Physical Barriers in Communication

Physical Barriers in Communication

There are different types of barriers that can pose challenges to effective communication. In this

article, we will take a look at the physical barriers in communication.

Communication is one of the most effective ways of expressing our thoughts and emotions.

Communication can be verbal or non-verbal. Both these forms of communication are important

in ensuring that we are able to put across our message clearly. However, there are times when

there might be some hindrances to communication, which can mar its effectiveness, resulting in

miscommunication or lack of clarity. Researchers have studied the various forms of barriers to

effective communication, let us take a look at these.

Physical Communication Barriers

There are a host of physical factors that can prevent individuals from having an effective

communication. Physical barriers relate to disturbance in the immediate milieu which can

interfere in the course of an effective communication. Let us take a look at some physical factors

to communication.

Environment

Some barriers are due to the existing environment. If you are standing in adverse weather

conditions, your conversation would be hampered because you would not be able to pay full

attention to what the other person is saying. The ambiance in which you are having a

conversation also plays an important part in the quality of a conversation. If the place is too

noisy, or two crowded, you may not be able to clearly listen to the speaker. For example, if you

are having a conversation with someone along the roadside, the honks and noise of the passing

vehicles can make it difficult for you to concentrate on what you are saying, apart from

interfering in effective listening. Similarly, if you are talking to someone in scorching heat, then

the physical discomfort can easily cause you to be disinterested in the conversation.

Distance

Distance also plays an important part in determining the course of a conversation. For example,

if the staff in an organization are made to sit in different buildings or different floors, they might

have to substitute face to face communication with phone calls or emails. This prevents the

employees to have effective communication with each other. For example, if a manager and his

subordinate are seated at different buildings of an organization, then the manager may have to

give out instructions over the phone or over the email, which can sometimes lead to a lack of

effective communication.

Ignorance of Medium

Communication also includes using signs and symbols to convey a feeling or a thought.

However, if there is a lack of ignorance about the medium in which sender is sending the

message, the conversation can be hampered. For example, the use of signs to communicate can

be seen in games like soccer and hockey, where players do not want each other to know about

their plans and may converse through codes and signs. However, if a member of a team is not

acquainted with these signs, it can lead to a lack of communication.

Physical Disability

Physical disability can also prove to be a barrier for effective communication. People with

physical disabilities generally are at a disadvantage when it comes to gaining employment.

Disabled people have been marginalized through ages, and this can cause them to have a low

self-esteem and social anxiety. It can cause a physically challenged person to have face

difficulties in self-disclosure and can hamper his interpersonal skills.

Other Types of Barriers in Communication

Perceptual Barrier

Perceptual barrier has got to do with the prejudice that most of us tend to form before meeting an

individual. If we form a prejudice about someone, then we may not be able to have an effective

communication with the person.

Emotional Barrier

Emotions can play an important part in any conversation. Have you ever noticed that your voice

acquires an aggressiveness when you are speaking on an issue you feel strongly about.

Emotional barriers can cause interruptions in conversation, apart from making the speakers to

form unfair assumptions about each other.

Cultural Barrier

Cultural barrier is one of the widely seen barrier in communication. Ignorance about each other’s

cultures may make us skeptic and we may shy away from expressing ourselves freely.

Linguistic Barrier

Linguistic barriers also affect a conversation and this is not limited to difference in people’s first

language. English, which is one of the widely spoken languages of the world is spoken

differently in England, America, Australia, South Africa etc. This can cause lack of

understanding and confusion.

These were some types of physical barriers that can prove detrimental to effective

communication. It is important that these barriers are recognized and corrective steps are taken to

prevent or reduce their impact on communication. In the end, we hope that this article would

have helped you in getting some information about physical barriers to communication apart

from helping you to get a gist on the other types of barriers to effective communication.

By Rahul Pandita

Published: 6/27/2011