Barriers that prevent you from Really Listening

Physical and environmental barriers: noise, distractions and inappropriate surroundings.

The most obvious barriers to listening are those found in our physical environment.

These include ambient noise, constant interruptions (such as notifications from a phone) and, crucially, an environment that is inappropriate to the nature of the conversation.

Attempting to discuss a personal and sensitive matter in a noisy, open office, for example, is destined to fail.

Not only does the environment make it difficult to hear because of the noise, but it also creates a psychological barrier by not being the appropriate place for that type of exchange.

An effective communicator is aware of these factors and seeks or creates a conducive environment that minimizes distractions and facilitates concentration.

Psychological barriers: biases, lack of interest and emotional state

Psychological barriers are internal filters that distort the way we process information.

One of the most powerful are the prejudices we have about the speaker.

If the speaker's image or reputation is negative to us, we are likely to discount his or her message, even if it is valuable and correct.

Likewise, a lack of interest in the subject or an altered emotional state (such as stress or anxiety) prevents us from paying the necessary attention.

When we are stressed or simply don't care about the topic, our mind shuts down and, although we hear the words, we are unable to hear and process their real meaning.

Semantic barriers: jargon, technicalities and language differences

Semantic barriers arise when interlocutors do not share the same linguistic code.

This does not only refer to language differences, but also to the use of jargons specific to a social group or technicalities of a specific profession.

A physician who explains a diagnosis to a patient using complex medical terminology is creating a semantic barrier.

Although the patient is listening and is willing to understand, the message is incomprehensible because he or she is not fluent in that particular "language".

For effective listening, it is the responsibility of the sender to adapt their language to be accessible to the receiver, ensuring that both are operating within the same code.

The listener as a factor: attitude, needs, and personal biases.

Finally, the listener himself or herself may be the biggest barrier of all. The attitude and disposition of the listener is a determining factor.

If someone feels compelled to be in a conversation, is distracted or simply does not have an open attitude, effective listening is impossible, regardless of the quality of the message or the environment.

In addition, the listener's needs at that specific moment are crucial.

If the message presented to him does not address one of his current needs or interests, his brain is likely to filter it out and dismiss it as irrelevant.

Therefore, successful listening often depends on whether the listener is mentally and emotionally ready and needy to receive that particular message.

Summary

Physical barriers include ambient noise, constant interruptions and an environment unsuitable for conversation. Attempting to discuss a sensitive issue in a noisy office is doomed to failure, as the environment creates a psychological barrier.

Psychological barriers are internal filters such as prejudices about the speaker, lack of interest or an altered emotional state. If the person's reputation is negative to us, we are likely to discount their message.

Semantic barriers arise when we do not share the same linguistic code, such as jargon or technicalities. A physician using complex terminology with a patient creates a barrier, making the message, although heard, incomprehensible.