Pharos University In Alexandria Faculty of Mass communicationPharos University In Alexandria Faculty of Mass communication
Communication SkillsCommunication Skills
Dr. Enjy Mahmoud Dr. Enjy Mahmoud
Week #:5 Lecture #:5
Fall 2013-2014
By Dr Enjy Mahmoud
BARRIERS TO GOOD LISTENING
A barrier is anything that gets in the way of clearcommunication. Below is a list of barriers that arelisted in three categories. The three types of barriersare physical, psychological and semantic.
BARRIERS TO GOOD LISTENING
Physical Barriers consist of any sound thatprevents a person from being heard. Physicalnoise interferes with a speaker’s ability to sendmessages and with an audience’s ability to receivethem.
Examples: whispers, cheers, passing cars orintercom interruptions
Psychological Barriers consist of thoughts andfeelings that distract people from listening towhat is said are called psychological. The noiseinterferes with the audience’s concentration andability to hear a speaker’s presentation.
Examples: people not paying attention becausethey are absorbed in their own thoughts, jumpingto conclusions, faking attention, yielding todistractions, overreacting to emotional words andtuning out topics that one considers to be dull.
Semantic Barriers are interferences that arecaused by words that trigger strong negativefeelings against the speaker or the content of thespeech is called semantic noise. Semantic noiseleads to misunderstanding, as well as unpleasantand distracting nonverbal feedback from theaudience.
Examples: A group of students might agree withyou if you called rap music “confusing.” However,they might stop listening if you began calling rapmusic “garbage.”
Sources of Difficulty by theSpeaker
Voice volume too low to be heard.
Making the message too complex, either by includingtoo many unnecessary details or too many issues.
Getting lost, forgetting your point or the purpose ofthe interaction.
Body language or nonverbal elements contradictingor interfering with the verbal message, such assmiling when anger or hurt is being expressed.
Tips for being a good listener
Give your full attention on the person who is speaking
Make sure your mind is focused
Let the speaker finish before you begin to talk.Speakers appreciate having the chance to sayeverything they would like to say without beinginterrupted.
Listen for main ideas. The main ideas are the mostimportant points the speaker wants to get across
Ask questions. If you are not sure you understandwhat the speaker has said, just ask
Give feedback and then, nod to show that youunderstand. At appropriate points you may also smile,laugh, or be silent.
Maintain eye contact, to the degree that you allremain comfortable.
Minimize external distractions. Turn off the TV. Putdown your book or magazine
Respond appropriately to show that you understand.Murmur (“uh-huh” and “um-hmm”) and nod
Focus solely on what the speaker is saying. Try not tothink about what you are going to say next
Minimize internal distractions. If your own thoughtskeep horning in
Avoid letting the speaker know how youhandled a similar situation. Unless theyspecifically ask for advice
Even if the speaker is launching a complaintagainst you, wait until they finish to defendyourself.
Engage yourself. Ask questions for clarification, but, onceagain, wait until the speaker has finished.