What are some common barriers to effective oral communication?

The physical location is important to get right as it tells a story in itself. And will set the scene in terms of the outcomes and impacts you are wanting to achieve. Always know the experience you are wanting to create with the other person in terms of how you want them to engage and respond to your message. Make sure the location is in line with this.

Mixing Engagement Methodology In the age of tele-communication, a common mistake I’ve seen and (participated in 😬) is ignoring the old methods of connecting. Things such as “old fashioned” phone calls and in-person meetings, for example. Be sure to mix up the approach to your communication and remember that finding unique ways to connect, focusing on the elements of proxemics (the use of physical space) can help to convey your messaging in different ways. While platforms like Zoom and Google Meet have truly inspired growth and the development of new relationships; have you ever met someone for the first time in-person after having only connected with them via one of these options? Has it felt like meeting someone for the first time?

Starting a discussion when one's amygdala is in the driver's seat (versus the pre-frontal cortex) is a sure-fire path to a disastrous outcome.

Always check in with your own headspace and attitude before you communicate. How do you want to be perceived by the audience? Think about the language you use and the tone and manner in which you present. Pace of speech is also key -how quick you are will impact the mood of the audience. And volume - simple but often overlooked. Can everyone hear you in every part of the space. Be clear on what outcome and impact you are wanting to achieve in your own head before you can confidently communicate this to others.

Know the audience to use language that is both relevant and meaningful. Fail to do this and you fail to have your message heard. If there is a term you need to use but it's fair that not everyone in the room will know it, then explain it. Impactful communication is about being effective not fancy.

Cultural barriers also appear because different workplace realities exist depending on role, team or function. Everyone has a unique experience within the workplace and will interpret this in different ways. It is key you understand the current reality of your audience and past history where relevant, to make the right connection. Know where the challenges and roadblocks are to be able to respond effectively in your style and manner of communication.

To be able to make sure this does not go in the wrong direction have clarity around how you want to approach your presentation. - what is the agenda/ what are you covering - how much time has been allocated - what topics you won't be covering and why - the purpose of coming together - how advice and questions will be received and when - how you want the audience to engage with you - if questions fall outside of the agenda how you will respond to these afterwards It's you role to be able to respectfully facilitate discussion but know how you will keep it focused and on track. Without a game plan you are at risk of it running into the ditch.

Common barriers to effective oral communication include language and cultural differences, leading to misunderstandings. Physical barriers like noise and poor audio quality, especially in virtual settings, can impede clarity. Emotional states such as stress or anger affect message delivery and reception. Perceptual biases and preconceptions can skew interpretation. Lack of focus and multitasking may lead to missing key information. Ineffective listening results in misunderstandings, while overusing jargon and technical language can alienate or confuse the audience. Misinterpreted non-verbal cues can also obscure or contradict spoken messages.