¶ … veterinary tech that everyone here looks down on me" Ericka stated after the group leader asked her how her life was going. She sat near the door, her legs and arms crossed, clutching her coat and looking at the floor. The group, a focus group on how to improve interpersonal relationships, was composed of health care workers that were primarily doctors and nurses. "So what is on your mind?" The group leader asked again. Ericka then continued with her life issues, "Right now I am nervous because I have to move and I am in the process of changing jobs. I can't find a place that will fit my budget but I have to be out of my place in two days. I am getting real nervous and do not want to end up jobless and living on the street..." A well-dressed man in the back interrupted "Have you looked in the classifieds?" Another lady added "I have been in that situation, but with children, you only have to worry about yourself!" One of the ladies next to Ericka replied "Are you looking for low housing income?" Questions and judgments were hurled at her like ice balls in a winter snowball fight. Ericka seemed to take offense to the deluge of advice that followed and appeared quite upset. "We're only trying to help" said the man in the back. Over the commotion of the group offering advice or comparing their past strugglers to Ericka's current dilemma the group leader retorted, "Erica, you seem really upset. I can't help but think there is something else, something deeper that is bothering you. What is it?" Then all went quiet. The group members seemed offended as Ericka got up and left the room in tears. "She's a little off isn't she?" whispered the man in the back of the room. Could (1969) described several barriers to effective communication that are relevant here: (1) Encoding barriers represent obstacles to forming the message such as a lack of sensitivity to the listener, a lack of communication abilities, and emotional interference in...

Ericka already had a pre-formulated opinion as to how her input and situation would be evaluated by the rest of the group. Was she aware that her own expectations and behavior could induce the exact attitude she was concerned about? What message did she transmit before the group even had a chance to evaluate her message? Did her body language set her up to be picked on? What would have happened if she would have directed the group with an open body posture and asked for feedback after her first statement? (2) Transmitting barriers represent complications with the sender and message such as physical distractions like noise (anything that actually interferes with the intent of the message) or sending conflicting messages. Ericka sent two different messages to the group. Was Ericka concerned that the group would not identify or accept her or did she want to get advice from the group concerning her living and employment situation? The group chose to answer the latter message and ignore the first. If Ericka would have been clear about her first concern what would have happened? By not concentrating on her initial statement and discussing her life and employment situation perhaps she legitimized her first concern in her own mind and with the group. (3) Decoding barriers represent hurdles that the receiver must be aware of in understanding the message such as a lack of interest in the message, poor listening practices, and emotional interferences. The group seemed not even to hear Ericka when she stated that she felt as if the group had a pre-conceived notion of her. Did they hear or consider Ericka's concern before offering advice? The group did not appear to consider Ericka's message at all and instead responded to her situation, thus confirming Ericka's preexisting opinion. (4) Responding barriers represent difficulties such as the sender allowing for no provision for feedback or the responder giving inadequate…