Non-verbal communication

Selective perception

The sub-conscious mind ‘decides’ which stimuli/information are (subjectively) relevant and which are irrelevant and can be safely ignored. When we focus on selected stimuli, we say we give them our attention. This is important for the communicator:

1. 
   as listener and reader, because of the need to minimize potential distractions and to be aware that some parts of a message may be ignored thus, distorting the overall meaning.
   
2. 
   as creator and sender, because the need to attract and hold the recipient’s attention to the key points and meaning of the message.
   

Poor listening

Having ears of our own does not necessarily mean we are good listeners. Listening is a skill that needs harnessing. Sometimes, it is a matter of attitude; we are not just interested in what people say because we may be more concerned with the way everyone looks. Focus on the message and the sincerity to understand what another person is saying are crucial elements in good listening.

Stress:

One of the major communication barriers faced by employees in most of the organization is stress. When a person is under immense stress, he may find it difficult to understand the message, leading to communication distortion. At the time of stress, our psychological frame of mind depends on our beliefs, experiences, goals and values. Thus, we fail to realize the essence of communication.

The above-mentioned barriers to effective communication are considered as filters of communications. You can overcome the barriers to communication through effective and active listening.