Major Barriers to Business Communication

There are 6 main obstacles that get in the way of effective business communication. What we have in our heads aren’t always easy or perfect when we try to express them. Some people overcome these obstacles easier or more frequently than others. The major 6 obstacles are Cliché, Jargon, Slang, Sexist and Racist Language, Euphemisms, and Doublespeak. Each of these will be discussed with an example for each as well as an example of one I have used in the past. Written Assignment Unit 2 Cliché A Cliché is a word or phrase that has been used so much that it has lost its power and effect.

It has become boring and without the proper amount of sway. So, when that word or phrase is being used it is usually not taken as seriously as it could have been if something else had been used. Think of supervillains.

Yes, the ones from comic books/movies/anime. They all say the same type of lines and monologues that it is almost predictable.

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They are overdramatic and use the same awkward lines over and over again. Things like “You will never defeat me!” or “Oh how long I have planned for this moment!” It’s all overused. This is Cliché. Jargon These are words that are used for field specific or specialist situations. Words that you normally wouldn’t use in everyday life. Probably the most common that people think of would be your job. There are words and phrases that make sense to you and your co-workers but don’t have much use at home.

I can be just about anything though as long as it is in a more professional setting. For instance, I have a friend who is a lawyer and sometimes when she is talking about or reading things in that area of expertise usually, I don’t even bother trying to follow. There are so many words and phrases I don’t know. Plus, it doesn’t really interest me.

Some things I might know from TV but most I don’t. This is Jargon. Slang Slang is a lot like Jargon as it is special words that are used for specific situations but in a more informal setting. Sometimes the line between Jargon and Slang can become blurry and intertwined as language continues to evolve. An example of a slang word would be something like moe. Moe is an anime term for a type of character that evokes strong affectionate feelings from the viewers. This is usually portrayed by a female character and this usually focuses more on the cute side rather than anything to extreme. This is slang. Sexist or Racist Language This can be and usually is a touchy subject. These are words and language that is offensive to people of different groups. Sexist language is derogatory toward a gender and Racist language is derogatory toward people of a certain race or ethic group. Some words can be completely fine but if used in a rude or offensive way can become offensive. Like the word gay.

It can mean happy (a very old way of saying happy) or can refer to a homosexual. But if used in a hateful way can be very rude and insensitive. Some words can also change in terms of being offensive to not at all. Take the word Otaku. This is a Japanese word describing a person obsessed with just about anything but usually referring to Japanese pop-culture/anime. In Japan this used to be pretty derogatory and, in some instances, can still be considered so. But in Western culture, people have embraced this word and many use it just to explain that they are a huge anime or Japanese culture fan. Euphemisms These are substitutions for words that you might not want to otherwise use. It’s like a synonym. You might not be saying the actual word, but everyone knows what you are talking about. Quite often Euphemisms are used to substitute offensive words, but not always. Sometimes when I am around friends with kids, I might hear swear words being replaced with more “kosher” words.

Or I quite often hear older folks refer to the toilet as the John (Don’t ask me). Doublespeak This is the use of words in a way that can hide or change the actual original meaning. Think of what literally almost every politician says and you’re close. If you break it down to basics it is really just a cleverly disguised lie. You make it seem like the truth but it’s really not and unless you really know what the speaker is talking about, you may miss the true meaning. An example of doublespeak would be enhanced interrogation. Some may have heard of that from the movies, but it is real, and it actually means torture. This is doublespeak. Personal Example of a Barrier Used Well I have definitely had times where I have said things pertaining to my job (Jargon) but no one knew what I was talking about. I can’t think of a specific example, but it has happened more than once. Now with Slang that happens a little more often. Especially when I am talking about anime or video games. Quite often my wife has no idea what I am talking about or how to communicate with me when I get hooked on a topic that follows these subjects.