Communication Barriers

Communication is a way of transforming thoughts and messages from one person to another. The meaning between the lines of the message must be well-perceived by the receiver. 

When the message of the conversation doesn’t convey in the proper manner it called communication barrier. A communication barrier is anything that prevents from understanding the messages used by others to convey their information, ideas, and thoughts. These barriers can be related to the message, related to internal barriers, or external barriers. 

Types of Barriers to Communication

  • Language Barriers

A language barrier is a major barrier to communication. Language is the most commonly used tool of communication. When the dialects of every two regions changes within a few kilometers, a language barrier happens. 

  • Psychological Barriers

Psychological issues may be caused by effective communication. It occurs when a person has stage fear, speech, disorders, phobia, depression, etc. These conditions are very difficult to manage the ease of communication. 

  • Physical barriers

The physical barrier in communication is the environmental and natural conditions that act as a barrier between the sender and receiver. It involves organizational environment or interior workspace design problems, technological problems, and noise. 

  • Attitude Barriers

Some people like to be left alone or just not very social. Some like to be social or sometimes extra clingy. And some have attitude issues, like ego and inconsiderate behavior.  These cases could become a barrier to communication. 

  • Perception Barriers

Various people perceive the same things differently. Due to this knowledge of the perception levels of the audience is critical to effective communication. 

  • Technological Barriers

As technology is growing fast and as a result, it becomes difficult to be updated with the newest developments, interaction through technology have created a barrier in communication. 

Overcoming on Barriers

  • Active Listening

Active listening is a skill that can be obtained and developed with practice. It means fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just hearing the message. 

It is important that the listener is also seen to be listening, or else the speaker may conclude that what they are talking about is uninteresting to the listener. It could be both verbal and non-verbal cues that convey active listening. Non-verbal signs include smiling, making eye contact, nodding at appropriate times, and avoiding distractions. 

  • Use Simple Language

Use language that can be easily understood and use language as per the audience that you are speaking to. Don’t use jargon when speaking to clients and their families. Difficult words or using jargon may make people afraid to admit that they don’t understand the message being delivered. 

  • Give Constructive Feedback

Feedback is a part of the communication. In communication, the feedback given by the speaker or sender may be negative, but it is important that it be constructive in nature. Giving feedback will strengthen the interpersonal relationship, and enhance future communication. 

Anyone can have any type of communication barrier, just try to overcome it.