A barrier is something that prevents or restricts progress or movement.

According to this definition,

a barrier is something that gets in the way of the desired outcomes. Likewise, even a slight break in
the communication flow can lead to misunderstandings. In this chapter, we will discuss the various
types of communication barriers, and how they can be identified and overcome. Before going on to
consider the different barriers to communication, however, let us first understand the related term
‘noise’.

1. NOISE

Any interference in the message sent and the message received leads to the production of ‘noise’.
Noise is an extension of the concept of communication barrier, or that which inhibits or distorts the
message the message. Noise in this context does not refer to sound, but rather to a pause or
disruption in the communication process. If noise is caused by technological factors, it is not a major
issue because it can be eliminated by correcting the technological flaws. If the noise is caused by
human error, the parties involved in the communication process must take corrective action.

Noise is defined as any unplanned interference in the communication environment, which

affects the transmission of the message. Noise can be classified as the channel and semantic.

Channel noise is any interference in the mechanics of the medium used to send a message.
Whereas channel noise develops externally, semantic noise is generated internally, resulting from
errors in the message itself. It may be because of the connotative (implied) meaning of a word that is
interpreted differently by the sender and receiver.

2. CLASSIFICATION OF BARRIERS
If we classify barriers according to the processes of message formation and delivery, we can
identify three types:
i) interpersonal barriers
individuals differ due to differences in perceptions, experiences, education, culture,
personality, and so on. Because our thinking differs, we all interpret the same information
differently. These distinctions result in certain inbuilt or interpersonal barriers, let us look at
all of the common causes of these intrapersonal barriers:

a) False Assumptions
Many roadblocks are caused by incorrect assumptions. For example, when a doctor tells
her patient that he is negative (i.e., results of a test that indicate a condition is present),
she creates a barrier in their communication because she does not know whether the
patient understands the term ‘negative’. In this case, the doctor made an incorrect
assumption about her patient’s level of knowledge. Wrong assumptions are commonly
made because the sender or receiver lacks adequate knowledge of the other’s
background or entertains certain false concepts that are ingrained in his/her mind.

b) Different perspectives

individuals have different perspectives on the same situation. Similarly, individuals within an
organization perceive the same situation in different way. The best way to overcome this barrier is to
take a step back and look at the issue from a broader, unbiased perspective.
 b) Distinctive backgrounds

Nobody has the same upbringing. Our background influences how we interpret messages. It

can be difficult to interpret or appreciate something new.

Our upbringing has a big 9influence on how we interpret messages. Something new can be
difficult to understand or appreciate at times. To improve communication skills, it is necessary to
understand the audience’s background. As a result, this information can be used to construct the
message. The solution to this barrier is empathy or identification with another person. We must
make an effort to comprehend what the listener may find difficult to understand in our message due
to the difference in our backgrounds and listener’s.

The exact meaning of the word is in the speaker’s mind; therefore, one should be cautious
when using the words. The multiple meanings of a word can magnify the problem of the
communication barriers. A word’s connotations (implied meanings) and definitions can vary. The
more a word has multiple meanings, the more likely it is to be misunderstood. A conscience speaker
takes care to explain her message in context by rephrasing and repeating potentially confusing
words.

c) Incorrect conclusions

Because inferences are more dramatic than facts, they can allow for more gossip and rumor to
spread. In order for professionals to analyze material, solve problems,