To overcome communication barriers, supervisors should adequately prepare what they wish to communicate. During face-to-face communication, the receiver’s verbal and nonverbal responses, called feedback, can help the supervisor determine whether the receiver understood the message. Asking the receiver to restate the message is one feedback technique that helps verify understanding. For written communication, the supervisor can obtain feedback by asking a colleague to comment on the message before it is sent and by discussing the message with receivers after it is sent.

Clear, direct language the receiver can understand facilitates communication. Also, both parties should agree on a time to talk when they are not overly stressed and have time to really listen to each other. Repeating the message in various words and formats can improve understanding if not done to excess. Also, to be effective, words must be reinforced with consistent actions.

Someone told me to remember that I was given two ears, two eyes, and only one mouth. There must be a reason for that. Listen to what is said and how it is being said, closely watch their body language. P-6587