For communication to occur, a communicator must transmit a message and a listener must correctly receive it. If the message is not understood, there is no communication. There is only noise. Between the transmission and reception of a message, many things can go wrong. Communication, by definition, involves at least two people, the sender and the receiver. There are certain filters or barriers that determine whether the message is actually transmitted or received or not.

There may be barriers that exist between the sender and receiver, such as cultural differences. Environmental conditions can also create barriers, eg poor acoustics, other people talking, external noises. However, differences in frames of reference between sender and receiver are more common. For example, there may not be a common understanding of the purpose of a particular communication. You can ask me how I feel today. For you, the phrase “How are you?” It’s just a greeting. However, I can think that you really want to know and I can tell you, possibly at some length.

What facilitates clear communication? A good communicator: exchanges ideas, feelings, and values ​​– uses appropriate language, tone, tone, and volume — gives relevant information — uses nonverbal cues to emphasize and support messages — clarifies — asks for feedback — listens — responds and reacts — conveys understanding.

Think of yourself as the receiver. Assumptions, attitudes, and sensitivity issues can also result in barriers. As a receiver, you can filter or not listen to certain aspects (or any aspect) of a message. Why? Because the message may seem unimportant or too difficult. Also, you can be selective in your attention. For example, you may feel that the sender is being redundant or boring, so you stop listening after the first few words and daydream instead. You may be worried about something else. Or your filtering or inattentiveness may be due to your past experience with the sender. You may feel that “this person has never made a point and never will.” You may spend time preparing a response or interrupting with your thoughts.

In general, communication is a difficult process to complete correctly. One must find the middle between the points of view of the sender and the receiver in order to convey their message in the most effective way.