BARRIERS IN CONVERSATIONS

Shared from:

http://blog.readytomanage.com/category/communication/

Types of Communication Barriers

January 25, 2013 by Dr. Jon Warner

Bad communication happens when you’re not able to get your ideas and feelings through to the other person.  In order to overcome bad communication you need to overcome the barriers to understanding.  Each person has to understand what the other is saying in the same way that the other person understands it.

People in organizations are often frustrated because what they mean is not what others understand.  Think very carefully about the words intended to be use and to then be specific about what some of the more ambiguous words mean.  To avoid misunderstandings based on different perceptions, always check the other person’s experience when it comes to our communication.

 

Things which can create barriers in conversations:

• Using vague, ambiguous or confusing words, terms, jargon and phrases
• Using body language that is inconsistent with the words we are using
• Not paying attention to the other person in the conversation
• Not listening in general
• Talking over the other person/interrupting
• Being angry/irritated/attacking
• Pretending (to be interested, friendly, sincere, and so on)
• Talking down
• Avoiding eye contact
• Ridiculing/being sarcastic
• Knocking down ideas
• Scoring conversational points
• Making the other person feel stupid

 

Things which remove barriers in conversations:

• Planning our words, terms and phrases carefully
• Talking in plain language wherever possible
• Using body language consistently
• Being welcoming/smiling as often as appropriate
• Using introductory small talk in the early stages of a conversation
• Maintaining good eye contact
• Listening attentively
• Sharing your experience where appropriate
• Being open and honest
• Asking for feedback
• Being prepared to try and understand how the other person feels
• Agreeing (when you do)
• Checking your understanding as often as necessary