This presentation explores the major barriers to effective communication, including language, semantic, cultural, emotional, attitudinal, individual, physical, and organizational barriers. Each barrier is explained with its definition, causes, effects, and strategies to overcome it, along with practical examples for professionals, students, and general situations. Whether you are a student, professional, or anyone interested in improving communication skills, this presentation provides clear insights and practical tips to identify and address communication challenges.

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Barriers of
Communication
Written By: Muhammad Amaan
Muhammad Ali Eesa
Abdul Sammad
Abdullah
Shahab Maroof
Members:

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What is Communication and Barriers?

Communication is the activity of conveying meaningful
Information. It requires a sender, and a receiver.

Barrier an obstacle in a place that prevents us from
completing certain task.

Communication Barrier can be defined as the aspects or
conditions that interfere with effective exchange of ideas and
thoughts.

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Types of Communication Barrier

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Language Barrier

A language barrier occurs when people are unable to communicate
effectively because they do not share a common language or have different
levels of language proficiency.

Example:
1) A teacher explaining concepts in English to students who are not fluent.
2) Employees from different countries misinterpreting instructions.
3) A Computer Science student may understand programming syntax but
fail to understand a lecture or documentation because it is explained in
complex English and technical jargon.
Name:

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
Causes:
Use of different languages.
Limited Vocabulary or poor Grammar.
Use of unfamiliar idioms or expressions.
Differences in accent, Pronunciation or speed of speech.

Effects on Communication:
Misunderstanding of Messages.
Confusion and Frustration.
Breakdown of Teamwork and Relationships.
Reduce efficiency and Productivity.

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How to overcome Language Barrier

Use simple, clear and concise language.

Avoid jargon and technical terms when possible.

Use Visual Aids such as charts, images or diagrams.

Encourage feedback to confirm understandings.

Provide translator or interpreter when necessary.

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Semantic Barrier

A semantic barrier occur when communication fails because words, symbols
or terms are interpreted differently by the sender and the receiver, even
though the same language is used.

Example:
1) In Computer Science, the word “Bug” means an error, but a beginner may
think it may refer to an actual insect.
2) A manager says “Prepare a draft”, but the employee thinks it means a
final version.
3) The teacher says “Open the file”, but a student thinks it means opening a
folder.
Name:

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
Causes:
Words having multiple meanings.
Use of technical terms without proper explanation.
Assumptions that the listener understand the same meaning.
Differences in academic, or technical background.

Effects on Communication:
Misinterpretation of instructions.
Incorrect task execution.
Increasing errors in coding or projects.
Loss of time and efficiency.

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How to overcome Semantic Barrier

Clearly define technical terms before using them.

Use Examples and demonstrations.

Avoid assumptions about prior knowledge.

Ask feedback to confirm understandings.

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Cultural Barrier

Cultural Barrier occur when differences in culture such as beliefs,
values, customs or communication styles, cause misunderstanding
between peoples.

Example:
1) Different views on eye contact cause misunderstanding at work.
2) International Students hesitate to speak due to cultural norms.
3) A gesture polite in one cultural maybe rude in another culture.
Name:

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
Causes:
Different beliefs, traditions and values.
Different communication styles.
Difference in body language and gestures.
Language accents pronunciation influenced by culture.

Effects on Communication:
Misunderstanding of messages.
Conflicts or discomfort.
Lack of trust and respect.
Ineffective Communication.

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How to overcome Cultural Barrier

Respect and accept cultural differences.

Use simple and clear communication.

Avoid questions politely when insecure.

Promote Cultural awareness and inclusivity.

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Individual(Psychological) Barrier

Individual (Psychological) barrier occur when a person’s personal traits,
emotions or mental state effects the way they send, receive, or understand
messages.

Example:
1) An Employee ignores instructions because they are stressed or distracted.
2) A student misunderstands a programming lecture because they’re anxious
or not paying attention.
3) Someone forgets details of a conversation due to tiredness or lack of
focus.
Name:

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
Causes:
Stress, anxiety or anger.
Lack of attention or focus.
Low confidence or shyness.
Lack of interest in topic.

Effects on Communication:
Misunderstanding or ignoring messages.
Poor decision making.
Conflicts or Frustration.
Communication Breakdown.

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How to overcome Individual(Psychological)
Barrier

Stay calm and manage emotions.

Practice active listening and focus.

Build confidence and self-awareness.

Avoid assumptions and personal biases.

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Organizational Barrier

Organizational barrier occur when the structure, policies or procedures
of an organization hinder effective communication between people.

Example:
1) Instructions get lost because they pass through too many management
levels.
2) In a group project, tasks are uncleared because roles are undefined.
3) Important messages are delayed due to poor communication
channels.
Name:

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
Causes:
Complex hierarchy or too many management levels.
Poorly defined roles and responsibilities.
Lack of proper communication channels.
Excessive workload or time pressure.

Effects on Communication:
Delayed decision making.
Misunderstandings between teams and departments.
Low Employee morale.
Errors due to unclear instructions.

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How to overcome organizational Barrier

Simplify organizational hierarchy and clarify roles.

Establish clear communication channels.

Provide training on effective communication.

Encourage open communication and feedback.

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Physical Barrier

Physical barrier occur when environmental or physical factors
prevent or distort communication between people.

Example:
1) An important meeting is disrupted because of loud construction
noise.
2) Students in a lab can’t hear the instructor due to faulty speaker.
3) Someone misses a phone call in a noisy environment.
Name:

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
Causes:
Distance Between sender and receiver.
Noise and loud background sound.
Poor lightening and visual obstructions.
Physical disabilities (hearing or speech impairments).

Effects on Communication:
Misunderstanding or missed messages.
Delays in communication.
Frustration and stress.
Errors due to unclear instructions.

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How to overcome Physical Barrier

Reduce noise and distractions in the environment.

Use proper communication tools.

Ensure good lighting and visibility.

Provide assistive devices for disabilities.

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Attitudinal Barrier

Attitudinal barrier occur when a person’s mindset, behaviour or
attitude prevents effective communication. These often arise from
negative feelings, bias, or unwillingness to listen.

Example:
1) An employee instructions because the think they already know better.
2) A student refuses to learn new programming language because they
think their current skills are enough.
3) Someone doesn’t listen in a conversation because they’re
uninterested or distracted.
Name:

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
Causes:
Arrogance or superiority complex.
Prejudice or personal bias.
Lack of interest or motivation.
Overconfidence or dismissiveness.

Effects on Communication:
Misunderstanding or Conflicts.
Poor teamwork or colaboration.
Ignored or overlook messages.
Reduce trust and respect.

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How to overcome Attitudinal Barrier

Develop openness and positive mindset.

Avoid prejudice and stereotypes.

Build Empathy and understanding.

Promote motivation and willingness to comunicate.

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Emotional Barrier

Emotional Barrier occurs when a person’s feelings or emotions, such as
anger, fear, sadness or excitement affect how they communicate or interpret
messages.

Example:
1) An employee misinterprets feedback because they feel criticized and
become defensive.
2) A student ignore instructions after failing a programming assignment due
to frustration.
3) Someone misunderstands a friend’s advice because they’re upset and
angry.
Name:

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
Causes:
Anger or frustration.
Fear of criticism or rejection.
Stress or anxiety.
Past experience or personal issues.

Effects on Communication:
Misunderstanding of messages.
Avoid Communication.
Conflicts and tension.
Reduce productivity and focus.

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How to overcome Emotional Barrier

Stay calm and manage emotions.

Take time to think before responding.

Practice active listening.

Seek help or counseling if needed.

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Thank You!