Ways to overcome barriers to the communication process

• As pointed out the communication process can encounter problems that will reduce its effectiveness
• These problems are also known as communication barriers
• To read notes on the communication process please click here
• These communication barriers can be overcome in various ways depending on their nature:

Possible solutions to encoding level barriers

• Planning the process in advance
• State all assumptions being made if necessary or not making any assumptions at all
• Avoid the use of jargon unless when communicating with fellow colleagues who are familiar with the terms
• When the receiver and sender have different first languages try to find a common language e.g. English or find a translator
• Avoid verbosity, cliche’s and outdated words
• Compose and revise your message to make sure your intentions are clearly expressed
• Try to understand the other person’s point of view, circumstance etc (be empathetic) even if you do not agree with them or share their circumstances
• Appropriate use of terminology

Possible solutions to transmission level barriers

• Select the most appropriate channel for your audience e.g. radio for rural people
• Speak clearly
• Write legibly or type the message using a clear font
• Avoid passive aggressive behavior, irony and sarcasm when communicating which might lead to contradictions between spoken message and non-verbal cues
• Find a quite environment to avoid noise
• Use reliable technology to avoid distortion e.g. send an email instead of sending a messenger in person

Possible solutions to decoding level barriers

• Avoid distractions and focus
• Use feedback to elicit verification of the sender’s intended meaning of ambiguous words
• Express your lack of interest in the subject
• Avoid emotional stress before the communication process
• Take courses that deal with stereotypical views and bias
• Tell the sender when you have been overwhelmed with information

To access more topics go to the O Level Business Notes