Barriers to communication

Definition
Errors, misunderstandings and several other factors that prevent us transmit our ideas meaningfully causing communication failure. Intrapersonal barriers stem from an individuals attitude habits

Levels of Barriers to Communication according to the process of message formation and delivery Intrapersonal Interpersonal Organizational

Intrapersonal Barriers
mainly because of differences in experience, education, values, and personality interprets the same information in different ways as thinking varies

Common Causes
Wrong Assumptions Varied Perceptions Deferring Backgrounds Wrong Inferences Impervious Categories Categorical Thinking

rong Assumptions
something that is accepted as true without question or proof Lack of adequate knowledge about each others backgrounds (sender/listener) Due to entertaining certain false notions which are fixed in mind speaker does not realize that background, education and experiences of different people can be different put yourself in the shoe of listener

Varied Perceptions

 how an individual perceives reality all a matter of perceptions step back and take a wider perspective

Differing Backgrounds
No two persons have a similar background education, culture, language, environment, age, sex, financial status Our background plays a significant role in interpretation of the message which is not experience will be difficult to interpret or appreciate Empathy or identification with the listener is the only solution

rong Inferences

What objects could cast these shadows?

hats in the box?

Perspective influences your perception of reality

 Inference is the process of drawing a conclusion by applying heuristics (based on logic, statistics etc.) to observations or hypotheses Sometimes we fail to distinguish between what actually exist and what we assume to exist. wide scope for gossip and rumour to grow or develop Inferences supported by facts are essential for professionals when they analyse material, solve problems and plan procedures.

Impervious Categories
we react positively to information only if it is in consonance with our own views and attitudes does not confirm to our personal views, habits, attitudes, or appears unfavourable to us, we tend to react negatively or even disbelieve. Rejection, distortion, and avoidance are three common, undesirable and negative reactions

Whats The Problem?

Thats impossible!

Make this equation read correctly without touching anything.

Want new insights? Get out of your box. Change your perspective.

Categorical Thinking
know it all - pansophists who believes that he/she has an accurate comprehension of a topic and/or situation when in reality; his/her comprehension is inaccurate and limited refuses to accept any further information on the topic

Conclusion
To sum up, good communication should: Be non-judgmental Be empathetic Not assume anything Stick to the subject Listen and above all paraphrase

Interpersonal Barriers to Communication

 interpersonal barriers occur due to the inappropriate transaction of words between two or more people. The two broad categories into which this barrier can be classified are: 1. Inefficiency in communication skills 2. Negative aspect nurturing in the climate Interpersonal barriers creep as a result of the limitations in the communication skills of encoder or decoder or both. they also may occur due to some disturbance in the channel.

Most Common Reasons for Interpersonal Barriers

Limited Vocabulary Incongruity between Verbal & Non-verbal messages Emotional Outbursts Communication Selectivity Cultural Variations Poor Listening Skills Noise in the Channel

Limited Vocabulary
inadequate vocabulary - a major hindrance in communication connotative and denotative (suggestive) meanings of the words. loss of words ineffective communication leaves a poor impression on the audience Way of using words

Incongruity between Verbal & Nonverbal messages

Incongruity means a lack of harmony Verbal vocal discrepancy communication leaves the listeners feeling confused and puzzled

Emotional Outburst
An integral part of our being by sharpening self-awareness, intuition, and empathy, emotions help in communication a moderate level of emotional involvement intensifies communication intensive emotional involvement - obstacle in communication

Communication Selectivity
If a receiver in communication process pays attention only to a part of the message which may be of use to him, he imposes a barrier to communication known as communication selectivity. Here, in this situation, sender is not at fault, it is the receiver who breaks the flaw of communication.

Cultural Variations
predominant factors in communication failure in-group and the out-group arising from different languages and culture.

Poor Listening Skills

The common obstacle to communication occurs due to lack of control over the speed at which speakers speak the listener's limited vocabulary failure to recognize the "signals problems of interpretation inability to concentrate

Noise in the Channel

any unwanted signal which acts as a hindrance in the flaw of communication Noise interferes greatly in the transmission of signals not necessarily limited to cacophony - may be in visual, audio-visual, written, physical or psychological forms Technical or physical noise refers to the din of machines

 the blare of music from a stereo system Human noise Disturbances in telephone lines poorly designed acoustics of a room dim typescripts illegible writing are some more examples of technical noise

Organizational Barriers to Communication

 Every organization, irrespective of its size, has its own communication techniques, and each nurtures its own communication climate. Irrespective of size, all organizations have communication policies which describe the protocol to be followed. It is the structure and complexity of this protocol that usually causes communication barriers

Causes for Organizational Barriers

The major causes for organizational barriers are as follows: Too Many Transfer Stations Fear of Superiors Negative Tendencies Use of Inappropriate Media Information Overload