Communication Barriers

• Word Choice – Selection of words or phrases chosen to

express oneself.

• Recruiter says to parent, “Mrs. Ramirez, I wanted to let you

know your children’s eligibility in the MEP is going to

expire.”

• What words or phrases in this statement could cause

confusion for the parent?

Read the second communication barrier and its definition from the screen.
Ask participants to reword the statement using more specific language. Have them share their responses with the whole group.
Click to show participants an example of what this communication barrier might look like in the MEP.
Ask participants to read the example and consider the question. Ask them to share their thoughts as a whole group.

A misunderstanding can be caused by words that have more than one meaning, and confusion can also occur when the wrong word is chosen or when abbreviations and acronyms are used.

The word “expire,” depending on context, can mean “to die” or “no good.” It would be better to use a simpler phrase like “your children’s eligibility is going to run out.”