Communication
is the process of establishing meaningful relationships among human beings.
Communication is used to share information, thoughts and feelings between each
others. Effective communication ensures whether the transmitted contents are
received and understood by someone in the way they were intended. Also the
common goal of effective communication includes creating a general perception,
changing behaviors and acquiring correct information. Many people think that communication is easy.
But effective communication cannot be expressed in simplest form. It is not
just about talking. There are many other things involved with effective
communication such as gesture, proper body language, expressions and listening.
The proper balance of these attributes to be maintained during your
communication process if you need to receive the intended goal.
Different
types of communication barriers
There are
some common barriers exist against effective communication. Communication is
straightforward. But it becomes complex and difficult when barriers are there.
Here are some types of barriers that negatively affect to effective
communications.
Language
Barriers – this is one of the most common barriers that can be found. Many
communication issues can be occurred because of the language and vocabulary
differences. If the sender and the receiver cannot understand the languages of
each others, the communication will not give the intended effect. Use of
unclear and inappropriate words also can make confusions and misunderstandings
during a particular communication process.
Cultural
Barriers – there are many communication issues comes through cultural differences.
Age differences, gender differences, economic positions, political beliefs and
cultural backgrounds are some of them. Effective communication between people
of different cultures is really difficult. Same word can
make different meaning to people who have cultural differences.
Organization
Barriers – most of the communication barriers exist in workplaces can be
included into this category. Poor organization
structures, some rules and regulations, poor employee relationships, physical
separations, outdated equipments and noisy environment can badly affect to
communication processes within the organization.
Personal
barriers – individual discomfort and perceptions can also make negative impact
on effective communication. If people are not in the same level in terms of
their perceptions, knowledge and attitudes; the communications between them are
not very much successful.
Interpersonal
barriers – misunderstanding, lack of trust on each other, fear of losing power
and control, poor relationships are some of interpersonal communication
barriers. These can make lack of attentions, listening and poor responses
during a communication.
Channel
barriers – if the communication media is inappropriate or the communication is
too long; it might break up the process. Poor communication channels can badly
affect to the clarity, clearness and accuracy of the communication process.
How can we
break these barriers?
We need to
overcome above barriers to do an effective communication. Here are some things
you should follow when communicating with other.
You can
easily overcome organization barriers through the establishment of proper
communication network within the organization. By allowing employees to access
organization’s resources and by facilitating for idea generations, most of
these organizational barriers can be removed. Also flexible and transparent
organization structure will also help to improve the communication process.
Be a good
listener. You can solve lots of interpersonal barriers through this. Remember
to filter any information you received before pass it to someone else. Also use
clear expressions, accurate words and avoid using absolute words. Make sure to
ask questions from the receiver to clarify the degree of understanding of the
message you pass. Repeat the message if necessary. Always take feedbacks. It
will help you to determine the effectiveness of the communication you did. Try to keep eye contacts when you are talking
to someone or listening to someone. These will help you to resolve many
communication barriers.
Chanel
barriers can overcome through using proper communication channels. Always try
to avoid intermediaries exist in the communication channel you use.
Importance
of listening
Listening plays a vital role in communication.
Many barriers can be avoided through effective listening. Use below tips to
improve your listening capabilities.
- Use face-to-face communication and eye
contacts
- Listen to ideas not just words
- Do not interrupt when someone speaks
- Ask questions to clarify unclear
points of the conversation
- Always give feedbacks
Eliminating
barriers completely is not possible. But by knowing the barriers you have for
effective communication, you can take necessary actions to avoid them or lower
them.
Category:
Communication Skills Last edited on 03.29.2012
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