Barriers That Block Effective Communication

An obvious barrier to communication is erecting an emotional wall whenever some aspect of oneself is threatened. In this emotional state a person is capable of withdrawing from any attempt to communicate. Another barrier is regressing into rage to prevent appearing weak and helpless.

Barriers to communication prove to be stumbling blocks for growth and change and are detrimental to a relationship. Mood incompatibility is capable of blocking effective communication, which means being at two distinct levels of emotional intensity. Mood incompatibility can barricade harmony and goodwill.

Another barrier to effective communication is having well-kept secrets that keep others distant and confused about the actual problem. God's word is clear that what is hidden will eventually be exposed. Accept this as God’s encouragement for practicing honesty and openness, which provide hope for experiencing joy and peace in your relationships. 

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Someday everything in men’s hearts shall be brought to light and made plain to all. So be careful how you listen…

~Luke 8:17-18 The Living Bible 

May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

~Psalm 19:14 The Living Bible

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Speak with Confidence

Limitations in communications may be caused by incompatibility of moods with another person. Mood incompatibilities can cause conflict, misunderstanding, and avoidance of other people. Emotional barriers can range from feeling grumpy to strong feelings of anger, fear, and anxiety, making communications seem impossible.

Mood incompatibility can be responsible for misunderstandings that create negative attitudes toward one another. These attitudes may create responses similar to, "You're always in a bad mood. You're never happy and this rubs off on me." It’s possible however to respond with, “Is there something bothering you that I can help resolve?”

Trying to communicate can be risky but holding back what needs to be verbalized may result in a crisis. Trusting the Holy Spirit to give you courage to do what is right is an alternative to emotional distance. There are times when trusting others to provide insight is God’s answer for help and encouragement.  

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…Never worry about how to defend yourselves, or what to say, for at that very moment the Holy Spirit will teach you what you ought to say.

~Luke 12:11-12 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.