Emotions
Our emotions colour our ability to convey or to receive the true
message. When we are insecure or worried, what we hear seems
more threatening than when we are secure and at peace with the
world. When we are angry or depressed, we tend to reject what
might otherwise seem like reasonable requests or good ideas.
During heated argument, many things that are said may not be
understood or may be badly distorted.
Noise
Any interference to communication is ‘noise’. It can be literal
noise which prevents the message being heard, or figurative in
the shape of distracting or confused information which distorts
or obscures the meaning.
Size
The larger and more complex the organization, the greater the
problem of communication. The more levels of management and
supervision through which a message has to pass, the greater the
opportunity for distortion or misunderstanding.
OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO
COMMUNICATIONAdjust to the world of the receiver
Try to predict the impact of what you are going to write or say on
the receiver’s feelings and attitudes. Tailor the message to fit the
receiver’s vocabulary, interests and values. Be aware of how the
information might be misinterpreted because of prejudices, the
influence of others and the tendency of people to reject what they
do not want to hear.
Use feedback
Ensure that you get a message back from the receiver which tells
you how much has been understood.
How to Communicate 19