What Causes Communication Breakdowns?
It is important to understand what causes communication breakdown in both directions: listening and receiving. A variety of factors and influences can cause people to develop habits that lead to ineffective communication. These can be related to personality, environmental causes, cultural influences, family life, etc. Active listening is a true skill that does not come naturally. What are some of the barriers to effective listening? Anticipation: The receiver believes they already know what the speaker is going to say so they stop listening. Blocking Out: The speaker is too focused on “telling” the receiver what is best for them rather than listening to what the other person needs and wants. Planning What to Say Next: The receiver is busy planning what they are going to say next rather than listening. Defensive: The speaker says something the receiver finds offensive and the receiver stops listening due to concentrating on the part that was offensive. Information Overload: This is when
