Barriers to Communication

Environmental: I think noise is a common environmental barrier. For me, I tend to get distracted fairly easily. My focus needs to be only on one thing, otherwise, I will not be communicating effectively.

Verbal: Some verbal barriers that I have encountered have to be the differences in slang when talking among friends. Being from the East coast, I have had to explain myself when using certain slang. At the same time, when speaking to a friend from the West coast, they occaisionally may have to decode their slang or jargon to me.

Interpersonal: I am aware of the different personality types and how differently people interpret things. An example of this would be the differences between introverts and extroverts. They may have problems communicating because they come across differently to one another. One might consider the extrovert pushy or the introvert as stuck up, depending on what they are.

How do I minimize potential barriers in my own communication with others? I try to pay attention to my environment by avoiding the external as well as the internal noise. I also try my best to take into account different cultures and try my best to be educated about them. Being aware of different personality types by observing someone, and feeling them out when you meet is also another way that I try to minimize communication barriers.