During discussions sometimes someone makes a statement which will block an effective conversation or in worst case leads to an abort of the meeting. Such disastrous statements are called communication barriers. These are formulations which attack the autonomy of the communication partner. There is the danger that he reacts with defense, counterattack, irritation or termination of the conversation. Following I want to show you some typical groups and examples of such statements. If you know these communication barriers you are able to avoid them.
| Type of communication barrier | Examples |
| command, direct | „You have to do that!“ „Stop it!“ |
| warn, admonish, threaten | „If you had not done that …“ „I warn you; If you …“ |
| moralize, preach, adjure | „You are obliged to do it!“ „I want you to do it.“ |
| advice, make suggestions, deliver solutions | „You should …“ „It would be best for you …“ |
| convincing by logic, give lectures | „Let me explain the facts.“ „Experience shows us …“ |
| praise, blandish | „You are a clever man.“ „So far you have always …“ |
| slander, ridicule, embarrass | „You talk as if you had heard about this for the first time.“ |
| interpret, analyze, diagnose | „You say that because you are angry.“ |
| pacify, comfort | „It will be better.“ |
| research, ask, interrogate | „Who has influenced you?“ „Why did you do that?“ |
| distract, evade | „This reminds me of the time when …“ |
| generalizing | „Whenever you …“ „We will never …“ |
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