In the real world, encoding (putting information into words) and decoding (getting message/ the message of words) are liable to distortion, the medium is not completely transparent, there is noise and interfaces, and finally, feedback is needed.

Filters

Many misunderstandings and problems cab occur as the sender’s message passes through filters comprising attitudes, beliefs, experiences, perception of personal status, and capacity for clear thinking. The receiver also has his/her filters, some of which may be the same as the sender’s, but there could be others as well, such as low involvement, a vested interest elsewhere, or inability to concentrate.

Interference

Other interference or noise can also get in the way of the message-example are faulty telephones, poor handwriting, visual distortions or mechanical noise.

Feedback

The cost of communication failure can be high, and it is important, whenever possible, to get feedback so as to check that the message had been received as the sender intended.

Assumptions, Perceptions and Feelings

All of us have been a part of a situation in which a communication failure occurred because we made incorrect assumptions and had different perceptions about the other people involved or the situation itself. It is not always practical for managers to determine the assumptions others make about a given situation. However, when it is practical, checking out these assumptions can pay off in improved communications.

Activity

1. Can you think of some assumptions that we often make in our day-to-day communication with others?
2. Write down your assumptions when you are writing, speaking to others.
3. For example, you may believe that the other person knows the exact situation about which you are speaking or writing to him. But it may not be so. In this case, your assumption happens to be wrong. And it would cause failure of communication.