Practice: Analyse barriers to communication in specific situations
To practise, here are descriptions of several documents and their intended readers. In each case, identify what you think may be the barriers to communication the writer must overcome to write effectively for that reader. This example will guide you.
The document |
A Terms of Reference document outlining the terms for the services of a translator. |
The purpose of the document |
To explain responsibilities and tasks of the translator of a report to the government. |
The readers |
Your supervisor, the contractor, and the procurement officer. |
How will the writer know that communication has been effective? |
The supervisor and procurement officer will approve the terms and the contractor will agree to them, setting the project in motion. |
What potential barriers to communication exist for the readers of the message? |
Emotional barriers – Any of the readers may feel there is too much or too little work for the remuneration. The supervisor may not have agreed with the selection of the contractor. Practical barriers - It may be difficult to start the contract in the time specified. |
What potential barriers to communication exist for the writer of the message? |
The writer may not be convinced that the translator has enough background on the subject matter to do an effective translation. |
Now you try. Think about the documents described. For each one, describe how the writer will know the communication has been effective and identify barriers that might interfere with the readers' understanding of the message.