The Three Barriers to Communication

Everyone of us at different times, (when communicating to others) will trip on one of these three barriers to effective communication. 

So, to explain this logically, let me first outline what the three barriers are and then identify some simple strategies to eliminate each one from your communication patterns. 

The three barriers are: 

1. Assumptions

2. Projections

3. Avoidance

Let's deal with assumptions first...

Assumptions often take the form of thinking we know what the person is going to say before they say it. 

When this happens we often disengage effective listening under the mistaken belief that we have heard all we really need to hear and already know the answer. 

Assumptions can also occur when we assume information is accurate when it may not be. 

An often repeated refrain is when you assume...you make an ass out of you and me!

Projections occur when we communicate in such a way that the listener may feel unworthy to hold their opinion, and that agreeing with you is not only the right thing to do it is also the only thing to do! 

Projections also seem to occur most frequently when you have intense passion for your viewpoint, with the passion often being mistaken by others as "bullying" someone to take up your perspective.

Finally, the last barrier to effective and productive communication is the tactic of avoidance. This is when the subject matter is either ignored or avoided completely, denying the individual the opportunity of taking on another perspective and or confronting an issue that is bothersome.

Some people believe that by avoiding a topic, it is the simplest and easiest way to progress.

I have found that any issue that an individual avoids; always has the potential to resurface at any time and cause untold damage simply because the issue was never properly addressed in the first place.

In my experience (as a coach) I think avoidance is the most harmful of all of the behaviours and I work with people intensively to become skilled at confronting issues...head on and with respect.

So, review your own communication foibles and decide which of these barriers prevent you from being a powerful communicator and develop a strategy with a coach or appropriately qualified supportive individual to make the change.

Remember there is everything to live for and everything to gain from being a transparent, articulate and powerful communicator.

Begin the challenge now!