Barriers to Effective Communication

I will discuss the process of communication, and the components required to make communication successful. The second point of discussion will describe the differences between listening to communication, and simply hearing it. I will go on to discuss formal and informal communication and how it can relate to the criminal justice system. Finally I will discuss the barriers in communication, and strategies that can be used to eliminate these barriers.

Process of Communication

Communication is done on a daily between individuals, but how much does one understand the process? Communication needs certain steps to be a successful process. Theses steps include transmitting and idea, sending the idea in some form, obtaining the message, understanding the message or idea, and providing feedback to the individual who sent the message (Wallace & Roberson 2009).

In order for the idea to be transmitted one has to have and idea or thought (Wallace & Roberson 2009). A good example is related to my work. Were I am a Dietary Aide in a nursing home. I speak with different professionals that work directly with the patients. When a diet needs to be changed or a patient is struggling with their current diet. We discuss the idea of changing the diet or implementing certain utensils to help the individual.

There is many different ways to send a message through actions, writing, and orally. How the individual receives the message can make his or her reaction different (Wallace & Roberson 2009). If an individual is at work and his or her boss wants a task done or is adding new tasks to the job. The manager/boss should orally give the information, and provide it in written communication so that there is no confusion. All messages should be acted on to ensure that the individuals involved in the communication receive the message properly (Wallace & Roberson 2009).

Listening and Hearing

I can relate to the difference between listening and hearing the communication being sent. There is many meetings at my work were I have daydreamed, or found the information extremely boring because of repetitive material. After doing some of the reading, it seems clearer to me what I need to do to improve my listening skills.

Hearing takes place when a person first receives the message. Listening comes after hearing the message. This can cause a problem if the individual is not an active listener. The individual listening should be thinking while the message is spoken (Wallace & Roberson 2009). I believe that this would help him or her think of questions to ask, or even provide better feedback.

Formal and Informal Channels

Formal and informal channels of communication can be the source of how a person perceives a message. The process is important when considering the different criminal justice organizations. In criminal

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