Quarter 1 Lesson 2: Barriers in Effective Communication
1. Physical Barriers 1.1 Environment - Some barriers are due to the existing environment. For example, if you are standing in adverse weather conditions, your conversation would be hampered because you would not be able to pay full attention to what the other person is saying. 1.2 Distance - Distance also plays an important part in determining the course of a conversation. For example, if the staff in an organization are made to sit in different buildings or different floors, they might have to substitute face to face communication with phone calls or emails. 1.3 Ignorance of Medium - Communication also includes using signs and symbols to convey a feeling or a thought. However, if there is a lack of ignorance about the medium in which sender is sending the message, the conversation can be hampered. 2. Cultural Barriers 2.1 Generational - Each age group has a different general approach to work, which often leads to conflicts with older workers describing younger workers as "slackers," and younger workers criticizing older workers as being "out of touch.“ 2.2 Status and Resistance - Workers who are accustomed to workplaces where seniority and status are emphasized may find it difficult to adapt to more fluid environments, where job titles are de-emphasized and production methods do not always follow a predetermined set of guidelines. 3. Language Barriers 3.1 Dialects - While two people may technically speak the same language, dialectal differences can make communication between them difficult. Examples of dialectical language barriers exist worldwide. Chinese, for example, has a variety of dialects that are commonly spoken, including Cantonese and Mandarin. 3.2 Language Disabilities - Language disabilities are physical impediments to language. Physical language disabilities that cause language barriers include stuttering, dysphonia or an articulation disorder and hearing loss. 4. Perceptual Barriers 4.1 Perceptual Filters - We all have our own preferences, values, attitudes, origins and life experiences that act as "filters" on our experiences of people, events and information. Seeing things through the lens of our own unique life experiences or "conditioning" may lead to assumptions, stereotyping and misunderstandings of others whose experiences differ from our own. 4.2 Triggers and Cues - What we say is affected by how we say it (tone, volume) and by our nonverbal cues, such as body language and facial gestures. 5. Interpersonal Barriers 5.1 Desire to Participate - The lack of desire to participate in the communication process is a significant barrier. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to communicate with an individual that clearly does not want to. 5.2 Desire to Explore - Unwillingness to explore different ideas, opinions, and priorities create communication barriers every day of our lives. A clear lack of desire to explore your views, opinions, or ideas can be extremely frustrating. 6. Gender Barrier Women are more likely to talk to other women when a problem or conflict arises. Men are often known for dealing with problems or issues internally Women focus on feelings, senses and meaning. They rely on their intuition to find answers. Men focus on facts, reason and logic. They find answers by analyzing and figuring things out. A disagreement between women affects many aspects of their relationship and may take a long time to resolve. Men can argue or disagree and then move on quickly from the conflict. 7. Emotional Barriers 7.1 Anger - Anger can affect the way your brain processes information given to you. For example, angry people have difficulty processing logical statements, limiting their ability to accept explanations and solutions offered by others. 7.2 Pride - The need to be right all the time will not only annoy others, it can shut down effective communication. For example, you might focus only on your perspective, or you might come up with ways to shoot down other people before you even listen to their points. 7.3 Anxiousness - Anxiety has a negative impact on the part of your brain that manages creativity and communication skills. For example, your constant worries can hinder your ability to concentrate on the information you are giving or receiving. https://guides.co/g/the-seven-barriers-of-communication/37302 Quarter 1 Lesson 3: Characteristics of a Good Speaker PUBLIC SPEAKING • Public speaking (also called oratory or oration) is the process or act of performing a speech to a live audience. • Public speaking is commonly understood as formal, face-to-face, speaking of a single person to a group of listeners. • Some people are natural public speakers who can effortlessly present information to both small and large groups of people. CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD SPEAKER 1. Prepare well. ● You’ll be much more comfortable if you become an expert on the topic you are discussing by doing additional research beyond just the content of your presentation. ● This way, you won’t need to rely solely on slides or notes; you’ll be able to speak spontaneously and naturally. ● You’ll also be able to anticipate questions—and have the communication skills to answer them with confidence. 2. Speak in familiar terms. ● Public speaking often requires you to speak in a language that all people can understand, especially if you’re relaying business, financial, or technical information that may not be your audience’s area of expertise. ● Good public speakers opt for plain language instead of jargon in order to reach their audience. 3. Connect with your audience. ● Public speaking is as much about understanding your audience as it is about your presentation skills. ● A good public speaker researches the people they will be speaking to and tailors the content and approach accordingly. ● Whether you’re speaking in front of a small group or focused on particular leaders within your business, consider the individuals and how they process and react to information. 4. Don’t rush. ● One of the best communication skills you can have is patience. ● Good public speakers take the time they need to collect and express their thoughts, without rushing themselves—or letting others rush them. ● Don’t be afraid to give your audience time to internalize critical information; a well-placed pause says a lot. 5. Listen well. ● While it may sound counterintuitive, public speaking begins with listening. ● Business presentations often require you to incorporate complex topics, ideas, and differing points of view. ● Truly listening to your colleagues in order to gain their input—before, during, and after your presentation—is an essential skill for any public speaker. 6. Expect to adapt. ● Things don’t always go as planned when you’re giving a presentation. ● Hard drives crash. Internet connections fail. Co-presenters forget what they’re supposed to say. ● You forget what you were planning to say—in which case, it’s fine to acknowledge that to your audience, take a moment, and decide how to move forward. ● Whether it’s a small or large group, it’s likely others in the room have had a similar experienced. Successful public speakers are prepared for the unexpected—and can more easily adapt to whatever comes their way. 7. Remain calm. ● Successful public speaking begins with an inner sense of confidence, so think about what makes you feel relaxed and self-assured. ● Exercise? Meditation? Extra practice? A pep talk from a trusted colleague? Plan ahead to incorporate these activities into the days or hours before your presentation, and you’ll be well-positioned for a successful presentation. 8. Educate yourself ● Beyond the topic of a particular presentation, consider continuing your education in general. ● The right book or lesson – can equip you with the basic communication skills you need to be the type of public speaker today’s setup need.