Types of Barriers
This barrier involves making judgments without sufficient evidence, often leading to misunderstandings
What are assumptions?
What is one example of a physical communication barrier?
Noise, architecture, message distortion, etc.
What is a cultural barrier?
Differences in language, non-verbal cues, or communication styles.
Provide an example of how a miscommunication at work can lead to angry feelings.
What is_____?
This technique involves paying attention and providing feedback to ensure both parties understand each other.
What is active listening?
This barrier stems from preconceived notions and can distort our perception of messages, affecting communication.
What are biases?
How can an office’s layout affect communication?
Distance, lack of shared spaces and/or crowded space can make collaboration harder.
Give an example of a misinterpreted non-verbal cue across cultures.
Direct eye contact is respectful in some cultures but rude in others. Or shaking or not shaking hands can be viewed as offensive, etc.
Provide an example of how a work assignment can lead to anxiety due to a miscommunication.
What is _____?
Simplifying language helps overcome communication barriers by ________
What is making the messages clearer, especially for non-native speakers, etc.?
This barrier includes any physical impediments that hinder effective communication, such as noise, distance, or physical disabilities.
What are physical barriers?
What are “technical difficulties,” and how do they affect communication?
Issues with internet or equipment can disrupt messages in virtual meetings.
How can language be a barrier in communication?
A non-native speaker may struggle to understand slang or fast speech.
Identify the impact jealousy might have on communication.
What is conflict or lack of open discussions, etc.
These emotions can often be a result of communicating too much information at one time.
What is overwhelmed and/or confused?
This barrier involves misinterpreting body language, facial expressions, etc. during communication
What are non-verbal cues?
How can workplace noise cause miscommunication?
It drowns out speech and affects understanding.
What is the difference between direct and nuanced communication?
Some cultures prefer clear, direct speech, while others hint at things to be polite.
Identify at least two physical symptoms of someone feeling sad or depressed?
What are: crying, lethargy, anger, poor/lack of appetite, non-sociable, etc.
To address non-verbal communication barriers, it is important to maintain this type of behavior to convey openness and attentiveness.
What is positive body language?
This barrier arises when specialized terms or phrases are used, making communication difficult for those not familiar with them.
What is jargon?
A company moves to an open office layout to improve communication, but employees report more issues. Why might this happen?
What are noise distractions, lack of privacy, harder to focus. Solutions: Quiet zones, soundproof materials.
Why might an indirect communication style be misinterpreted in a workplace? Give an example.
A manager asks if a task can be done by Friday. The employee says, “I will try my best,” meaning they might not finish, but the manager assumes they will.
Provide an observable emotional response to feeling overwhelmed.
What is: to shut down, anger, fear, shame, embarrassment, confusion, hopelessness, etc.
Identify ways physical barriers like noise and layout can be removed to improve workplace communication.
What is noise reduction, private meeting rooms, better office design, etc.?