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Barriers to Effective Communication

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Barriers to Effective Communication

CJA304

In this paper, I will describe the process of communication as well as its components, describe the difference between listening and hearing, describe the formal and informal channels of communication, and suggest strategies that may be implemented to overcome communication barriers. Communication can be described as “a process involving several steps, among two or more persons, for the primary purpose of exchanging information” (Wallace & Roberson, 2009). There are two types of communication that we use in our everyday lives: verbal and nonverbal communication. In order to be an effective communicator, a person should consider the components of communication (Wallace …show more content…

Differences Between Listening and Hearing Two important aspects of the communication process are hearing and listening. While both are fundamental to the process, they have two separate and distinct functions. Often, people use these terms interchangeably. To do so is incorrect, their true definitions are different. Understanding the differences can enhance relationships with employees, co-workers, and superiors. Knowing the difference can even improve job performance. Here is a good analogy of the terms: “Hearing is the physical sense of perceiving sound. Listening is a mental exercise requiring diligent intention and constant practice. One is a sense we are born with; the other a skill to attain” (Meiners, July). Wallace and Roberson wrote a list of tasks a good listener performs. They are concentrates on a speaker, interprets the speaker’s words, evaluates the meaning, and responds effectively. There are four variables that will affect this list of tasks; a listener must be able to take in what is being said, the speaker must be able to have the ability to keep the listener’s attention span, the speaker must also be able to keep the listener’s interest peaked, and the environment in which the communication is taking place should be conducive to listening.

The Channels of Communication in Criminal Justice Organizations There are two categories of channels of communication in criminal

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