People are facing quite a number of communication barriers. A receiver does not understand the message anticipated by the sender in the same terms and sense and thus communication breakdown occurs. It is essential to deal and cope up with these communication barriers to ensure effective communication.
Ways to overcome communication barriers
Get rid of disparity in perception
When communicating, the sender should ensure the person receiving the message understands the real intention of the sender. Give a clear message and interpret where necessary.
Choose a simple language
Emphasize on simple words to avoid ambiguity. Too many words describing the same thing are ambiguous. Use words that are not pretentious, this might confuse the receiver and you end up not getting the right response or feedback.
Eliminate or reduce noise levels
Noise is a major cause of communication barrier, it is advisable to eliminate noise where possible or reduce the level of noise. If the receiver cannot clearly get your words because of a background noise from your end, he or she might not be able to respond appropriately. It is essential to identify the source of noise and then eliminate that source.
Listen attentively
Be careful to listen, an active listener hears and understands the meaning of a message. Ask questions where necessary. Make sure you have heard the message clearly. You can achieve good communication when the sender and the listener understand each other. How will you respond to a message if you have not heard the right words or you have not understood the message?
Body language
Use effective body language during communication. Do not show your emotions, the receiver might misinterpret the message delivered in accordance to your body language. When in bad moods avoid conveying any message since the receiver might interpret the message as bad.
Shun information Overload
A person has two ears but one mind to store the message. If you give a person a series of instructions at the same time, the probability of getting the right response is almost zero.
Select the right medium
The sender must consider the number of intended recipients; convey simple messages orally, like face-to-face interaction or meetings. Use of written means of communication should be encouraged for delivering complex messages. For significant messages reminders can be given by using written means of communication such as: Memos, Notices etc.
