In the process of communication, caution needs to be exercised as barriers to communication are either consciously or unconsciously erected by the sender or the receiver. These barriers hamper the growth of communication and relegate it to the status of a conversation where feedback is not expected. If either the speaker or the listener has problems in adjusting his frequency with the co-interacting, barriers would automatically be erected.

Some of the barriers to communication are discussed below:

Over-communication

Over-communication: The quantum of the material to be communicated should be just right. Too much of it can confuse the receiver. His mental level or professional expertise requires a certain amount of information to be transmitted. In the context of communication, excess of it can lead to what is commonly termed as “information load”. The receiver would be able to comprehend and absorb only a certain amount of information beyond which he would be a passive recipient to the ongoing proceedings. Therefore, if one desires to be effective as a speaker one needs to be precise in delivering the spoken material. This will not exhaust or close the mind of the receivers.

Conflicting Information

Conflicting Information: The receiver already has some information on which he expects to build up an idea after his communication with the speaker. If, unfortunately, the two pieces of information are diametrically opposite the receiver is left pondering over the reliability and validity of the original and current piece of information. He can definitely improve upon his existing stand by raising queries and sorting them out with the current speaker. But if he feels he is not in a position to ask questions or is thoroughly convinced with his existing knowledge he will not be receptive to the ongoing proceedings. This can create mental turbulence.

Language Differences

Language Differences: Language itself is probably the most common barrier to effective communication. Among the problems in the use of language for communication are differences in interpretation of statements. We have all said things that we thought were perfectly clear and simple, only to have them completely misconstrued. This happens for various reasons. Sometimes it is simply the result of misunderstanding. Or it may be due to an unconscious desire not to carry out someone's request. Or perhaps the speaker has chosen a word that conveys a meaning different from that intended. Although fee, salary, wages, payment, stipend, and emolument are synonymous each has a different connotation.

Language uses words to convey ideas, facts, and feelings. Sometimes semantic problems arise in the interpretation of words because the meanings are not in the words but in the minds of the people who receive them.

Meanings of concrete words do not vary too much from one person to another. There is little possibility for confusion when we speak of pencil or paper or book. But as words become more abstract (democracy, honesty, happiness), they are more likely to be misunderstood. This is also true of words that carry emotional overtones in a specific society. What liberal, radical, virtue, morality, and integrity means to the speaker may not agree at all with the listener's concept of the same word.

Remember also to choose the proper level of language when you communicate with others. To speak above their heads or down to them condescendingly is to invite misinterpretation, irritation, and confusion.

Interests and Attitudes

Interests and Attitudes: If the interests and attitudes of the receiver clash with those of the sender once again problems arise. Transmission and reception of the message are contingent upon the mental frame of the sender and the receiver. If there is variance in the interests and attitudes of the speaker and the receiver effective communication is sure to be hampered. It is primarily for this reason that a profile of the co-participant is sought prior to making presentations.

Tendency to Evaluate

Tendency to Evaluate: Listening primarily with the purpose of evaluating the spoken material or with a tendency of a similar nature, will, to a great extent, affect the understanding of the message. Part of the concentration is lost in weighing the pros and cons of the spoken material. The time and energy which should have been utilized in assimilating the spoken contents of the sender is being used for evaluating the message and the manner of presentation. The listener should have total concentration and listening skills should be honed, if the listener is desirous of making a mark in the effective communication process.