Communication Barriers

Problems in Communication
Types of Barriers
How to Overcome These Barriers
 Communication is how we exchange information with others. Communication strategies include verbal,
nonverbal and other forms that enhance the ability to effectively communicate with a person or group of
people:
 Verbal communication
 This type of communication can include oral communication such as speaking, video chatting and phone
calls. Verbal communication also encompasses written communication such as letters, texts and email.
 Nonverbal communication
 This form of communication applies to how we communicate nonverbally such as through body language,
visual cues and facial expressions. Tone of voice is also considered nonverbal communication and can play a
role in how your communication is received. Nonverbal communication may also be referred to as
behavioral communication.
 Visual communication
 This type of communication is when something is communicated visually. For example, a website may
visually communicate with users through infographics, illustrations and text. Another example is when a
workplace communicates with its employees via an announcement board or through safety-related signs
throughout the office.
 Communication barriers can have a significant impact on people’s personal and professional lives. This is
particularly evident now when people around the globe have been facing with social distancing restrictions. 
 When we are limited to communicate using digital tools and technologies, communication barriers had an
even bigger impact.
 Communication Barriers Defined
 Communication barriers can include anything that prevents or disables communicators to deliver the right
message to the right person at the right time, or a receiver to get the right message at the right time. 

• Physical communication barriers such as social distancing, remote-work, deskless nature of work, closed
office doors, and others.  
• Emotional communication barriers resulting from emotions such as mistrust and fear. 
• Language communication barriers that refer to how a person speaks both verbally and nonverbally. 
 When talking about communication barriers in the workplace, challenges to effective communication are
more obvious than ever before. The rise of remote work, dispersed workforce, the introduction of new
communication technology and different employee expectations are just a few examples of communication
barriers that have emerged in the past few years.  
Communication skills and styles
 People have different styles, Often times, these differences in communication skills can
create communication barriers between the communicator and the receiver of the
message. 
 For example, while some people may be highly detailed and specific when
communicating, others may tend to generalize.
Disengagement
communication is about engagement between the parties involved in communication. When there is no
engagement from both parties, this ruins the purpose of effective communication.
 Unfortunately, organizations across the world are fighting the problem of disengaged workplaces. 
Organizational structure
 Complex and rigid organizational structure can be the main culprit for inefficient
communication, making it one of the most common communication barriers. Such
organizations may have inefficient information sharing and communication
systems, often resulting in frustrations, lack of engagement, and productivity among
employees.
Information overload
 Too little information is not good, but too much information can cause even more
damage. Yet, overload of information has always been one of the biggest
communication barriers. Moreover, information overload has proved to have a very
negative impact on employees’ wellbeing, productivity, and success at work. 
Lack of trust
 When there is no trust, there is no effective communication. In other words,
when employees don’t trust their employers, leaders, or managers, communication
suffers. 
 This is the reason why one of the main goals for organizations across the world has
become to build trust. . Yet, many employers still have a long way to go to become
more trustworthy
Clarity, consistency, and frequency
 Communications professionals need to understand the importance of clear, consistent,
and frequent communication. When messages across different channels are not
consistent, trust gets hurt. When messages don’t get delivered frequently or in a timely
manner, employees miss out on important information or updates. 
Listening
 Communication should always be a two-way street. Moreover, listening is often much
more important than speaking. Yet, many companies still don’t understand the
importance of encouraging employees’ share of voice and the value of their feedback. 
 Those who drive and nurture the culture of open workplace communication enjoy a
happier, healthier, and more engaged workforce. 
Wrong communications channels
 There are many different communication channels people use nowadays. The same is
true for companies, especially large enterprises. Such complexity in the
communication ecosystem makes it hard for employers to make sure that they use the
right channels to inform their people and deliver relevant information in a timely
manner
Demographic and cultural differences
 The way people interact with each other can vary depending on the demographic and
cultural differences. If communicators are not aware of these differences,
communication barriers will arise.
Lack of personalization
 Lack of personalization is one of the biggest reasons why disengagement happens.
When receivers get information that is not relevant to their nature of work, or messages
that are of no interest to them, they are much more likely to ignore future
communications coming their way.
How to overcome communication
barriers
 Make communication more agile
 Create and share engaging and personalized content
 content irrelevancy also creates barriers to communication.
 Switch to ideal approach of communication.
 Since communication is highly digital today, we need to better understand people’s
preferred communication devices in both their personal and professional lives.
 
 Use The Right Communication Tools.
 Focus On Consistency.
 Don't Mix Work and Personal Communication.
 Listen, It's The Golden Rule.
 Communication Is A Two-Way Street.
 Follow Through.
 One-On-One Meetings Are Vital.
 Recognition And Positivity.
 Be aware of your body language
 Work on your posture
 Consider your tone of voice
  Maintain eye contact
 Request and provide feedback
 Use encouraging small verbal comments
 Don't interrupt
  Focus on what the other person is saying
 Limit distractions
 Participate in a public speaking class
  Acknowledge what others are expressing
 Practice empathy
  Proofread and edit
 Use appropriate grammar and spelling
  Have clarity of thought before speaking out
 Be complete