Session-3-Barriers-to-Effective-Communication (2)

Barriers to Effective Communication

• Title: Understanding and Overcoming Challenges in Communication

Learning Objectives

• Identify psychological and emotional barriers to communication.

• Recognize language and cultural barriers.

• Learn strategies to overcome communication barriers.

Examples and Importance

• Example: A police officer misunderstanding a witness due to language issues.

• Significance in criminology: Addressing barriers is crucial for accurate information exchange.

• Communication Barriers: Obstacles that hinder the exchange of ideas or messages.

Psychological Barriers

• Anxiety

  • Affects clear thinking and communication.

  • Example: Nervousness during witness questioning.

• Low self-esteem: Can impede expressive clarity.

• Mistrust: Distrust in the interlocutor can obstruct communication flow.

• Prejudices and Bias:

  • Hinders understanding through assumptions and stereotypes.

  • Example: Bias in interpreting nonverbal cues from diverse cultures.

Emotional Barriers

• Definition: Emotional states that block effective communication.

  • Examples: Anger, fear, overexcitement.

• Scenario: A perpetrator’s frustration leading to aggressive behavior during a crime increases the likelihood of violence due to impaired rational decision-making.

Language Barriers

• Definition: Challenges caused by language differences or use of jargon.

• Examples:

  • Misinterpretation due to slang or legal terms.

  • Witnesses struggling with formal legal language.

• Types of Jargon:

  • Medical, legal, tech, business, scientific, financial, military, sports, educational jargon, internet slang.

Strategies to Overcome Communication Barriers

Psychological Barriers

• Techniques:

  • Active listening, empathy, stress management.

  • Example: Using calm tones to de-escalate a tense situation.

Emotional Barriers

• Techniques:

  • Establishing trust, providing emotional support.

  • Example: Offering reassurance to a nervous witness.

• Managing Anger:

  • Removing oneself from communication to collect thoughts and avoid saying hurtful comments when angered.

Language Barriers

• Techniques:

  • Simplifying language, using translators, employing visuals.

  • Example: Using pictograms to explain rights to a non-English speaker.

Cultural Barriers

• Techniques:

  • Cultural sensitivity training, adapting communication styles.

  • Example: Adjusting to indirect communication when speaking with certain groups.

Best Practices in Criminology Communication

• Integrating empathy, clarity, and cultural awareness in all interactions.

• Case Example: Resolving a misunderstanding during an investigation.

Inspirational Note

• "Embrace obstacles, as they are the Universe's gift to help you overcome whatever holds you back and hinders your success." - Remez Sasson