Page 15 - Ai Book - 10

MEASURES TO OVERCOME BARRIERS IN COMMUNICATION

Anything that prevents smooth sending or receiving of a message is a barrier to communication. There may be
several reasons why messages are not understood, leading to inadequate feedback. It is important that both
sender and receiver understand these barriers. Physical barriers often occur in business, necessitating long-
distance communication methods without the benefit of seeing reactions. Language and cultural barriers are
also common as the world has expanded with better connectivity. Other barriers include distractions, stereotypes
and even a lack of confidence on part of sender as well as the receiver.

Types of Communication Barriers

In general, the barriers of communication are consciously or unconsciously erected either by the receiver or the
sender. These barriers impede the communication and sometimes even lead to awkward silence.
In our daily life, several types of barriers affect the flow of communication. The detailed description of these
barriers are:

u Language Barriers: Many times, language and linguistic ability may act as a barrier to communication.
Occasionally, when communicating in the same language, the terminology used in a message may act as
a barrier if it is not fully understood by the receiver. For example, a patient may not understand medical
jargon. The sender should always use easy and simple language so that it can be easily understood by the
receiver.
u Psychological Barriers: The psychological state of mind of the sender, as well as that of the receiver plays an
important role in interpersonal communication. When an individual is under emotion, his tone overpowers
the script of the message which in turn leads to emotional barriers. For example, people under stress may
be preoccupied by their concerns and not as receptive to the message as they would be if they were not
stressed. Psychological barriers involve elements like:

z Emotional stability, specifically anger, sadness and connection.

z Dislike of a friend or a team member
z Disrespect
z Discriminatory beliefs

z The intention to undermine rather than encourage.
z Feelings of superiority towards individuals.
z Personal problems resulting from past experiences.
An important personal skill that affects our interpersonal relationships is stress management. Anger is
another example of a psychological barrier to communication.

u Physical Barriers: Physical discomfort results in communication failures. Examples of physical barrier to
communication are:

z The geographic distance between the sender and the receiver(s)
z Physical distance between the speaker and the receiver(s)

z Uncomfortable sitting
z Noise
z Poor lighting

z Unhygienic room

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