Barriers to effective communication

Communication skills have to do with shared understanding. However, there are many reasons why interpersonal communication may not have an impact. These barriers to communication can occur at any stage in the communication process. A skilled communicator must be aware of barriers and how to overcome them. So what are common barriers to effective business communication, and how do you improve communication?

Let’s take a look at some of them:

• Language barriers and use of jargon

• Emotional barriers

• Systematic barriers

• Perception differences

• Physical illnesses such as hearing problems or speech difficulties.

• Physical barriers such as noise, distance, closed doors, cabins

• Expectations and prejudices

• Cultural differences

• Information overload

Let’s look at some of these barriers in detail:

1. Language barriers

The difference in language is the most obvious barrier to communication, since two people who speak two different languages ​​cannot communicate with each other. The accents and dialect (use of words) of people who belong to different places differ even if their language is the same. Although the languages ​​are technically the same in people who use different dialects and accents, the meanings, implications, and interpretations of the words are different, which can lead to various types of conflicts. For example, if a Scottish farmer talks to a person from London, he does not understand most of the words the other person says, even though they both speak English. The word ham and bacon can be used interchangeably in Scotland, but they are different in England. The use of jargon and abbreviations can also be a language barrier like the word LOL. Different people could interpret it in different ways. The wrong choice of words can also be a barrier to communication. Words with two meanings, homonyms, homographs, homophones should always be avoided as they do not send the proper meaning and can be interpreted in any way. Grammar and spelling become a barrier in communication, as people from different parts of the world may use it differently even on a particular word. For example, a person makes a mistake writing fact as a gift. The computer’s spell and grammar checker does not label it incorrect, since don is also a correct word. But, the word can change the whole meaning of the sentence or make the sentence unintelligible.

2. Psychological barriers

There are a number of psychological barriers to communication. One of them is the mindset of the sender and receiver. If the recipient of the communication distrusts the sender, they may not receive the message the way it was intended. The same goes for the sender as well. Anger can also be a psychological barrier to communication. When we are angry, we cannot communicate effectively. People who are less assertive may not be able to communicate their thoughts and feelings effectively and this can also become a barrier to effective communication.

3. Systematic barriers

Many organizations have inefficient or inappropriate information systems and communication channels. People are not clear about their roles and responsibilities in the communication process. Sometimes business communication in an organization can become very complicated and challenging, and organization leaders should try to keep it as simple as possible.

There are a number of other barriers to effective communication skills, such as physical barriers, attitude barriers, and cultural barriers. Communication skills training is one of the most requested training programs in organizations today. Organizations seek to promote the development of communication skills in their employees through these programs.