The Barriers To Ineffective Communication

Communication is the art of transferring ideas, thoughts, knowledge and information from person to person. Generally, humans communicate for numerous reasons such as a means of understanding each other and to acquire information. However, as we communicate we encounter many barriers that allow our message to be ineffective. According to www.businessdictionary.com , barriers to communication refers to any obstacle in a setting that prevents effective exchange of ideas and thoughts. Since the process of communication involves sender, channel and receiver, the breakdown in communication usually stems from either one or all of them.

Although ineffective listening, anxiety, perception and the use of slang can hinder communication, they can be remedied by adopting positive behavioural habits.

This ineffectiveness in listening is usually caused by lack of interest in the speaker, physical discomfort, and low volume from the speaker. For example, a child decides to engage in small talk with his friend while simultaneously listening to his fourth grade teacher deliver a mathematics lesson. Unavoidably, there is a breakdown in communication on the receiver’s part. Listening is a complex skill that requires all of one’s attention. Therefore, to become an effective listener, you must practice self-control and eliminate the sources of disruptions. In the case of the child, he could have asked the teacher to increase his volume or asked his friend to keep quiet. Kushal (2009) argues that poor listening generates a tension and misunderstanding in relationships. As a result, many of us ineffective listeners have difficulties in accepting our mistakes and moving