What Are The Six Major Barriers To Effective Business Communication

Scott Mclean, (2010) point out that the six major barriers to effective business communication are the use of cliches, jargon, slang, sexist and racist language, euphemisms, and double speak. (Pg.58-63)

1.Clichés

According to Scott Mclean (2010) a cliche is an overused word or phrase that has a much reduced impact now than it previously had. (Pg. 58) When I dug deeper into its definition, Wikipedia, describes a cliché, as an overused expression or idea, or element of work which has lost its original meaning or effect.

A review of both definitions highlights the loss of original effectiveness as a result of not only over use but by the fact that the meaning of the message is no longer the same as that intended for the receiver by the sender

I had to say it in a more clear way that to synergize meant that if our school joined up with the Singapore learning centre, both will stand to gain from utilizing the strengths of each other as a combined single force in the local education sector as pioneers of tutorial services.

3.Slang

Slang is described by Scott Mclean (2010) as a special form of language which makes use of existing or newly invented words instead of standard or traditional words with the intent of adding an make an unconventional, non-standard, humorous, rebellious effects. (Pg. 60) An example of slang is the word "Gnarly” which is explained by Wikipedia as a phrase used by off roaders describing an intensely daring act as result of their work driving around treacherous areas of mountains.

Personally I have used the slang "Sneeky” when giving advice to teachers on how to set challenging examination papers for their students. I had to expand on my words because some teacher didn't understand my advise to be smartly eliminate laziness and hastiness during exams as we prepare them for the national

(Pg. 60). An example of sexist language is when writing to an organization and use the salutation "Dear Sir” instead of "Dear Sir/ Madam”. This is not appropriate because it creates a negative gender bias. Personally, an example I have made along this line is when I referred to a female staff as a girl. There was no confusion in the communication but simply anger from the other employees present who are also of the same gender. It was a very painful lesson to learn as an educational leader.

Racist language is explained in our course textbook as the discrimination, in any form or manner, of a given race or ethnic group. (Scott Maclean, 2010, Pg. 61). I used the term in any form and manner to cover even the subtle references such as "those people” or even "you know how they are”, as inappropriate example in in business communication. Personally, I have made the mistake of stereotyping a group of people. I remember venting my anger after a teacher walked out on us at school one day and I said that "Americans who come to South East Asia are all backpackers”. It is wrong because not all American in South East Asia are backpackers and even if it was the case, not all back packers have poor work