Barriers To Communication (P3)

Barriers of Communication

Barriers of communication are an obstacle that is in the way of a listener knowing and understanding what the speaker is talking about.

An example of a barrier to communication would be a manager talking to their staff telling them what to do whilst there is a loud noise in the background.  The loud noise is preventing the staff member from hearing what is being said and cannot fully understand what they are being asked to do. Barriers to communication can prevent a message from being herd and understood. It can result in the message being distorted or not heard or understood at all.

General communication barriers

Problems with Technology

Whilst using technology there are a number of barriers that can occur. These barriers will prevent effective communication. In the Rainbow organization there may be barriers with technology and communicating via technology.

The client may not be able to use a computer or they are not familiar with using one before. They may not have knowledge on how they are actually able to communicate using a computer.

These barriers could be something to do with the person using the technology. They may not understand or be familiar with the technology that is being used. For example if a staff member is communicating to a client via a blog and the client hasn’t used a blog before, they will not be familiar with it and not know how to use or access it.

There are ranges of different ways in which people can communicate using technology. These ways would be Skype, podcasting, blogging, instant messages and video conferencing. Clients would need to be able to use this range of communication so that it isn’t acting as a barrier.

Other things that can be seen as a barrier to technology could be along the lines of the hardware and software. There could be a problem with the hardware or software.

Software could be out of date which isn’t allowing a user to communicate with an up to date version of the software. The software could have a fault and may not be working properly.

Hardware could be damaged and may not be compatible with the software being used. For example if staff wants to carry out a video conference with a client and the client webcam isn’t compatible with the software then this is a barrier to communication. 

There could even be a network issue. For example if the router was faulty then the internet will not connect. This means that they cannot communicate online.

Language Used

Language used is important as understanding the language is key to effective communication. If the person has to use language that is appropriate and that the listener will understand clearly what is being said.

Use of technical terms should be used with people that understand it. A staff member of the Rainbow organisation would talk to a younger client using simple and easily understood language. If the staff member was talking to a client that is older then they would use more technical terms and more mature and complex language.

Use of slang should not be used with a person that does not understand it. Slang is different with different cultures and places. A staff member should not use slang language when talking to someone with a cultural difference as they would not understand what it means. The slang language may have a different meaning where they live. This means that the information that they are picking up is wrong.

The listener will lose interest if the language being used is too complex or too boring. If acronyms are being used and the listener does not understand then they will lose interest and will withdraw.

Interpersonal Communication Barriers

 

Body Language Barriers

 

Body language can indicate how a person is feeling or what they are thinking. Things like checking the time and staring at the wall can indicate that the person is bored. This can act as a barrier because the person isn’t communicating in a positive manner.

Pointing a finger at a person means that the person is angry and isn’t happy with the certain person. The person is giving off this negative feel due to his body language. The person getting shouted at feels like they are being accused of something, they may back down and not go ahead with an argument.

Crossing arms can show that the person is being defensive, awkward or nervous. They may be afraid of saying what they actually want to say or feel.

A person resting their hands behind their head will indicate that they are too relaxed, maybe bored or tired. This means that they not be listening or going to give a good answer or question. They may be thinking about something else.

Faking a smile may mean that they are not in a good mood or they are being sarcastic. This may mean that they aren’t willing to listen to what is being said to them.

Written Communication Barriers

Spelling and Grammar errors

Written communication can be easily seen as a barrier to communication, reasons being that feedback is not immediate. This means that it is important that when writing it is effective and will not confuse the reader in any way.

This means that the document needs to be properly structured, key messages identified, appropriate fonts and colours, size of font the right size, use of headings and use of bullet points and numbering. Spelling should be accurate and so should grammar and punctuation.

This will ensure the reader can identify the message and understands the message. Bad formatting, spelling, layout and presentation will act a barrier to communication.

If the writing contains spelling and grammar errors then the reader will be confused and not understand the message that is getting put across. This is why it is essential that that presentation, spelling and grammar is correct.

Errors in spelling and grammar does not look professional.  If the volunteer was sending a letter or email on behalf of Rainbow and it contained spelling and grammar errors it would make the company look unprofessional – to prevent this all documents should be proof read and spell checked before sending.