Identify a recent verbal communication you were involved in, perhaps one that you felt uncomfortable about, and write it down in the space provided (we have given an example).

Communication I was involved in	Type
Giving feedback to Joan on her talk	One to one, in corridor

2Reflect on the communication to identify the barriers that may have distorted communication.

3Note down the barriers under the appropriate headings in the grid below (see the example).

4Then note how you might have overcome each barrier (solution).

Type of barrier	Sender	Transmission	Receiver
Environment
Barrier	I felt uncomfortable, and assumed Joan would not be receptive	Distractions from passers-by	Joan was surprised at me bringing up the topic
Solution	Accept i have a right to give feedback, and avoid assuming how the person will respond	Use a meeting room for privacy	Allow Joan lo prepare by making an appointment with her to review her talk
Type of barrier	Sender	Transmission	Receiver
Environment Barrier
Solution
Language Barrier
Solution
Culture Barrier
Solution

Type of barrier	Sender	Transmission	Receiver
Barrier of Perception
Solution
The organisation Barrier
Solution
Others Barrier
Solution

Feedback

You may have been surprised by the number ol barriers that crept into your communication. This is not at all unusual.

It is relatively straightforward to eliminate environmental barriers by choosing the appropriate time and place for the communication.

Eliminating 'sender' barriers means thinking though the message in your own mind first, it also means communicating assertively - something you witl look at later in this book - and making sure you choose the appropriate medium.

Minimising 'receiver' barriers from your end involves getting to know the receiver-their attitudes and beliefs - so you can see things from Iheir point of view.