Barriers to Interpersonal Communication

Barriers To Interpersonal Communication : Interpersonal communication is when two or more people communicate with each other. It consists of both verbal and nonverbal components. The actual words we say are referred to as verbal communication. Gestures, facial expressions, voice tones, and actions are examples of nonverbal communication that often convey more about our feelings than the words we say. Barriers to interpersonal communication are frequently the result of personal attitudes or behaviours that we can alter if we evaluate them carefully.

The following are the types of barriers to interpersonal communication that have been identified:

• Environmental Barrier

• Language/Semantic Barriers

• Psychological Barriers

• Socio-Cultural Barriers

Let us look at each of these interpersonal and personal communication barriers listed above in detail.

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Barriers To Interpersonal Communication: Physical/Environmental Barriers

There are many barriers to interpersonal communication that emerge in our surroundings or environment, causing communication challenges or confusion.

• Noise In External Surroundings: One of the interpersonal communication barriers is noise from the external environment. Noises such as those of traffic, any surrounding workplaces or construction sites, may become barriers to effective interpersonal communication.

• Time and Distance: Physical distance between people can become one of the barriers to effective interpersonal communication. The world's time zones are not all the same. Time and distance may thus become a barrier to interpersonal communication.

• Communication System Defects: Telephones, fax machines, and computers are all examples of communication instruments or machines that can create technical issues and communication barriers. The Internet network could go down, or the microphone of your laptop could be making a lot of noise.

• Incorrect Medium Choice: It's crucial to use the right medium for effective interpersonal communication, be it emails, mobile phones, or telephones. Incorrect choice of medium can become barriers to interpersonal communication.

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Barriers To Interpersonal Communication: Language/Semantic Barriers

Language barriers like linguistic or semantic errors and mispronunciation of words could disrupt interpersonal communication. Some examples of language barriers to interpersonal communication are listed below:

• Communication might be hampered by the use of multiple languages or the lack of a common language between those communicating. There needs to be a common language in which two people can communicate. Otherwise, it can turn into barriers to effective interpersonal communication.

• Words with identical pronunciations but different meanings (homophones) may become barriers to interpersonal communication as well. For example, except-accept, fair-fare, council-counsel, and principle. Hence, for smooth communication, a person must have a sound understanding of language.

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Barriers To Interpersonal Communication: Psychological Barriers

Psychological barriers are formed in our minds. These barriers to interpersonal communication are complicated. We are frequently confronted with psychological conflicts because of our personal life experiences and our surroundings. Such barriers may seem complicated, but they can be overcome if one has the zeal to work on them. Some of the examples of psychological barriers to interpersonal communication are listed could be being too overpowered by one’s emotions, daydreaming, a pessimistic worldview, a negative attitude, and so on.

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Barriers To Interpersonal Communication: Socio-Cultural Barriers

Culture refers to a way of life, a set of values, what is right or wrong, or a set of principles a group of people follows. There are many different cultures and principles around the world. Many variations between cultures may create barriers to effective interpersonal communication. Some examples of socio-cultural barriers to interpersonal communication could be differences in meanings of nonverbal signs, a different understanding of proximity, and so on.

Barriers to Interpersonal Communication: How To Overcome

Let us now see how the barriers to interpersonal communication can be overcome.

• Use Simple Language:- Use simplified language in order to have an efficient interpersonal communication process. Keep it simple and easy to comprehend when speaking.

• Master The Skill Of Listening:- Listen carefully and attentively to improve interpersonal communication.

• Maintain Your Composure When Discussing:- Maintaining your composure when speaking or negotiating with anyone will help you stay on course to achieve your goal.

• Ask For Feedback:- Asking for feedback after a meeting, discussion, or group project can help you understand where to improve. This will assist you in identifying the areas in which you should improve.

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In conclusion, we can say that there are many barriers to interpersonal communication. These barriers include environmental barriers, language/semantic barriers, psychological barriers and socio-cultural barriers. These barriers to interpersonal communication can be overcome by using simple yet effective strategies that have been discussed in the article.