As we look at the six major roadblocks to effective corporate communication, it's important to remember
that correspondence has a purpose. That is, to send a message. This message must also be decoded to the
individual to whom it is being delivered. We communicate to send a message to our business customers,
employees, bosses, or associates. “Language allows you to communicate, but it also allows you to
miscommunicate and misunderstand” (McLean, 2010, pg 57).
SIX MAJOR BARRIERS OF COMMUNICATION:
1. Cliché
2. Jargon
3. Slang
4. Sexist and Racist Language
5. Euphemism
6. Doublespeak
Cliché
“Clichés are sometimes a symptom of lazy communication, the person using the cliché hasn’t bothered to
search for original words to convey the intended meaning” (McLean, 2010, pg 58). This is a term that has
become so overused in a society that it has lost its significance. Cliché is an abusive expression,
something that has become so commonplace that it no longer has any meaning or relevance in a debate.
Cliché is often associated with poor writing and speaking. They make it appear as though you didn't put
any thought into what you said. Clichés are frequently an infestation of sluggish correspondence because
