Barriers of effective communication : -

1. Physical Barrier - Physical barrier is the environmental and natural conditions that act as a barrier in communication in sending message from sender to receiver. When messages are sent by the sender, physical barriers like doors, walls, disturbance in telephone calls, problems in television reception, closed office doors or reserved office cabins, etc., can create breaks in communication process.

Solution- Natural environment cannot be changed but periodic review and feedback can help to minimise the communication gap because of physical barriers.

2. Perceptual Barriers - Perceptual barriers are created by way in which a person thinks/ forms opinions or beliefs. The way you communicate could be affected by different opinions or perspectives/ preconceived ideas, prejudices, your behaviour patterns or misunderstood body language.

Solution - Be willing to work and interact with an open mind. Be informed but not prejudiced (guided by wrong beliefs). Respect different opinions.

3. Emotional Barriers - This is caused by the inability to control emotions and attitude. Controlling anger, managing negative thoughts like anxiety, nervousness, work stress can be difficult and this can lead to huge psychological problems.

Solution - Emotional intelligence is the most important skill to learn if you want to be seen as a leader within your organisation. An emotionally intelligent communicator would be able to convert negative emotions into positive responses.

4. Cultural Barriers - The present professional and business environment is conducted in a global community with a blend/mix of various cultural sensibilities and backgrounds. Lack of respect and lack of understanding can create massive/ big problems in the workplace and social relationships.

Solution- By understanding cultural sensitivities of others, respect their belief, habits and preferences, we can easily overcome this barrier. The key is to adapt and accommodate and live with the principle of unity in diversity. Aim for syncretism and cultural pluralism.

5. Language Barriers - Communicating with people whose native language is not English can pose/create problems.

Solution - Learning basics of the languages used in workplaces. Use of translation and videos to enhance understanding can overcome language barrier.

6. Semantic Barrier - Semantic is the study of meaning, signs and symbols used for communication. The word is derived from “sema”, a Greek word meaning signs. It refers to the misunderstanding between the sender and receiver due to the different meanings of words, and other symbols used in the communication. Examples - use of Jargons, Homophones, faulty translation while communicating. Jargons are words used in a particular profession which are not known or understood in common knowledge. Homophonesare words with same sound/ pronunciation but different spellings and meanings, example- knew and new.