Sometimes situations arise when during a conversation the interlocutors find it difficult to understand each other. This is due to communication barriers, which significantly complicate the dialogue.
The same phrase can be said and perceived differently. A question said in a raised voice will be defined by the interlocutor as angry. If you say the same phrase in a half-whisper, people will see it as flirting. Therefore, sometimes the decisive role in communication is played not by the words themselves, but by accompanying factors.
1. Perceptual barrier
Perceptual barrier – a barrier of perception. The mood with which we are being talked to directly affects the effectiveness of communication.
Problem
An indifferent tone and lack of interest, expressed by body language , make the other person skeptical about the success of the conversation and discourage them from having a conversation with you. The same applies to people who explain their point of view without respect or with a dislike that is difficult to hide or not hidden at all.
Solution
Start the conversation on a positive note and try to maintain it throughout the conversation. Use appropriate gestures, smile, and don’t forget about eye contact with the person you’re talking to.
2. Behavioral barrier
The opinion of others about us directly affects the level of their assimilation of our words and the likelihood of an effective dialogue. Based on their attitude towards you, the interlocutor may abstract from the topic of conversation or partially ignore the information.
Problem
A pompous tone is the cause of hostility on the part of the interlocutor. If all information passes through the prism of condescension, it harms communication and spoils the impression of the speaker. Low self-esteem can also cause a barrier to arise.
Solution
Treat your interlocutor as an equal. Be sure to praise the person for a job well done, even if you think you could have done it better. Don’t forget about eye contact and a smile.
3. Language barrier
The language barrier arises not only between speakers of different languages, but also between people with different levels of competence in any field.
Problem
If the interlocutor uses unfamiliar words in speech, you will hardly be able to understand him. If you resort to professional jargon in conversation with interns, you will not achieve understanding from them and will instill in them uncertainty in their own professional suitability. If you explain the solution to a problem to a child as you would to an adult, this will also lead to a sad result: the child will not be able to solve a similar problem again, his ability to think and get to the truth gradually will suffer.
Solution
Simplify your speech to the level of your interlocutor, without showing the condescension typical of people with inflated self-esteem.
4. Emotional barrier
An emotional barrier arises from insecurity, anger, sadness or even excessive joy. Problems at home can leave their mark on work communications, and vice versa.
Problem
When we are emotionally stressed, we do not notice that we are missing out on some information and that our ability to analyze and reason suffers. When we are not in a good mood, we become irritable towards the words of the interlocutor, and excessive joy during a work dialogue can lead to approval of a frankly bad idea.
Solution
Be above your emotions and do not let them influence your communication with other people. When in a state of emotional tension, try to conduct a conversation with the interlocutor neutrally.
5. Cultural barrier
When communication occurs between representatives of different cultures, there is a high probability of a cultural barrier. But cultural differences are not only evident in communication with foreigners or representatives of other faiths.
Problem
Inappropriate communication with a person of another nationality or religion can offend their beliefs. Stories about Friday parties can spoil the mood of a person who is contraindicated in alcohol. Trying to explain the meaning of a popular YouTube video to an older person can be met with misunderstanding.
Solution
Try to study your interlocutor in advance and conduct the conversation as tactfully as possible. If there is a high risk of blurting out something inappropriate, try to explain to the interlocutor face to face that you are not very familiar with his culture.
6. Gender barrier
The reason for misunderstanding may be differences in communication and thinking between men and women . Women tend to think intuitively, while men tend to think logically. Thus, women like to talk about people and emotions, while men focus on something physical and measurable. Naturally, these stereotypes do not apply to everyone.
Problem
What is acceptable in relation to a man may be unethical in communication with a woman. A male boss may be skeptical about the professional skills of women, allowing stereotypes to interfere with communication. In this way, he risks not only offending the interlocutors, but also misjudging the work situation.
This effect also works in the opposite direction: the attitude towards the words of a charming woman can be unfairly inflated.
Solution
Do not differentiate between interlocutors by gender. Treat representatives of any gender as equals.