Unit-2

Barriers to effective communication

Noise: An unplanned and undesired interference in the communication process that obstructs the smooth flow of message from sender to receiver is called noise.

 Intrapersonal Barriers

Wrong Assumption Varied Perceptions Differing Background Wrong Inferences Impervious Categories

Categorical Thinking (Know-it-all: pansophists)

Gender barriers

Intrapersonal is:
Individuals inbuilt barriers. Wrong assumptions: (something that you accept as true without question) are generally made because the sender or the receiver does not have adequate knowledge about each others background or entertains certain false notion, which are fixed in their mind.

 Varied Perceptions: (belief/ see) You perceive your friends argument as correct. and would not be able to appreciate his opponents point of View. Have a wider perspective Of the issue.

Differing Background
No two persons have a similar background . Our background plays a significant role in how we interpret the message. In a class prof. talks about his rock climbing adventure. Those students who have had the experience of trekking may be able to appreciate the professors talk, while others who have never been trekking may not find it interesting at all.

Empathy or identification with another person is the solution to this barrier.

Wrong Inferences: to form an opinion that

something is true because of the information you have

Inferences are more dramatic than facts, and for this reason they give more scope for gossips and rumor to burgeon.

 Impervious Categories
Impervious means a person who is not influenced or effected by something. We react positively to information only if is in consonance with our views and attitudes.

Categorical Thinking
Know all . When this thinking exists in people , they refuse to accept any further information on that topic.

 Overcoming Intrapersonal Barriers

Think of your audience. Be careful with the choice of your words. Be tactful with difficult expressions/words Do not over-simplify. Be non-judgmental.

A Good Communicator Should: Be non-judgmental Be empathetic Not assume anything Stick to subject Listen and above all paraphrase

Interpersonal Barriers
Interpersonal barriers occur due to the inappropriate transaction of words between two or more people.

 Restricted Vocabulary (Dictionary, A wide choice, audience, social setting, new words, sentence construction) Incongruity of verbal and nonverbal messages (actions speak louder than words

 Emotional outbursts Communication selectivity (pay attention only to a part of the message) Cultural variations (the way of life, specially the general custom and beliefs of a particular group at a particular time.)

 Poor listening skills Noise in the channel

Restricted Vocabulary
Dictionary: these are invaluable tools. use dictionary to check the meanings of words. A wide choice: dont opt for the first word that comes to your mind. Make an effort to think of the other words.

 Audience: communication is a two way street. Use words according to the audience level.( their knowledge of the subject)
Social setting: have informal or formal relationship with the audience? Choose your style of speaking or writing according to the occasion.

 New words: it is interesting to try out new words. New words are constantly being added.
Sentence construction: learn how words work in sentences before you start developing your vocabulary.

Organizational barriers
Numerous transfer stations Fear of superiors( an employee may not be pleased with the way his boss works but is unable to put his point across because of loosing his boss goodwill.

 Inappropriate media
(time, cost, intended audience, type of message) a mix of media is best for effective communication. The telephone would not be an ideal medium for conveying confidential information (a telephone call to book an order, followed by a confirmatory letter ensures that there is no possible misunderstanding of the message.

 Negative tendencies (peer-pressure) student members of a sports club of an educational institution may be annoyed with non-members who oppose the clubs demand for more funds to purchase sports equipment. This type of opposition paves the path for negative tendencies in an organization

Negative tendency
Hierarchy
Managers believe that all clerks are lazy. News letter is perceived as propaganda sheet. Important feedback given by sub ordinates is not paid attention by superiors.

Information overload: availability of huge data which a person is not able to handle effectively.

Boss

 To reduce information overload in an organization, screening of the information is mandatory. Messages should be directed to those people who are likely to benefit from the information.

Tips for effective communication

Create an open communication environment Always keep the receiver in mind avoid having too many transfer station Do not communicate when you are emotionally disturbed.

 Be aware of diversity in culture, language, etc Use appropriate non-verbal cues. Select the most suitable medium Analyze the feedback.