Overcoming barriers to communication
Learning Objectives
After considering this resource, you should understand different barriers to communication and how these can be overcome.
Barriers to communication can present themselves in a number of different guises. Not only might your own non-verbal and verbal communication have a negative impact, you will also need to consider other messages that might be being received and transmitted such as cultural differences, perceived power and even the physical environment. Being aware of potential barriers can help you to prepare to overcome them when you encounter them, or even prevent one from arising in the first place.
Authored by Elizabeth Sullivan, this quick guide uses a case study to illustrate potential barriers to communication and suggest ways to overcome them.
Reflective Questions
- Think of a time when you have experienced barriers to your understanding e.g. in lectures or tutorials, at the doctor's or other official meeting. How did you feel when you could not understand what someone else expected you to be able to understand?
- How might you check out whether your efforts at clear communication are successful?
- Can you think of some examples of bad communication which created barriers and good communication that overcame barriers.