Types of Communication Barriers

Types of Communication BarriersCommunication is the process of transferring information and meaning between senders and receivers using one or more written, oral, visual or electronic channels. The essence of parley is sharing-providing data, information and insights in an exchange that benefits both you and the plenty whom you atomic number 18 communicating (Bovee and Thill, Excellence in Business Communication, Ninth Edition, 2011).Effective intercourse helps businesses in numerous ways. These benefits includeStronger decision making based on reliable, timely information.Faster problem solving- less time is spent on judgment problems and more time is spent on creating solutions.Communication barriers can interfere with or block the message you atomic number 18 trying to send. Managers shouldRecognise the barriers to communication which restrain messages being sent and received successfullyDevelop communication skills to overcome these barriers.Types of communication barriers There are many different factors that can create barriers to hard-hitting communication.Language barriersLanguage barriers occur when people do non speak the same language, or do not have the same level of qualification in a language. However, barriers can also occur when people are speaking the same language. Sometimes barriers occur when we use inappropriate levels of language (too semi-formal or informal) or we use jargon or slang which is not understood by one or more of the people communicating.Often the moorage in which the conversation is taking place, and whether or not people have prior experience of the matter being discussed, can also contribute to much(prenominal) barriers being formed.Overcoming language barriersRe phallus that preparation is an important part of communication.Think aboutwho you are communicating withwhat their language deficiencys may be.Using visuals (photographs, drawings, diagrams and so on) can help to overcome language barriers as can usin g appropriate non-verbal communication. Be aware, however, that different situations and different cultures (including workplace cultures) have varying interpretations of non-verbal communication. What is bankable in one culture may be offensive in an different. What is clear to you may not be clear to others a nod for yes may not mean the same thing in another country See Take care with gestures in Section 2 for more examples.The woodland of your voice is also important for clear communication. Be sure to speak with appropriate volume for the situation and use clear diction. Listening actively to other people and letting them know that you are listening (nodding, asking questions etc) is an excellent way to overcome language barriers.Conversational bad habitsThere are many bad habits we can have in conversationSometimes we judge the other person by criticising them, calling them names or diagnosing them (for example, youre stupid or you are only saying that because you know you s hould have spent more time on it).Another bad habit is move solutions to the other by threatening, moralising, asking too many questions or advising them. For example, You should apologise. If I were you.Another common, but very negative, conversational habit is avoiding the other persons concerns by changing the subject, offering a logical argument or reassuring the person, Itll be ok. The same happened to a friend of mineOften people just want you to listen. Prejudging helps no one. pot have the right to elucidate mistakes. In the workplace, the important thing is to get the job done and to help all(prenominal) other to do this.Sending solutions may not always be your business and will often not be appreciated. People must make their own decisions. We often reassure the person because we are embarrassed about facing others emotions.Cultural awarenessCommunicating with people of different cultures and backgrounds means befitting aware of the differences in values, beliefs and attitudes that people hold.Empathy is important for overcoming barriers to communication based on culture. Empathy means sensing the feelings and attitudes of others as if we had experienced them personally. There is a common mirror image that describes how you can develop empathy You need to walk a mile in another persons shoes.There are many techniques relate in creating empathy. We can tryrespecting others feelings and attitudesusing active listening skillsencouraging involvement of others by asking questions while respecting personal privatenessusing turn over body language and an encouraging vocal tonetaking other peoples fears and concerns into consideration.refraining from giving unsolicited advice.not blaming, quite working towards a solution.Environmental barriersNot all barriers to communication are caused by people. There are many environmental factors affecting the effective communication process. Messages can be blocked by environmental factors, such as the physica l setting or the situation where communication takes place.Managing environmental factorsHere are some points to help you manage environmental factors for effective communication when in teams.Team meeting rooms should be cool but not cold. A warm room makes participants sleepy a cold room can make them very unhappyMake sure that the environment is comfortable and secure. People need to feel safe before they will listen or offer suggestions.Check that nothing behind or near the team member will cause distraction (for example, activity seen through an open window or door a television screen).Turn off your mobile audio when you are communicating with other people.Wait until machinery (or any other distracting noise) is turned off before you even try to communicate. If this is not possible, move to a quieter location. wasting disease accepted format in any written communication (letters, memorandums and reports) and, if its important, check with someone beforehand that they can unders tand it.As a communicator, you need to think about what are the potential and real environmental barriers in your workplace or communityBias, generalisations and stereotypingThese behaviours can cause communication barriers. Having these attitudes and not confronting them is not just wrong, its bad for business. In the workplace, such attitudes can cost the organisation time and money.Stereotyping occurs when you assume you know something about a person because of their heathen or social background. Your views may come from a bias you may have against a picky behaviour, appearance, possession or even a particular geographical area.An example of generalisation is where you know one person from a particular background and then generalise that all people from that background are the same.Your situation, appearance and behaviour may contribute to other peoples stereotyped views. This could contribute to communication breakdown. Learn to treat everyone as an individual. You will open u p the channels for communication and overcome the barriers based on discrimination.