solutions to communication barriers

The success of regular social interactions and organizational endeavors depends on communication. The delivery or reception of inaccurate information may prevent this success, though, as communication barriers are a major source of problems and can obstruct the development and completion of initiatives. Effective communication is impossible without suitable solutions to these obstacles (Lunenburg, 2010). A sender who can’t choose the correct words may make it difficult for the recipient to understand the intended meaning of the message being given. This is only one example of a communication barrier. Use of jargons and wrong words might create the wrong impressions in the eyes of the receiver or the customer of the business. Moreover, a sender who cannot speak fluently or is unable to convey the intended meaning properly and authentically creates a communication barrier that wastes all efforts (Lunenburg, 2010).

Understanding the needs of the intended audience

Understanding the needs of the intended audience is crucial in overcoming this barrier of communication. Here, the sender is required to be emotional and sensitive to the needs of their receivers. A communicator who understands the behaviors, culture, nature, and beliefs of their audiences can communicate their point of view more clearly and in a suitable manner that is not only understandable to the recipient but also very effective. Structuring the message to meet the level or the ability of the receiver and increase the level of acceptance. The use of jargon, professionally sophisticated and mature language should be restricted to communication with corporate elites and not to ordinary clients.

Inadequate Knowledge

A communicator who attempts to share information without having sufficient knowledge about the subject, product or project is bound to create communication barriers. For instance, a marketer may fail to explain ideas or many complete words in simple terms due to lack of sufficient knowledge about the ideas or product. As such, they create misinformation that leads to loss of potential customers, lower sales, and dismal overall business performance. Additionally, lack of sufficient knowledge can become huge hindrances to the advancement of an individual’s career within an organization.

The problem of lacking adequate knowledge about an idea can be overcome by seeking advice or doing further research about the concept before attempting to communicate to the audience (Lunenburg, 2010). For instance, when attending a high profile meeting, seeking the advice of seniors or colleagues is crucial to get a glimpse and hold on the level or kind of information to share. The practice is advantageous as it allows for motivation building and acquisition of knowledge that can be useful in meeting the intended purpose.

Emotional Disturbances/Turmoil

A sender exhibiting a lot of emotional aggression in anger, fear, resentment, and hostility among others can cause misconstruction or misinterpretation of the message being conveyed. Any thoughts or ideas shared by a communicator who is heavily engrossed in emotional turbulence may not achieve the intended purpose (Lunenburg, 2010).

The problem of emotional turbulence can be overcome through obtaining feedback from the audience. It is important to inquire the audience’s view of what is being said and the aspects of the shared message that they have grasped. This would ensure their involvement in the conversation, enhance emotional understanding and improve the effectiveness of the message.

Conclusion

Communication enables the sending and receipt of the needs and expectations in social and organizational settings. Effective communication can only be achieved if the message is conveyed properly and the receiver can understand and comprehend it. Understanding and removing of the identified communication barriers is crucial in achieving the intended purpose of the message by maintaining the integrity and meaning of the information.

Reference

Lunenburg, F. C. (2010). Communication: The process, barriers, and improving effectiveness. Schooling, 1(1), 1-11.