Complicated Messages
Sometimes the vocabulary used in a conversation is too difficult and complicated to understand or a sentence may be too long for one to perceive its meaning. This factor can cause a communication barrier.
Linguistic Issues
The interferences which occur due to accent, speech disorders, or symbols having multiple, and often completely different meanings, can affect the communication process. Additionally, the lack of proficiency in the language affects the interpretation of the message as well. These issues are also known as semantic issues.
Inconsistent Tone or Non-Verbal Communication
You have read earlier that communication is both verbal and non-verbal. If the body languages or tone used while communicating is not correct, it will create barriers. In verbal or oral communication, our tone, pitch, pace, gestures, eye contact, posture, facial expressions, etc., enhance communication if applied well. They can also distort communication if not matched with the message. A simple message of 'Congratulations' can be communicated honestly or sarcastically depending on the facial expression or tone of the voice.
INTERNAL BARRIERS
Fatigue, Disinterest or Excitement
Sometimes, the receiver may be too excited, tired, or the topic of conversation mat not be interesting for the receiver. This may result in a lack of attention to what the sender is stating.
Poor Listening Skills
Poor listeners do not attend carefully to all the information being given by the speaker, i.e., both verbal and non-verbal signals, including intonation and body language.
Emotional Barriers
Some people find it difficult to express their emotions appropriately during communication. For example, a worried person cannot communicate properly, and an angry recipient cannot understand the message correctly. Thus, at the time of communication, both the sender and the receiver needs to be in the right frame of mind psychologically.
Difference in Perception and Viewpoint
The receiver may not look at things the same as the way as the person who is communicating. This causes communication gapes because there is a disagreement between the sender and the receiver.
Prejudice or Bias
Bias against a particular may lead to false assumptions and cause miscommunication. For example, if you don't like somebody personally, even if he is saying something in your favour, you may not believe him. The mistrust that you have against that person has caused a barrier between the two of you.
Cultural Differences
Social interactions varies in different cultures. What may see like an appropriate gesture is one culture might be inappropriate in another. For example, making eye contact is considered a good communication technique in the U.S., but in the most Asian countries, making eye contact with a senior person is considered to be disrespectful.
EXTERNAL BARRIERS
External barriers occur due to factors we have no control over and are outside our body and mind. Factors like, noise, different time zones and distance, faulty communication equipment, or technologies, physical disabilities and physical barriers preventing us from observing non-verbal communication are some of the causes for this type of barrier. It is a general experience that while you are talking on a cell phone and the signal is weak, it becomes difficult for you to hear what your friend is trying to convey. These types of barriers are called 'External Barriers'.
Noise and Other Distractions
These prevent the message from being heard correctly. One may miss the important part of the communication and misunderstand due to these barriers.
Physical Barriers between Communicators
Technological problems with equipment used for communication is a physical barrier. For example, weak signals or a faulty handset may prevent proper contact and cause dissatisfaction and irritation among the people communicating. Additionally, the distance between the sender and the receiver, or difficult time zones can also create problems in communication.
Physical Disabilities
Disabilities such as hearing problems or speech difficulties can become a barrier to communication.
Physical Barrier to Non-Verbal Communication
You cannot see the non-verbal gestures, postures, and general body language when you are making phone calls or sending text messages. Hence, they are less effective than face-to-face communication.
These barriers keep the messages from getting through. One needs to find ways to overcome these barriers. Let us know about the measures that can be taken to overcome these barriers in next topic.
MEASURESTO OVERCOME THE BARRIERS OF COMMUNICATION
Barriers become a root problem for many problems as they can hamper effective and productive communication. This leads to poor relationships, loss of trust, misunderstanding, waste of time and energy, and other such undesirable outcomes. It is essential to overcome these barriers to ensure smooth and effective communication.
OVERCOMING BARRIERS RELATED TO THE FORMATION OF THE MESSAGE
To overcome the barriers formed due to problems with the formation of the message, one should ensure proper encoding of the message being conveyed before it is sent. Some of these include:
Keep it Simple
Messages should be simple and appropriate to serve the purpose of communication. Communication must be clear and precise to ensure better understanding. One should avoid using complicated terminologies during a discussion.
Using Correct Language
By using the appropriate language, the sender can ensure that the receiver correctly interprets the meaning of the message being conveyed. We should use interpreters and translators, or digital language translators when it comes to communication in unknown or lesser-known languages.
Using Appropriate Body Language
The sender should use correct gestures, facial expressions, and body posture while talking. The receiver should include non-verbal signs which include smiling, eye contact, nodding at appropriate times, and avoiding distractions. These non-verbal cues convey the message that you are interested in what the speaker has to say and that your attention is fully invested.
OVERCOMING INTERNAL BARRIERS
Internal Barriers are caused due to one's state of mind and some inbuilt characteristics or personality. Hence, one has to make a conscious effort to overcome them.
Be Sensitive and Emphatic
The sender must make sure that the receiver is in the right frame of mind, and be confident of having the attention and interest of the speaker.
Develop Good Listening Skills
Giving proper attention without interrupting the sender and without making any distractions, are essential listening skills that lead to effective communication. Active listening is a skill that can be acquired and developed with practice. This skill can be difficult to master and command, and therefore, takes time and patience. It means fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just 'hearing' the message of the speaker. Active listening involves listening with all the senses.
Develop Trust
Mutual trust between the sender and the receiver helps in reducing perception errors.
Keep Your Emotions in Check
Being in a balanced frame of mind while communicating, helps to create trust. If a receiver responds with criticism, the sender should not overreact or defensive but instead, consider the feedback as purposeful as possible.
Do not Assume
Assumptions should not be held against the person who is communicating. It is necessary to be open-minded while communicating.
Be Unbiased and Fair
Do not hold prejudices or be judgemental about person when communicating.
Respect Other Cultures
Sensitivity and understanding should be developed towards other cultures especially while communicating in a different cultural environment.
OVERCOMING EXTERNAL BARRIES
Use Proper Communication Channels
Using proper infrastructure and equipment prevents noise and other distractions. For example, ensure that you have a good pen while writing a message, or the telephone line that you are using is in working condition.
Find Alternate Means of Communication to Overcome Psychological Problems
Physical disabilities should be taken into consideration and handled sensitively. Appropriate means of communication such as sign language, written communication, or hearing aids should be used in such situations.
Use Emojis While Texting
Use of emoticons (emojis) to express feelings during messaging help to overcome some of the limitations of texting.
Seeking Feedback
One common and effective way to overcome all the different types of communication barriers is seeking feedback from the receiver. A skilled communicator must be aware of the communication barriers and try to reduce their impact by continually checking the perception of the message sent, and by encouraging the receivers to give appropriate feedback to ensure that the message was delivered as intended.
Most of the personal, professional, and social problems can be overcome by maintaining a clear, appropriate and unambiguous communication. All that is needed is some effort on our part to identify and avoid the barriers to effective communication, to make our lives and the lives of those around us better.
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