Pharos University In Alexandria Faculty of Mass communication Communication Skills Dr. Enjy Mahmoud Dr. Enjy Mahmoud Week #:5 Lecture #:5 Fall By Dr Enjy Mahmoud

BARRIERS TO GOOD LISTENING A barrier is anything that gets in the way of clear communication. Below is a list of barriers that are listed in three categories. The three types of barriers are physical, psychological and semantic.

BARRIERS TO GOOD LISTENING Physical Barriers consist of any sound that prevents a person from being heard. Physical noise interferes with a speaker’s ability to send messages and with an audience’s ability to receive them. Examples: whispers, cheers, passing cars or intercom interruptions

Psychological Barriers consist of thoughts and feelings that distract people from listening to what is said are called psychological. The noise interferes with the audience’s concentration and ability to hear a speaker’s presentation. Examples: people not paying attention because they are absorbed in their own thoughts, jumping to conclusions, faking attention, yielding to distractions, overreacting to emotional words and tuning out topics that one considers to be dull.

Semantic Barriers are interferences that are caused by words that trigger strong negative feelings against the speaker or the content of the speech is called semantic noise. Semantic noise leads to misunderstanding, as well as unpleasant and distracting nonverbal feedback from the audience. Examples: A group of students might agree with you if you called rap music “confusing.” However, they might stop listening if you began calling rap music “garbage.”

Sources of Difficulty by the Speaker Voice volume too low to be heard. Making the message too complex, either by including too many unnecessary details or too many issues. Getting lost, forgetting your point or the purpose of the interaction. Body language or nonverbal elements contradicting or interfering with the verbal message, such as smiling 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 say everything they would like to say without being interrupted. Listen for main ideas. The main ideas are the most important points the speaker wants to get across Ask questions. If you are not sure you understand what the speaker has said, just ask

Give feedback and then, nod to show that you understand. At appropriate points you may also smile, laugh, or be silent. Maintain eye contact, to the degree that you all remain comfortable. Minimize external distractions. Turn off the TV. Put down 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 to think about what you are going to say next Minimize internal distractions. If your own thoughts keep horning in Avoid letting the speaker know how you handled a similar situation. Unless they specifically ask for advice Even if the speaker is launching a complaint against you, wait until they finish to defend yourself.

Engage yourself. Ask questions for clarification, but, once again, wait until the speaker has finished.