Business Studies – 2.3.2 Communication barriers | e-Consult

Non-verbal communication, encompassing body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures, can significantly hinder effective communication if not interpreted correctly. It's often subconscious, and can contradict the spoken message, leading to confusion and misinterpretations.

Two examples of non-verbal cues and potential misinterpretations are:

• Eye Contact: In some cultures, direct eye contact is a sign of respect and attentiveness. However, in other cultures, it can be considered disrespectful or aggressive. A lack of eye contact might be interpreted as shyness or disinterest in some cultures, while excessive eye contact could be seen as challenging or confrontational in others.
• Posture: A closed-off posture, such as crossed arms or hunched shoulders, can signal defensiveness or disengagement. This might lead the speaker to believe the listener is not interested or is disagreeing with them, even if that's not the case. Conversely, overly relaxed or casual posture might be perceived as a lack of seriousness or respect.

Therefore, it's crucial to be aware of cultural differences in non-verbal communication and to strive for congruent verbal and non-verbal messages to avoid misunderstandings.