Topic: The Barriers to Communication

Introduction:

It was discussed in the first lesson that one of the things that affect the
communication process is the thing that we call, "barriers". In this module, the
students will have a deeper and wider knowledge of the different problems that
they may encounter as they transmit their message to their receivers.

Instruction:

THE BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION

There are many reasons why interpersonal

communications may fail. In many
communications, the message (what is said)
may not be received exactly the way the
sender intended. It is, therefore, important that
the communicator seeks feedback to check
that their message is clearly understood.
 There are instances when miscommunication and misunderstanding occur
because of certain barriers. Barriers are fences or other obstacles that prevent
movement or access to the message.

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.

Below are the different barriers that may affect the communication process:

•Emotional Barriers
•Jargons,
•Environment,
•Physical barriers,
•Expectations and prejudices,
•Cultural differences and many more…

NOW, LET US STUDY THE BARRIERS ONE BY ONE...

1. Emotional Barriers

•Emotional barriers are mental walls that keep

you from openly communicating your thoughts
and feelings to others.
 Examples of Situation with Emotional Barriers:

•You are having a bad day or you feel

frustrated.

•Anger can affect the way your brain

processes information given to you. For
example, angry people have difficulty
processing logical statements, limiting
their ability to accept explanations and solutions offered by others.

•Pride - The need to be right all the time will not only annoy others, but it can
also shut down effective communication. For example, you might focus only
on your perspective, or you might
come up with ways to shoot down
other people before you even listen to
their points.

• You sit in a meeting or class where

you think the speaker is boring.

Watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cjgdiy_SGjA

GUIDE QUESTION:

• HOW DID EMOTIONS BECOME BARRIERS IN THIS VIDEO?

- Although feelings were represented here individually, the communication

process was still affected by each of them. See how disgust initiated the
misunderstanding between the mother and the child, as well as how the father
reacted to the little girl's behavior. It was clearly shown in the video how these
feelings affected the receiver's response to the message.
 OVERCOMING EMOTIONAL BARRIERS

•Recognize these kinds of emotions, and politely ask the other person to give
you a moment so you can relax or calm yourself.

• Recognize this kind of attitude, reset, and reflect on how you can be interested
in what the speaker is pointing out

2. JARGON WORDS AS BARRIERS

•Jargons are special words or expressions that are used by a particular

profession or group and are difficult for others to understand.

• Jargon often ends up becoming a

household term. Various communities use jargon
that inevitably falls into common use, including
technical, business, and military jargon.

• Jargon words are meant to enhance

communication by simplifying a particular
concept. This works when everyone involved in
the conversation is aware of the word’s meaning.
To someone who isn’t clued in, however, it can be seen as technical snobbery.
At the very least, it can confuse the message so the recipient loses interest.

Below are some example s of jargon words that are used in various fields:

MEDICAL JARGONS
Hypertension High blood pressure

Paroxysmal nocturnal Waking at night

dyspnoea breathless

Orthopnoea Breathless while lying

down

Sub-therapeutic Low-level

LEGAL JARGON

Bar a general term referring to a group of attorneys

Affidavit a document containing information the person swears to be true.

Grounds reasons for bringing a case into the judicial system.

Indigent a person who can convince the court that he/she cannot afford to
pay any costs for legal representation.

CORPORATE JARGON

Profitability refers to the profit or amount of money gained from your sales or
business.

Null and refers to a contract or clause that’s invalid, non-binding or which

void has no legal force

Invoice refers to an itemized bill showing the list of goods sold or services
provided, their prices and the total amount to be paid.
 EXAMPLE SITUATIONS WHEN JARGON WORDS BECOME BARRIERS

• You are a scientist discussing a certain weather phenomenon with your

neighbor who does not know much about the topic.

• Jargon can waste time and money. When documents and emails take longer to
read and to understand, people may grow frustrated. Time is wasted when
unknown terms have to be explained or are interpreted incorrectly and result in
errors of deciphering, which leads to errors in a follow-up action.

• Business opportunities may be lost, along with potential money-making

possibilities, when jargon is misunderstood.

OVERCOMING JARGON WORDS AS BARRIERS

Avoid jargon and strange

abbreviations
Every specialty has unique
terminology that separates
insiders from the general
public, but this separation
leads to trouble when you
need to communicate
broadly.

Try paraphrasing

When you spot a clunky turn of phrase in your

draft, look for a more conversational
alternative.
Ask the experts to simplify

Whether you’re getting input from an engineer or a

financial guru, you may find yourself searching for a
delicate way to ask them to be, er, um, less
technical.

Don’t act as if you know it

Small misunderstandings have a
way of compounding if you let
them. It can be strange to ask
people for clarification, especially if
you feel expected to already
understand what they’re talking
about in full. In this situation, it’s
worth remembering that if you’d
mastered the subject perfectly, then
discussing it further would only be a
waste of breath. In other words,
asking questions shows people you
respect their time.