How to Deal with Communication Barriers?

The human civilization thrives on communication. But while it may seem like an easy task, as we’ve been doing it since we’re able to talk, it is commonplace, to have communication barriers that can cause serious issues, such as lack of confidence, and misunderstanding, even in the modern times when technology seems to be aiding and enhancing communication.

For example, attitudinal barriers, referring to the perceptions/behaviors that are preventing people from communicating effectively, especially in front on an audience, or with a group. Such barriers may be due to lack of motivation, or personality conflict.

[To facilitate effective communication, the message receivers should also try to overcome their attitudinal barriers, too.]

The issue is doubled when someone has speech disorders, making him/her less confident to express what he/she wants to say.

So while communication’s main goal is to express, and understand, other people’s expression, it is hard to achieve because of such barriers, which we're going to touch on a little later in this article.

What is it?

A communication barrier can prevent the receiver from not only receiving, but also understanding the message that another is using to convey what he/she wants to say, including thoughts, ideas, or information.

[An internal barrier related to thoughts and feelings, to the message, or to an external barrier can be the communication barrier. For example, a message-related barrier may be due to a disorganized message, or use of ambiguous, or complicated language.]

When, and why, can it happen?

One of the reasons that such communication barriers happen these days is because more people prefer text messaging to a face-to-face conversation.

As a result, poor listening skills, are also one of the most common internal barriers, become a problem for many.

And if you’re someone having difficulty to express yourself due to speech disorders, the more that the communication barriers can cause the message not to get through.

What It Can Cause

Communication barriers can lead to the absence of confidence, and misunderstandings.

For example, if you’re chosen to present a new business idea to potential investors, but you don’t have faith in your speaking and communication skills, due to a speech disorder, you might not be feeling confident to deliver your speech, or for the fear of being misunderstood.

And that’s a no-no in business. Aside from preparing a great presentation, you should also mind speech’s clarity, delivery, and tone to ensure your audience will understand the message you’re trying to convey.

How to Deal With the Barriers

In the following, let us talk about the ways on how to deal with communication barriers:

Using Simple Language

It must be emphasized to use basic language. You should avoid using jargons and ambiguous words. Otherwise, the receiver of the message might not be able to get your point or message. So in all interactions, choose the right words, not difficult words, which might also send the wrong impression to the receiver.

For example, if you’re a sales representative, you should avoid using jargon in explaining the technicalities of your product. Or else, the customer might just whisk away.

The same goes if you cannot speak well, or you stammer while speaking. Your efforts will be wasted if you don’t get your message across just because you cannot overcome a communication barrier.

If you want to develop your communication and speaking skills, and deal with speech disorders, such as stammering, you should seek a speech therapist that can address the issues, and help you regain confidence in yourself, and your speaking abilities.

With his/her assistance, you can also prevent being misunderstood, because you can express yourself better–and with more confidence.

Through speech therapy, you can also learn how to overcome the fear of talking with an unfamiliar group of people or person, especially once you have dealt with your communication barriers.

Being Polite

Avoid impolite, rude, or using slang language that can impede communication efforts, regardless of the method. There is also no one that can bear abusive language.

Being Present

Another secret to effective communication is to be present. One of the ways to do that is through active listening–being careful and attentive. Being present also means hearing with proper understanding of the message that you heard.

Using a Short Communication Chain

Avoid sending a message through a third person, unless needed. Communicate with the involved person directly as much as possible to avoid the risk of distortion, which can become worse if there are more people between you and the receiver.

Using Body Language

Use appropriate body language in the communication process; however, avoid showing much emotion, or your message might be misunderstood by the receiver.

Conclusion

Overcoming communication barriers, you’ll not only become a better communicator or sender of a message, but a more confident one, regardless of the audience with which you are faced.

Don’t let those barriers (or speech disorders) stop you from being a better speaker, so if necessary, get help from a speech pathologist now.