Obstacles to Communication
Interference or noise can be a communication obstacle and prevent the understanding of messages transmitted between individuals. Here are few communication obstacles:
- Language—choice of words
- Misreading of body language
- Power struggles
- Assumptions
- Distrust
- Prejudice
- Cultural differences
- Colloquial language
Meaning is not communicated when:
- The speaker is unclear or not specific enough
- The listener makes assumptions
- The listener is preoccupied with other matters
- The speaker is not saying what the listener wants to hear
- The listener is busy formulating a rebuttal to the speaker
- The speaker is unorganized
- The speaker is unprepared
