13. Overcoming Barriers to Communication

Barriers to communication in the workplace are anything that prevent or misconstrue the effective delivery of messages among employees and leadership within a company or organization. The three typical types of barriers to communication are:

1.     Physical: Physical barriers to communication deal with the environmental surroundings at your job. Examples include the layout of an office that obstructs the view of coworkers, the nature of remote work which can slow communication efforts, and literal closed doors that discourage interaction.

2.     Emotional: Emotional barriers to communication can arise from feelings of doubt or anxiety. An intimidating supervisor might cause anxiety among employees, discouraging open discussions.

3.     Linguistic: Linguistic barriers to communication include the written, verbal, and physical cues used to convey a message. When individuals speak different languages, the use of unfamiliar jargon, vague body language, or differing dialects can cause communication gaps.

Strategies to Overcome Barriers to Communication in the Workplace

Consider the following tips to address communication barriers at work and help you improve communication at work.

·         Be fully present. It takes concentration and practice to focus on others’ ideas with an open mind. Withhold any assumptions about the information being shared with you as you listen. Listen attentively and wait until later to provide feedback.

·         Be specific in your information. Share pertinent details succinctly to make information easy to understand and remember. Be concise and give others the opportunity to ask clarifying questions to make the exchange of information dynamic.

·         Use words and a tone that convey confidence. Work on eliminating words like, “um, like,” and “ah” and phrases such as, “I think that” which don’t add to the information and may distract your audience. Instead, consider using properly timed pauses when talking to give yourself an opportunity to collect your thoughts and others a chance to reflect on what you said and to respond if needed. Your voice should be optimistic, and language should vary in speed to reflect enthusiasm.

·         Encourage questions. Be inviting and prompt others you communicate with consistently to ask questions. This helps you see different perspectives and can lead to the understanding and discovery of ways to avoid communication pitfalls in the future. Through an open dialogue, you can also learn about differing communication styles in your workplace and adjust your methods to meet the needs of all.[1]