Barriers to Effective Communication

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

Let’s take a look at some of them:

• Language barriers and the use of jargon
• emotional barriers
• Systemic barriers
• Differences in perception
• Physical disabilities 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

Language difference is the most obvious barrier to communication as two people speaking two different languages ​​cannot communicate with each other. The accents and dialect (use of words) of people belonging to different places differ even if their language is the same. While the languages ​​are technically the same in people using different dialects and accents, the meanings, implications, and interpretations of the words are different, which can lead to various kinds of conflicts. For example, if a Scottish farmer talks to a person from London, he does not understand most of the words the other 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 might 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 convey 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 in a particular word. For example, a person makes a mistake writing done as gift. The computer’s spelling and grammar checker doesn’t flag it as wrong since don is also a correct word. But, the word can change the whole meaning of the sentence or make the sentence incomprehensible.

2. Psychological Barriers

There are a number of psychological barriers to communication. One of them is the mentality of the sender and receiver. If the receiver of the communication mistrusts the sender, he may not receive the message as expected. The same goes for the sender as well. Anger can also be a psychological barrier to communication. When we are angry we are not able to 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 inadequate 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 the leaders of the organization have to try to keep it as simple as possible.

There are a number of other barriers to effective communication skills, such as physical barriers, attitudinal 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.