6 barriers to effective communication and how to overcome them

The same phrase can be said and perceived in different ways. A question pronounced in a raised voice will be determined by the interlocutor as angry. If you utter the same phrase in a half-whisper, people will see it as flirting. Therefore, sometimes the decisive role in communication is played not by the words themselves, but by accompanying factors.

1. Perceptual barrier

The perceptual barrier is the barrier of perception. The mood with which they are talking to us has a direct impact on the effectiveness of communication.

Problem

The indifferent tone and lack of interest in body language make the other person skeptical about the success of the conversation and discourage him from having a conversation with you. The same applies to people explaining their point of view without respect or with hard-to-hide or not at all hidden dislike.

Solution

Start the conversation with a positive note and try to keep it throughout the conversation. Use appropriate body language, smile, and make eye contact with the other person.

2. Behavioral barrier

The opinion of others about us directly affects the level of their assimilation of our words and the likelihood of effective dialogue. Based on the attitude towards you, the interlocutor may abstract from the topic of the conversation or partially ignore the information.

Problem

A pompous tone is the reason for hostility on the part of the interlocutor. If all information passes through the lens of condescension, it harms communication and spoils the impression of the speaker. Low self-esteem can also create a barrier.

Solution

Think of the other person as your equal. Be sure to praise the person for a job well done, even if you think you could do it better yourself. Don't forget to make eye contact and smile.

3. Language barrier

A language barrier arises not only between speakers of different languages, but also between people with different levels of competence in any area.

Problem

If the interlocutor uses unfamiliar words in speech, you are unlikely to be able to understand him. By resorting to professional jargon in conversation with trainees, you will not achieve understanding on their part and instill in them uncertainty about their own professional suitability. If you explain to a child the solution of a problem as you would tell an adult, this will also lead to a sad result: the child will not be able to solve a similar problem again, his ability to think and get to the bottom of the truth gradually will suffer.

Solution

Simplify your speech to the level of the interlocutor without showing the indulgence of people with high self-esteem.

4. Emotional barrier

An emotional barrier arises from insecurity, anger, sadness, or even excessive joy. Domestic problems can affect work communications, and vice versa.

Problem

Experiencing emotional stress, we ourselves do not notice that we are missing some of the information on our ears and how our ability to analyze and reason suffers. When we are out of sorts, we become irritable with the words of the interlocutor, and excessive joy during a working dialogue can lead to approval of a frankly bad idea.

Solution

Be above your emotions and don't let them influence your interactions with other people. When in a state of emotional stress, try to have a neutral conversation with your interlocutor.

5. Cultural barrier

When communication occurs between representatives of different cultures, there is a high likelihood of a cultural barrier. But cultural differences are manifested not only in communication with foreigners or representatives of a different faith.

Problem

Inappropriate communication with a person of another nationality or religion can offend his beliefs. Stories about Friday parties can ruin the mood of a person who is contraindicated in alcohol. Trying to explain to an older person the meaning of a popular YouTube video can be met with confusion.

Solution

Try to study the interlocutor in advance and conduct the conversation as tactfully as possible. If there is a high risk of blurting out something wrong, try to explain to the interlocutor face to face that you are not very familiar with his culture.

6. Gender barrier

Differences in communication and thinking between men and women may be the cause of misunderstanding. Women tend to think intuitively, and men tend to think logically. Thus, women love to talk about people and emotions, while men focus on something physical and measurable. These stereotypes, of course, do not apply to everyone.

Problem

What is acceptable to a man can be unethical in dealing with a woman. A male boss may be skeptical about women's professional skills, allowing stereotypes to interfere with communication. So he risks not only offending the interlocutors, but also misjudging the working situation.

This effect works in the opposite direction: the attitude towards the words of a charming woman can be unfairly overstated.