Communication Problems
Communication Problems
Discussion of conflict between two parties.
Miscommunication by way of not listening to the opposing speaker.
Lack of clarity in how message is transferred to the listener.
Cultural differences that cause lack of true understanding of what a listener and communication speaks and hears.
Language barriers that also interrupt accuracy in transference of message from speaker to listener.
Unwillingness of either the speaker and/or listener to accept the message as intended.
Lack of proficient knowledge on the subject of discussion by one or the other can hinder effective communication.
Overblown egos can hinder communication.
Lack of focused and organized delivery of message results in poor communication.
Improvement Strategies
Clarity in what the message is should be present by the speaker.
Establish an understanding by repeating what has been discussed.
Awareness of language and cultural barriers that should be managed in advance and during the communication process.
“7 characteristics of effective communication, as outlined by University of Wisconsin professor Scott M. Cutlip in his book Effective Public Relations, which include: 1)completeness, 2) conciseness, 3) consideration, 4) concreteness, 5) courtesy, 6) clearness, and 7) correctness” (Cutlip, 1953; Martelli, 2013).
Communication problems can be a tremendous problem for productivity regardless of the environment one is in, whether it is personal or professional. Often time there are barriers between the speaker(s) and listener(s) that interrupt effective communication. Various factors are involved in communication problems that involve a lack of sincere listening capabilities; unfocused and unorganized delivery of messages; cultural and language barriers that alter the meaning of what is spoken versus what is heard; insufficient knowledge on the information being delivered by either party; conflicting views involving individual with big egos. These are just some of the challenges that arise in communication problems in the personal and professional sphere. The importance of becoming an active listener is as important to the communication as is the importance of effective clear communication. When emotions are involved this further exacerbates the ability of clear and productive communication to occur between the two (or more) parties involved.
One cannot simply accept the obstacles that will be encountered in communication and must consider incorporating effective strategies to improve one’s communication skills. Some of the basic and overlooked aspects of communication is a lack of clarity by the speaker, which is something that could easily be established prior to the actual exchange of dialogue. The listener should also consider repeating what he or she hears to ensure that the message has been received accurately as it was intended by the speaker. Preparation of the communication should be planned in advance in order to account for any potential language and/or cultural barriers so that the dialogue can be adjusted accordingly. Finally, there are seven characteristics are the most important and simple to understand when aiming to ensure the problems of communication can be improved. These characteristics of good communication include: “1) completeness, 2) conciseness, 3) consideration, 4) concreteness, 5) courtesy, 6) clearness, and 7) correctness” (Cutlip, 1953; Martelli, 2013). According to Martelli (2013), “effective communication, is about delivering all the contents of the message clearly and unambiguously, so that the recipient can evaluate and react to them properly.” With some mindfulness and planning, many problems that occur during the communication process could be avoided with utilization of workable strategies proven to improve communication problems.
Reference
Cutlip, S.M. (1953). Effective Public Relations .
Martelli, A. (2013). The 7 characteristics of effective communication . Retrieved from
http://www.mtmtranslations.com/english-blog/the-7-characteristics-of-effective-
communication
