WORKPLACE PROFESSIONAL

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

COMMUNICATION AT WORKPLACE 2
- Interpersonal communication
- Barriers to communication
Interpersonal communication
 Interpersonal communication

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 What is Interpersonal Communication?

Interpersonal communication is the process by which people exchange

information, feelings, and meaning through verbal and non-verbal means.it is
face-to-face communication which often involves hearing, seeing, feeling, body
language, facial expressions, and gestures.

Interpersonal communication is exchanging information, meaning, feelings, and

opinions between two or more people via verbal and non-verbal means.
Although we mentioned “face-to-face” communication previously, today’s
technology compels us to expand its definition to include media such as phone
calls and online messaging.

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 Types of Interpersonal Communication

1. Face-to-face conversations: Face-to-face conversations refer to the act of

speaking directly with another individual in the same physical space.
According to communicative theory, this form of communication allows for a
deeper connection and understanding between the two parties involved.

2. Phone/Video calls: Phone/Video calls can mean different things for

individuals based on their behavior and strategy. The experience of a phone call
vs video call can vary based on one’s ability and comfort level. In the
intrapersonal study of communication, phone/video calls play a significant role.
The quality of speech and relational competence are key characteristics.

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 3. Text messaging: Text messaging is a common form of interpersonal
communication in today’s digital age. Through text messaging, individuals can
communicate with each other in real time, share information, ask questions, and
engage in conversations.

4. Social media interactions: Messaging or chatting with friends and family on

platforms like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. Commenting on a friend’s
post on Instagram or Twitter. Sending a direct message to a colleague on
LinkedIn. Sharing a post or article with a friend on social media and discussing
it through comments or messages

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 5. Email exchanges: To define interpersonal communication, we must
introduce the term as the exchange of messages between people in a
contextual setting. Email exchanges differ from other forms of communication,
such as impersonal interactions, as they allow us to identify the following
techniques for effective communication.
6. Non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions: Body
language and facial expressions are non-verbal cues that can communicate a
lot of information without saying a single word. In fact, research shows that a
majority of communication is actually non-verbal. These cues can convey
emotions, intentions, and even attitudes. For example, crossed arms may signal
defensiveness, while a smile can indicate happiness. It is important to pay
attention to these cues in various settings, as they can be just as important as
the words we hear.

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 Must Have Interpersonal Communication
Skills
1. Active Listening
2. Verbal communication
3. Nonverbal communication
4. Empathy
5. Conflict resolution
6. Confidence
7. Respect
8. Feedback

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 Elements of Interpersonal Communication

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 Uses of Interpersonal Communication

1. Building and maintaining relationships

2. Resolving conflicts
3. Building trust and rapport
4. Expressing emotions and feelings
5. Sharing information and ideas
6. Negotiating and collaborating
7. Providing support and empathy
8. Influence and persuasion

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Barriers to communication

Barriers to communication
 Barriers To Communication
Barriers to communication are obstacles that hinder the effective
exchange of ideas, messages, or information between individuals or
groups. These barriers can occur at any stage of the communication
process and can lead to misunderstandings, confusion, or even
conflict.

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 Categorization of Barriers to Communication
1. Physical Barriers
• Environmental Factors: Noise, poor lighting, or physical
distance can make it difficult to hear or see the communicator,
disrupting the transmission of the message.
• Technical Issues: Problems with communication tools or
technology, such as poor phone signals or malfunctioning video
conferencing equipment, can also create barriers.

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 Categorization of Barriers to Communication
2. Language Barriers
• Different Languages: When the sender and receiver speak
different languages, communication can become difficult or
impossible without translation.
• Jargon and Technical Language: Using specialized language,
acronyms, or industry-specific terms that the audience does not
understand can lead to confusion.
• Accent and Dialect: Heavy accents or dialects that are unfamiliar
to the listener can make it difficult to understand the message.

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 Categorization of Barriers to Communication
3. Psychological Barriers
• Emotions: Strong emotions like anger, fear, or stress can cloud
judgment and affect how a message is sent, received, or
interpreted.
• Perception and Attitudes: Preconceived notions, stereotypes, or
biases can lead to misunderstandings or cause the receiver to
misinterpret the message.
• Lack of Attention or Interest: If the receiver is distracted or
uninterested, they may not fully engage with the message, leading
to poor communication.

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 Categorization of Barriers to Communication
4. Cultural Barriers
• Cultural Differences: Different cultural backgrounds can lead to
varying interpretations of words, gestures, or symbols. What is
considered polite or appropriate in one culture may be seen as
rude or confusing in another.
• Ethnocentrism: The belief that one’s own culture is superior can
lead to misjudging or misinterpreting the messages from people of
other cultures.

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 Categorization of Barriers to Communication
5. Organizational Barriers
• Hierarchical Structures: In organizations with strict hierarchies,
communication may be impeded by rigid reporting lines, with messages
getting lost, delayed, or distorted as they pass through multiple layers.
• Information Overload: When too much information is communicated at
once, it can overwhelm the receiver, leading to important details being
missed or misunderstood.
• Poor Communication Channels: Inefficient or inappropriate communication
channels can hinder the flow of information, leading to delays or breakdowns
in communication.

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 Categorization of Barriers to Communication

6. Interpersonal Barriers
• Lack of Trust: If there is a lack of trust between the sender and
receiver, the communication may be strained or dismissed
altogether.
• Poor Listening Skills: Failure to actively listen can result in
missing critical information or misinterpreting the message.
• Power Dynamics: Differences in power or authority can create
barriers, with one party dominating the conversation or the other
feeling intimidated to express their views.

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 Categorization of Barriers to Communication

7. Semantic Barriers
• Misunderstanding of Words: Words can have multiple
meanings, and without context, the receiver might interpret the
message differently than intended.
• Ambiguity: Vague or ambiguous language can leave the
message open to various interpretations, leading to confusion.
• Overcomplicated Language: Using overly complex or technical
language can obscure the meaning and make the message
difficult to understand.

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 Categorization of Barriers to Communication

8. Technological Barriers
• Digital Divide: Not everyone has equal access to technology,
which can create communication gaps, especially in digital or
online communication.
• Compatibility Issues: Differences in technology platforms,
software, or devices can hinder the effective exchange of
information.

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 Categorization of Barriers to Communication

9. Physiological Barriers
• Hearing or Vision Impairment: Physical disabilities, such as
hearing loss or poor eyesight, can make communication
challenging without appropriate accommodations.
• Health Issues: Conditions like fatigue, illness, or stress can affect
an individual's ability to communicate effectively.

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 Categorization of Barriers to Communication

10. Attitudinal Barriers

• Negative Attitude: A negative attitude towards the sender,
receiver, or message itself can prevent effective communication.
For example, if the receiver is sceptical or dismissive, they may
not fully engage with the message.
• Resistance to Change: If the message involves change, the
receiver's reluctance or resistance can be a significant barrier.

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 Overcoming Communication Barriers

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 ACTIVITY

Find journal articles which highlights the importance of

communication in workplace!

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