How to Overcome Communication Barriers

 How To  Overcome Communication Barriers

Effective communication is key to the success of almost every type of personal, social, and business interaction. If there are barriers to it, you might find it hard to express yourself properly. By understanding the different barriers to communication, you can understand how to overcome them and improve your communication skills. In this piece of content, let us gain some insight into the ways to overcome communication barriers and offer strategies you can employ in your workplace to communicate more effectively.

1.    Eliminating differences in perception: The organization should ensure that it is recruiting the right individuals on the job. It’s the responsibility of the interviewer to ensure that the interviewee has command over the written and spoken language. There should be a proper Induction program so that the policies of the company are clear to all the employees. There should be proper training conducted for required employees (for eg: Voice and Accent training).

2.    Clarify the Ideas before Speaking: The person sending the communication should be very clear in his mind about what he wants to say. He should know the objective of his message and, therefore, he should arrange his thoughts in proper order.

3.    Use of Simple Language: The use of simple and clear words should be emphasized. The use of ambiguous words and jargon should be avoided.

4.    Communicate According to the Need of the Receiver: The sender of the communication should prepare the structure of the message not according to his own level or ability but should keep in mind the level, understanding, or environment of the receiver.

5.    Reduction and elimination of noise levels: Noise is the main communication barrier that must be overcome on a priority basis. It is essential to identify the source of noise and then eliminate that source.

6.    Active Listening: Listen attentively and carefully. There is a difference between “listening” and “hearing”. Active listening means hearing with a proper understanding of the message that is heard. By asking questions the speaker can ensure that his/her message is understood or not by the receiver in the same terms as intended by the speaker.

7.    Emotional State: During communication one should make effective use of body language. He/she should not show their emotions while communicating as the receiver might misinterpret the message being delivered. For example, if the conveyer of the message is in a bad mood then the receiver might think that the information being delivered is not good.

8.    Simplify Organizational Structure: The organizational structure should not be complex. The number of hierarchical levels should be optimum. There should be an ideal span of control within the organization. The simpler the organizational structure, the more effective will be the communication.

9.    Avoid Information Overload: The managers should know how to prioritize their work. They should not overload themselves with the work. They should spend quality time with their subordinates and should listen to their problems and feedback actively.

10.  Give Constructive Feedback: Avoid giving negative feedback. The contents of the feedback might be negative, but it should be delivered constructively. Constructive feedback will lead to effective communication between the superior and subordinate.

11.  Proper Media Selection: The managers should properly select the medium of communication. Simple messages should be conveyed orally, like through face-to-face interaction or meetings. The 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.

12.  Flexibility in meeting the targets: For effective communication in an organization the managers should ensure that the individuals are meeting their targets timely without skipping the formal channels of communication. There should not be much pressure on employees to meet their targets.

13.  Attitude Barriers: Being too introverted or extroverted can create barriers to effective communication. Throwing tantrums or egos during a conversation is a way that makes other people uncomfortable. It reduces the transfer of meaningful messages.

14.  Consult Others before Communication: At the time of planning the communication, suggestions should be invited from all the persons concerned. Its main advantage will be that all those people who are consulted at the time of preparing the communication plan will contribute to the success of the communication system.

15.  Consistency of Message: The information sent to the receiver should not be self-contradictory. It should be in accordance with the objectives, policies, programmes, and techniques of the organization. When a new message has to be sent in place of the old one, it should always make a mention of the change otherwise it can create some doubts.

 

Conclusion: It is very important to take the time to understand people and their courage. Constantly use a language that the person you want to communicate with can easily understand. At the same time be sure of selecting the right moment, place, and method for communicating with them. You should also ask the person if they feel helpful to communicate things with you. Lastly, always be polite and respectful throughout the discussion. These are some of the most helpful ways to overcome communication barriers that can help you in career development.