Public Speaking

ChaPter 4 Effective Listening

Linguistic Barriers

Sometimes a speaker’s language creates a barrier because diverse cultures include many

language variations. Linguistic barriers show up in both language and vocabulary

differences.

•   Language differences. Obviously, when you don’t share a speaker’s

language, you won’t understand without an interpreter. Even

then, you’ll probably miss some concepts or nuances of meaning

because languages and the ideas they embody are so different. In

addition, you may find it hard to figure out words when a person

speaks with a heavy accent, whether the accent is regional, ethnic,

or influenced by a first language.

•   Vocabulary differences. Speakers with a more extensive vocabulary

than yours may talk over your head. In addition, speakers who use

technical jargon associated with a specific topic such as medicine

or engineering will lose lay audiences unless they translate the

terminology. And speakers who use slang or other specialized lin-

guistic codes will reach some people but talk past others. Finally,

a speaker can say a word, even one as simple as taxes, that listen-

ers understand differently because each person has different ideas

about and experiences with “taxes.” The axiom “Meanings are in

people” illustrates this.^15

To overcome linguistic barriers, pay careful attention and

try to figure out specific words from the general context of the

speech. Listen for the main points. Take notes and jot down words to look up later.

Speakers can help by translating jargon or slang, explaining confusing words, and

displaying words visually (such as on a PowerPoint slide) so that listeners can see as

well as hear what they’re saying.^16 (Chapter 12 provides more information on language

differences and comprehension.)

Cultural Barriers

Your ability to understand cultural allusions—references to culturally specific

historical, literary, and religious sources—also affects your comprehension. You can

probably think of many familiar things in your culture or co-cultures that would confuse

someone from a different group. Here are a few examples:

•   A Protestant or nonreligious person might be clueless about the Catholic Eucharist.

•   Most people in the United States would not recognize allusions to the classic

Japanese novel The Tale of Genji.

•   Although he is one of the most famous African writers, many U.S. audiences would

need an introduction to Ng ̃ug ̃ı wa Thiong’o.

In our pluralistic society and multicultural world, each group draws from different

cultural resources. Audiences may be unfamiliar with these culture-specific references,

so each speaker should be sensitive to potential differences and explain allusions or

choose areas of common knowledge. Listeners can also play their part by jotting down

unfamiliar allusions and looking them up later.

Personal Barriers

Personal issues can also obstruct your listening. Physical factors such as hearing loss,

sleep deprivation, hunger pangs, or illness can affect your ability or your desire to pay

cultural allusions reference
to historical, literary, and
religious sources that are
culturally specific

physical factors bodily
conditions that can limit your
desire or ability to listen

Figure 4.1
The Chinese character that translates as “listening”
emphasizes its holistic nature by combining the
symbols for ears, eyes, and heart.

Ears

Eyes

Heart

Listening

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