1. Unit 1 Task 4 Barriers To Communication Jackson Coltman

2. Cultural differences  In the multicultural workplace typical of doing business in a global economy, cultural barriers to communication abound. Besides the obvious difficulty in understanding people whose language is different, there are other factors that challenge people who are trying to work harmoniously with others of a different background. People from different parts of the world have a different frame of reference, and they may display emotions differently and display different behaviors.

3. Adapting content and style to audience  You need to know what sort of audience you will have when presenting something because you may have a few people who’s first language isn’t English so therefore they may struggle at reading a presentation or document that has complex English Language in it and if the audience doesn’t understand what they are looking at they cant make comments or if they are a customer they will be unlikely to buy the product that you are marketing.

4. Providing Accurate Information  Accurate information is able to give the required results and the output necessary in either decision making giving complete and reliable information is that is comprehensible for analysis.

5. Differentiating between facts and opinions  The difference between a fact and an opinion is at the core that a fact can be proven. Usually a fact is supported by research, study, evaluation or precedence. An opinion is one that each person may make, based on personal beliefs, thoughts, values and cultural mores. Opinions are not supported, necessarily, be hard scientific fact, rather they are more like a belief. One may be of the opinion

6. Techniques for engaging audience interest  An engaging presentation will involve the audience as much as possible, through creating space for questions and answers and the sharing of opinions. Audience voting mechanisms, getting the audience to move around and allowing volunteers to assist in demonstrations will maintain interest and keep the audience’s energy levels up. You might wish to prepare visual aides and demonstrations to make the talk more engaging and interesting. Try a mix of approaches to cater for the potential learning styles of different members of the audience.

7. Question and answer sessions Believe that the person asking the question really wants to know the answer. It will make a difference to how you answer and will help you to avoid sarcasm and prevent offence. Listen actively and answer WHAT was asked. Do not try to take advantage of the questioner to get another point across. Using open questions, seek clarification if you are unsure about what is asked. Repeat the question if you are in front of a large audience. This ensures that everyone has heard it, clarifies the question in your mind and gives you an extra second or two to formulate your reply. Be as brief as possible while still providing a good answer. If not everyone in the room is interested in the question then give a brief answer and let the questioner know you would be happy to discuss it more fully with him/her later. Respond to negatives in a polite, positive and professional manner. Refer back to the facts that support your position that you have used in the presentation. Do not assume that the questioner heard these or realized their significance

8. Methods for communicating interpersonally  Interpersonal communication is the process by which people exchange information, feelings, and meaning through verbal and non-verbal messages: it is face-to-face communication. Interpersonal communication is not just about what is actually said - the language used - but how it is said and the non-verbal messages sent through tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures and body language.

9. Positive and negative language  Negative phrasing and language has the following characteristics:  tells the listener what cannot be done  has a subtle tone of blame  includes words like can't, won't, unable to (which informs the listener what your organization cannot do)  does not stress positive actions that would be appropriate, or positive consequences.  Positive phrasing and language has the following qualities:  tells the listener what can be done  suggests alternatives and choices available  sounds helpful and encouraging rather than bureaucratic  stresses positive actions and positive consequences that can be anticipated.

10. Understanding Barriers  The use of jargon. Over-complicated, unfamiliar and/or technical terms.  Emotional barriers and taboos. Some people may find it difficult to express their emotions and some topics may be completely 'off-limits' or taboo.  Lack of attention, interest, distractions, or irrelevance to the receiver.  Differences in perception and viewpoint.  Physical disabilities such as hearing problems or speech difficulties.  Physical barriers to non-verbal communication. Not being able to see the non-verbal cues, gestures, posture and general body language can make communication less effective.