In this article, we will explore some real-life examples of barriers of communication and how they can impact different aspects of our lives.
Communication not only maintains and animates life but it is also the motor and expression of social activity and civilization, it leads people and peoples from instinct to inspiration, through multicolored processes and systems of enquiry, command and control: it creates a common pool of ideas, strengthens the feelings of togetherness through exchange of messages and translates thoughts into actions, reflecting every emotion .
Communication barriers cause the communication process to be ineffective. To prevent this from happening, one step that can be taken is to understand the various communication barriers in the workplace and how to overcome them.
10 Real life examples of barriers of communication You Must Know.
The communicator should know the communicative limitations and hurdles in communication process
Dissonance
This audience problem occurs when an action is taken that is inconsistent with what a person knows or has previously believed, or the action is taken after two or more attractive alternatives are considered The person is uncomfortable until some dissonance reduction is achieved by seeking out messages that help adjust beliefs to action
Channel Noise
A term is used to describe anything that interferes with the fidelity of the physical transmission of the message (Such as static on radio or type too small to be read easily). But broadly speaking, channel noise may be thought of as including all distraction between source and audience. The professional communicator helps to overcome its effects by attention getting devices and by careful use of the principle of redundancy.
Semantic Noise
This occurs when a message is misunderstood even thought it is received as it was transmitted Semantic noise can be reduced if the communicator will take pains to define term and adjust vocabulary to interests and needs of the audience.
Feed Back Effects
These are the reactions that take place along the communication process and that are transmitted Without feedback the signal that is simulated by an act of communication, biological, mechanical, human or animal—meaningful contact halts and cannot make progress. Feedback is the regenerative circuit, or loop of communication.
Human obstacles
These are obstacles caused by various human factors, such as emotions, personal prejudices, perceptions, incompetence, ability or inability, and so on.
Quoting the journal Communication Barriers and Stress of Parents of Deaf Students in Elementary Schools (2019) by Indah Damayanti and Sri Hadiati Purnamasari, communication barriers can be divided into five, namely:
- Obstacles from the sender of the message
. For example, the message sent by the communicator is felt by the communicant to be unclear. - Obstacles in encoding or symbols
, for example, the use of language that is too difficult, ambiguous words, and different meanings of symbols between the communicator and the communicant. - Media barriers
For example, radio signal interference causes the sound to be intermittent and the listener cannot follow the information being conveyed. - Barriers in coded language
For example, the communicant interprets the message or information he receives differently from the actual context conveyed by the communicator. - Obstacles from the recipient of the message
. For example, the communicant does not pay attention and listen to the message sent by the communicator, and the communicant responds to the message incorrectly without trying to find further information.
Background differences
Different backgrounds can hinder the effective communication process. Moreover, when the communicator does not understand the background of the communicant, and vice versa.
For example, communicators who do not know the background of their communication may use language that is difficult to understand, body movements and facial expressions that are inappropriate.
Selective perception
Selective perception can be a factor inhibiting effective communication. Because perception often easily distorts the facts of the message content and the purpose of conveying the message.
Perception comes from a person’s background experience or attitude. Selective perception makes it possible for the communicant to perceive a message with a different meaning than the communicator’s expectations.
Prejudice
A suspicious attitude can make it difficult for communicators to convey and influence communication. Negative prejudice causes communicants to think irrationally.
There are three ways to overcome communication barriers. Namely, using feedback, recognizing the communicant, and carefully planning the purpose of communication. Ultimately, smooth communication within an organization can influence work efficiency.
4 Factors That Inhibit Communication
1. Problems in Developing Messages
2. Problems in Conveying Messages
3. Problems Receiving Messages
4. Problems in Interpreting Messages
Ways to Overcome Barriers in Communication
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Express one idea at a time.
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Express ideas briefly.
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Provide explanations when necessary.
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Repeat if necessary.
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Receive and provide feedback.
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Make the right choice of words, tone of voice, and body language.
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Developing an attitude of empathy towards recipients in overcoming cultural or cultural barriers.
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Using the correct terminology.
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Speak clearly.
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Use a clear volume