BARRIERS TO

COMMUNICATION

ORAL COMMUNICATION
 There are instances when miscommunication and
misunderstanding occur because of certain barriers.
To become an effective communicator, you should
recognize these barriers that hinder the
communication process. This will enable you to
control the situation, reset conditions, and start anew.
The table below presents some barriers to effective
communication with corresponding solutions.
 COMMON BARRIERS TO
COMMUNICATION
Barriers Example Solution

*You are having a bad day or you *Recognize these kinds of emotions, and politely ask the other
feel frustrated. person to give you a moment so you can relax or calm yourself.
Emotional barriers *You sit in a meeting or class where *Recognize this kind of attitude, reset, and reflect on how you
you think the speaker is boring. can be interested in what the speaker is pointing out.
You are a scientist discussing a Jargon refers to the set of specialized vocabulary in a certain
certain weather phenomenon field. To avoid communication breakdown due to lack of
Use of Jargons with your neighbor who does not clarity, adjust your language; use layman’s terms or simple
know much about the topic words
You are asked to share something Develop self-confidence by joining organizations where you
about your day or weekend, but can share and develop your interests. Look for opportunities
Lack of Confidence you are hesitant because you are in your school or community that will help you find your
shy. strengths and improve your abilities
You are having a conversation Recognize that noise is a common barrier. Make some
Noisy with some friends when a song adjustments by asking someone to minimize the volume
environment was played loudly. or by looking for a quiet area where you can resume the
conversation.
ANOTHER COMMON BARRIERS
TO COMMUNICATION
• The use of jargon. Over-complicated, unfamiliar and/or technical terms.
• Emotional barriers and taboos. Some people may find it difficult to express their
emotions and some topics may be completely 'off-limits' or taboo. Taboo or
difficult topics may include, but are not limited to, politics, religion, disabilities
(mental and physical), sexuality and sex, racism and any opinion that may be seen
as unpopular.
• Lack of attention, interest, distractions, or irrelevance to the receiver.
• Differences in perception and viewpoint.
• Physical disabilities such as hearing problems or speech difficulties.
ANOTHER COMMON BARRIERS
TO COMMUNICATION
• Physical disabilities such as hearing problems or speech difficulties.
• Physical barriers to non-verbal communication. Not being able to see
the non-verbal cues, gestures, posture and general body language can
make communication less effective. Phone calls, text messages and
other communication methods that rely on technology are often less
effective than face-to-face communication.
• Language differences and the difficulty in understanding unfamiliar
accents.
ANOTHER COMMON BARRIERS
TO COMMUNICATION
• Expectations and prejudices which may lead to false
assumptions or stereotyping. People often hear what they
expect to hear rather than what is actually said and jump to
incorrect conclusions.
• Cultural differences. The norms of social interaction vary
greatly in different cultures, as do the way in which emotions
are expressed. For example, the concept of personal space
varies between cultures and between different social settings.
CATEGORIZATION
OF BARRIERS TO
COMMUNICATION
 LANGUAGE BARRIERS
• Language and linguistic ability may act as a barrier to communication.
• However, even when communicating in the same language, the
terminology used in a message may act as a barrier if it is not fully
understood by the receiver(s). For example, a message that includes a
lot of specialist jargons and abbreviations will not be understood by a
receiver who is not familiar with the terminology used.
• Regional colloquialisms and expressions may be misinterpreted or
even considered offensive.
 PSYCHOLOGICAL BARRIERS
• The psychological state of the communicators will influence how the message is sent,
received and perceived. For example: If someone is stressed they may be preoccupied by
personal concerns and not as receptive to the message as if they were not stressed. Stress
management is an important personal skill that affects our interpersonal relationships.
• Anger is another example of a psychological barrier to communication. When we are
angry it is easy to say things that we may later regret, and also to misinterpret what others
are saying.
• More generally people with low self-esteem may be less assertive and therefore may not
feel comfortable communicating - they may feel shy or embarrassed about saying how
they really feel, or read unintended negative sub-texts in messages they hear.
 PHYSIOLOGICAL BARRIERS

• Physiological barriers to communication may

result from the receiver’s physical state.
• For example, a receiver with reduced hearing
may not fully grasp the content of a spoken
conversation especially if there is significant
background noise.
 PHYSICAL BARRIERS
• An example of a physical barrier to communication is geographic
distance between the sender and receiver(s).
• Communication is generally easier over shorter distances as more
communication channels are available and less technology is required.
The ideal communication is face-to-face.
• Although modern technology often helps to reduce the impact of
physical barriers, the advantages and disadvantages of each
communication channel should be understood so that an appropriate
channel can be used to overcome the physical barriers.
 ATTITUDINAL BARRIERS
• Attitudinal barriers are behaviors or perceptions that prevent
people from communicating effectively.
• Attitudinal barriers to communication may result from
personality conflicts, poor management, resistance to change
or a lack of motivation. To be an effective receiver of
messages you should attempt to overcome your own
attitudinal barriers to help ensure more effective
communication.
 SYSTEMATIC BARRIERS
• Systematic barriers to communication may exist in structures
and organizations where there are inefficient or inappropriate
information systems and communication channels, or where
there is a lack of understanding of the roles and
responsibilities for communication. In such organizations,
people may be unclear of their role in the communication
process and therefore not know what is expected of them.