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Fundamentals of Business Laws and Business Communication · Barriers to Business Communication

How to Overcome Barriers to Communication in Business

Updated 10 October 2026 · Fact-checked

Overcoming communication barriers means taking practical steps so the receiver gets the message exactly as the sender meant it. The main measures are clear and simple messages, active listening, feedback, a suitable channel, a good organisation climate and training. In MCQs, match each barrier to its remedy.

Understand Overcoming Communication Barriers

A communication barrier is anything that blocks, distorts or delays a message between sender and receiver. Barriers can be in language, in the mind, in the organisation or in the surroundings. Removing them is the whole point of studying them.

The logic is simple. Every barrier breaks one link in the communication chain. If the sender is unclear, fix the message. If the receiver does not pay attention, fix listening. If the sender never learns whether the message worked, add feedback. If the medium is wrong, change the channel.

Clear messages: plan before you speak or write. Know your purpose, use simple words, avoid jargon, keep sentences short and be specific with facts, dates and amounts. Consider the receiver's language and background.

Active listening means giving full attention, not interrupting, noting key points, asking questions and confirming what you understood. Feedback is the receiver's response that shows whether the message was understood. It makes communication two-way and lets the sender correct errors early.

Other measures: choose a suitable channel (a written record for a policy change, a call for something urgent), keep the chain of command short, encourage open-door communication, control noise and physical distractions, manage emotions, and give training in language, listening and etiquette. Also stay sensitive to cultural differences.

Key formulas to remember

Barrier-to-remedy matching
Unclear message → simple, specific wording | Poor listening → active listening | No response → feedback | Wrong medium → suitable channel | Skill gap → training
Use this for matching and 'best remedy' MCQs.
Two-way communication rule
Message + Feedback = Complete communication
Without feedback the sender cannot know the message was understood.
Core measures list
Clear message, active listening, feedback, suitable channel, open climate, training
Remember this list for questions asking which measure is NOT a remedy or which is a remedy.

How to solve Overcoming Communication Barriers questions

Use this method for any question on removing communication barriers.

  1. 1Read the question and find the barrier or problem described (language, emotion, overload, distance, no response).
  2. 2Identify which link is broken: sender, message, channel or receiver.
  3. 3Match that link to its remedy: message clarity, channel choice, listening or feedback.
  4. 4Check whether the question asks for a measure by the sender, the receiver or the organisation.
  5. 5Eliminate options that worsen the problem, such as jargon, one-way orders or longer chains.
  6. 6Pick the option that fixes the root cause, not a side effect.
  7. 7For statement questions, confirm each statement is a remedy and not a barrier.

Quickest way: Problem-to-fix matching

When to use it: Use it for single-line MCQs that describe a situation and ask for the best remedy.

  1. Underline the problem word: unclear, ignored, no reply, wrong medium, untrained.
  2. Link it to one fix: simple words, active listening, feedback, right channel, training.
  3. Strike out options with jargon, one-way flow, interruption or delay.
  4. Mark the answer and move on.

Common mistakes in Overcoming Communication Barriers

  • Treating feedback as optional and calling communication complete once the message is sent.

    Students think only of the sender's role.

    Fix: Remember that communication is complete only when the receiver understands. Feedback confirms this.

  • Confusing hearing with active listening.

    Both involve sound, so they seem the same.

    Fix: Hearing is passive. Active listening needs attention, questions and confirming the meaning.

  • Choosing technical language to sound professional.

    Students think complex words show expertise.

    Fix: Use simple words matched to the receiver. Jargon is a barrier.

  • Picking the same channel for every message.

    Students memorise one favourite medium.

    Fix: Match the channel to urgency, record need and audience. Writing for records, talking for quick clarity.

  • Mixing up barriers and remedies in options.

    Both are in the same chapter and sound alike.

    Fix: Ask whether the item blocks or helps the message. Information overload and prejudice block. Training and feedback help.

Worked examples

Example 1

A manager sends a long email full of technical terms to new staff and gets no reply. Which measure would best improve communication? (a) Send more emails daily (b) Use simple, specific language and ask for feedback (c) Use a longer chain of command (d) Stop written communication

Show the solution
  1. Problem: the message is unclear and there is no response.
  2. Unclear message needs simple wording. No reply needs feedback.
  3. Option (a) adds overload, (c) delays messages, (d) loses records.
  4. Option (b) fixes both issues.

Answer: (b) Use simple, specific language and ask for feedback.

Example 2

Explain how active listening and feedback help remove communication barriers.

Show the solution
  1. Define active listening: full attention, no interruption, questions and confirming understanding.
  2. State its effect: the receiver grasps the message correctly, reducing distortion and misunderstanding caused by inattention.
  3. Define feedback: the receiver's response showing understanding.
  4. State its effect: the sender spots confusion early and corrects or repeats the message, and communication becomes two-way.
  5. Conclude that together they close the gap between what is sent and what is understood.

Answer: Active listening improves how the message is received, and feedback lets the sender check and correct it. Together they reduce misunderstanding and make communication effective.

Exam tips

  • Questions are usually 'which is a measure to overcome barriers' or 'best remedy for this situation'. Practise matching problems to fixes.
  • Watch for options that are actually barriers, such as jargon, interruptions or long chains.
  • Feedback and active listening are favourite points. Know their meaning and purpose.
  • Revise the barrier types first, as remedies follow from them.

Practice questions from Barriers to Business Communication

Overcoming Communication Barriers in other exams

The same ground in other exams, if you are preparing for more than one or want another angle on it.

Overcoming Communication Barriers: frequently asked questions

What are the main ways to overcome communication barriers?

Use clear and simple messages, listen actively, seek feedback, pick a suitable channel, build an open climate and train people. Each measure fixes a specific kind of barrier.

Why is feedback important in communication?

Feedback shows whether the receiver understood the message as intended. It lets the sender correct errors quickly and makes communication two-way.

What is the difference between hearing and active listening?

Hearing is just receiving sound. Active listening means paying full attention, understanding, asking questions and confirming the meaning.

How does choosing the right channel help?

A suitable channel fits the urgency, audience and need for a record. For example, writing suits formal instructions, while a call suits quick clarification.