Communication
Communication
The sender sends the message and the recipient is the receiver of the message. The
process of communication is never smooth as it is affected by the barriers of
communication.
Barriers to effective communication can result in confusion which can lead to incorrect
information being conveyed or miscommunication which can lead to loss of business.
1. Semantic barriers
2. Psychological barriers
3. Organisational barriers
4. Cultural barriers
5. Physical barriers
6. Physiological barriers
Let us study in detail about the various types of barriers to effective communication.
Semantic barriers: Semantic barriers are also known as language barriers. These
barriers are caused due to improper communication between the sender and the
receiver. The following instances of semantic barriers can be witnessed in
communication.
Poor quality of message: Message when communicated should be precise and easy to
understand, that makes it easy for the receiver to grasp the information conveyed.
Sometimes, due to the lack of clarity or complexity of the way of providing information
from the sender, there can be a case of semantic barriers.
For e.g. A manager is conversing in English to a group of workers who understand and
speak Bengali. It will create confusion among workers as they will not be able to
understand what is being conveyed by the manager.
Technical language: Language barriers also arise when the sender of the message is
speaking in technical terms while the receiver is unaware of the terms. It creates
confusion and misunderstanding between the sender and receiver by acting as a barrier
to effective communication.
Here are some instances where psychological barriers to communication can be seen.
2. Inadequate attention from the receiver’s end at the time of communication can lead to
barriers of communication as the information conveyed by the sender is not properly
received by the receiver.
3. When information is passed within multiple sources, the final information is distorted
as the receivers of the message are not able to retain everything that was conveyed.
This can cause communication barriers.
Organisational barriers: Organisational barriers are those barriers that are caused due
to the structure, rules and regulations present in the organisation. The various types of
barriers that can be encountered due to superior subordinate relationships where the
free flow of communication is not possible.
Cultural barriers: Cultural barriers are those that arise due to lack of similarities among
the different cultures across the world. A term that can be harmless in one culture can
be regarded as a slang in another culture. Moreover, various beliefs can differ from one
culture to another.
Physical barriers: Physical barriers to communication are those that arise due to
certain factors like faulty equipment, noise, closed doors and cabins that cause the
information sent from sender to receiver to become distorted, which results in improper
communication.
Types of Communication
The four main categories of communication are
Verbal – It is a method that uses speech in the form of speaking to convey a message or
information. It is the most popular and effective mode of communication, usually practised
during video conferences, phone calls, presentations, one-on-one conversations, and
meetings. It supports both nonverbal and written communication.
Written – It is all about typing, printing symbols, numbers, letters, and writing to send a piece
of information. Sometimes used to record information for evidence or reference purpose. In
general, the written style of communication is used in books, blogs, pamphlets, memos, and
letters to share and spread information. In the workplace, e-mail is a common example of
written communication.
Visual – It uses art, photographs, sketches, graphs, charts, and drawings, to pass on the
information. It is used especially during presentations to present to give a visual effect and
support written or verbal communication.
What is Verbal Communication?
Verbal communication involves the exchange of thoughts, feelings and ideas using
spoken words. Its effectiveness depends upon various aspects, including the choice of
words, tone and clarity of speech. It is a two-way process in which the speaker
transmits information while the listener comprehends and interprets the message.
Verbal communication is oral communication. It’s when we speak aloud. And it’s a two-
way process. Meaning it takes both a sender (the person talking) and a receiver (the
person listening/receiving the message).
Nonverbal communication can include facial expressions, hand gestures and body
language. We often mix verbal and nonverbal communication when we’re trying to
express ourselves or convey a message to others.
We can communicate verbally with others over the phone, online on a Zoom call or via
FaceTime. But with all the technology and gadgets in the world, nothing beats having
face-to-face conversations.
Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is the use of language in spoken or written form for
the exchange of information, ideas, and emotions. It depends on words,
syntax, grammar, and vocabulary for communication. Verbal communication
can be direct or indirect, formal and informal, it may be different in tone and
pitch which influences how the message is perceived.
Characteristics of Verbal Communication
1. Involves spoken or written words.
2. Provides precise and detailed information.
3. Allows for immediate and direct feedback.
4. Influenced by language and dialect.
5. Dominant in formal communication settings.
6. Can be hindered by language barriers.
7. Suitable for conveying complex ideas.
8. Emotions are expressed through words.
9. Communication speed can be faster for conveying information.
Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication includes all types of communication without using
words. It includes hand gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, body
language and voice tone. Non-verbal communication can convey emotions
stronger than words way.
Characteristics of Non-verbal Communication
1. Involves gestures, body language, facial expressions, and visual cues.
2. Provides emotional depth and context to messages.
3. Feedback is often subtle, indirect, or delayed.
4. Can have cultural universality in some expressions.
5. Crucial in conveying emotions and attitudes, especially in emotional
situations.
6. Overcomes language barriers.
7. Supplements, reinforces, or contradicts verbal messages.
8. Emotions are often displayed non-verbally.
9. Non-verbal cues can be interpreted quickly.
Similarities
Purpose: Both verbal and non-verbal communication are aimed to convey emotions, information and
intentions among different individuals.
Contextual: Both forms of communication are influenced by cultural norms, social ways and relationship
between the communicators.
Subjectivity: They can be interpreted and meaning may vary based on the receiver’s perception and
understanding.
Feedback: Verbal and non-verbal communication will possess responses and feedback from the
receiver, allowing to interact.
Expressiveness: Both verbal and non-verbal communication had strong forms of expressing emotions,
feelings and attitudes helps in improving the message totally
Conclusion
In summary, verbal and non-verbal communication are two important forms for the human interaction
which are playing key roles in expressing the messages, emotions and thoughts. Verbal communication
is the spoken or written words to express the information. Non-verbal communication is body language,
facial expressions, gestures and visual to communicate without using words. Both are fundamental way
of communication among human individuals for interaction used to express ideas.
What is enochlophobia?
Enochlophobia is an irrational fear of crowds. A person with this phobia
experiences high levels of anxiety when they’re in a crowd or just thinking
about being in a crowd.
Specific phobias are some of the most common disorders, with a lifetime
prevalence of 7.4%Trusted Source.
agoraphobia
ochlophobia
social anxiety disorder
A person with social anxiety disorder is fearful in social situations where they
may feel judged or rejected. This may involve crowds, but it could also include
just being around a few people or individuals.
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