Barriers to

Communication
Understanding Effective
Communication
Effective communication can be defined as communication in
which
 A message is conveyed to other(s) clearly and unambiguously

 The message is received by the intended recipient with as little

distortion as possible
 Both the sender and the receiver understand the same
information as a result of communication
 The entire communication act yields the result desired by the
producer
 The receiver’s understanding matches the sender’s intent
You already know this!
Communication skills are a set of skills or abilities that enable a person to express
and receive messages efficiently. The four language skills we use for
communication are
 RECEPTIVE PRODUCTIVE
Listening Speaking
Reading Writing
 
Good communication skills enable one to carry out the above activities successfully
and proficiently. Communication skills may include everything from the knowledge
of the communication process and the knowledge of human psychology to the
ability to use the knowledge successfully to achieve your ends.
 
Skill=Knowledge+the ability to use the knowledge
 
BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATION
 A communication barrier is any factor that
interferes with the success of the
communication process.
 A communication barrier may occur between
two of the communication process steps or
may affect all the steps in the process.
Some common barriers
 Different world views and ideologies
 Distractions: physical and emotional
 Information overload
 Language proficiency
 Inaccurate interpretation
 Linguistic Impact language-style, tone, speed,
etc
Types of Barriers
 Physical Noise
 Technical Noise
 Psychological Noise
 Poor Timing
 Perceptual Bias
 Lack of Interest
 Psychological Bias
 Information Overload
 Physical Noise
 Physical noise occurs when
the sender and receiver try to
communicate in a situation
that is noisy
 For example, the bus stop.
The noise produced by the
passing buses create what is
known as ‘physical noise’.
 Technical Noise
 Technical noise occurs when the
sender and the receiver use a
tool to communicate for
example, a phone.
 When 2 people are
communicating using the phone,
and one person steps into an
elevator, the signal will be lost
and the communication will fail.
The break down with the tool
used to communicate is known
as ‘technical noise’.
 Psychological Noise

 Psychological noise occurs when the

receiver of the message is thinking of
something and not concentrating on the
message itself, for example, having class in
a park.
 While this may sound like a nice and
comfortable situation to be in the message
may be lost if the receiver of the message is
thinking about if the grass is wet or if there
are any harmful bees around.
 As the receiver loses concentration on what
is being transmitted by the sender, so we
have ‘psychological noise’.
 Poor Timing
 Poor timing usually happens
when the sender is not aware
of the mood of the receiver
when sending the message.
 For example, approaching
your employer for a raise when
he/she has just made an
announcement that the
company is almost bankrupt.
 Perceptual Bias
 Perceptual bias occurs when the sender is not aware of the
rules of first impression.
 For example, when you attend an interview, there is an
appropriate dress code.
 Failure to follow that dress code may result in you being
prejudiced against. If you go for an interview for an
accounting position dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, don’t be
surprised if you don’t get the job.
 Lack of Interest
 Sometimes, there are some things
that we are just not interested in.
Of all the subjects that students
learn to complete their degree,
they cannot love all.
 There will be the ONE or TWO
subject that we have to suffer to
stay awake for. A lack of interest
in what someone has to say will
definitely lead to a breakdown in
communication.
 Psychological Bias
 Ever heard of prejudices?
Someone doesn’t like you
because you are
male/female, old/young,
rich/poor.
 There are biases. A bias is
something that the sender
cannot fix. There is no
solution to this problem.
Just be prepared.
 Language Barrier
 Difference of language
 Unclear speech: loudness, articulation
 Use of jargon or slang
 Grammar and spelling
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTiifk7g
wHo
 Information Overload
 Information overload occurs
when you try to absorb too
much information over a short
period of time.
 If you try to study
continuously for hours without
a break, or introduce too many
new concepts to your learning
in one period of time, your
mind will become confused
and this can lead to a break
down in communication.
HOW TO COMMUNICATE
EFFECTIVELY:
As a Producer:
 The message: Be clear about what you want to communicate
 Purpose
 Encoding: Successful encoding depends on one’s ability to convey
information clearly and simply, and your ability to anticipate and
eliminate sources of confusion, that is, cultural issues, assumptions, etc.
 What can be the best way (tool) of encoding the message
 The receiver(s), his/her background
 Human psychology
 Cultural and situational context
 The most appropriate channel
HOW TO COMMUNICATE
EFFECTIVELY:
As a Receiver:
 Decoding: It is an important skill. Take time to
read the message, or listen actively.
 Evaluate the message in an objective and
impartial manner. Use your knowledge of
human psychology.
 Store the information.

 Respond by giving feedback.