Want to communicate better? Barriers to effective communication can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunications and a decline in work and personal relationships.
Effective communication is about understanding information, clearly conveying a message and making the other person feel heard and understood.
Like the broken telephone game, effective communication should be instinctive but all too often, something goes astray. We say one thing, the other person hears something else, and conflicts ensue.
Common barriers to effective communication include:
- Lack of emotional intelligence: Stress misreads other people and sends off-putting non-verbal signals. It’s important to learn how to quickly calm down to avoid conflict before continuing a conversation.
- Lack of focus. Non-committment to the conversation will almost certain make you miss non-verbal cues. Staying focused is key.
- Inconsistent body language. Saying one thing while your body language says something else, makes the listener feel your dishonesty. For example, nodding “yes” while saying no.
- Negative body language. Sending negative signals such as raising one eyebrow, crossing arms and avoiding eye contact can rebuff the other person’s message and put them on the defensive.
Effective communication skills
- Consider your audience: This helps deliver the right messages effectively. Education, age, ethnicity, gender, income and professional experience can all impact how your message is received.
- Listen Actively: Effective communication requires active listening, understanding the information being communicated and considering the emotions the speaker is trying to convey.
- I understand your problem.
- I know how you feel about it.
- I am interested in what you are saying.
- I am not judging you.
- Establishing clear expectations is key whether your communication is through Whatsapp, an email or having a one-on-one conversation.
- Pay attention to nonverbal signals: Use of open body language such as maintaining eye contact, arms uncrossed or even standing with an open stance is key.
- Know your audience. Influencing strategies by tailoring for a particular person and considering their personality goes a long way. A rational party is more logical than emotional.
- Keep stress in check: High pressure situations require emotional intelligence, avoiding overreactions and thinking on your feet.
- Read the room. Watch your audience and adjust your message and style accordingly.
- Assertive expressions make for clear communication. When you’re assertive, you are open and honest and not aggressive or demanding.
- Value yourself, your options and other people.
- Respect and honor other people’s rights.
- Negative thoughts can be expressed in a positive way.
- It’s okay to say “no.”
- Take feedback seriously.
- Use the right medium or platform. Would Zoom, Whatsapp, one on one or an email suffice? Casual and formal communications call for different mediums. Whatever you choose should be appropriate for the situation.
Benefits of effective communication
- Managing and building teams.
- Building strong relationships and improved social, emotional, and mental health.
- Better problem–solving and conflict resolution skills.
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