Nonverbal communication can also take place through the physical arrangement of space. Proxemics is the study of the way space is utilized. There are many communication barriers that come up during the communication process. First, there are physical distractions that interfere with the effectiveness of a communication attempt. For example, I work at a hardware store and I would be mixing paint for customer while another customer comes up to me and asks where something is located in the store.
Mixed messages are another communication barrier.
These occur when words say one thing while nonverbal cues say something else. For example, a person could be saying yes to something, but their body language is saying no. The absence of feedback and cultural differences are other communication barriers. Also, the MUM effect is a communication barrier, and occurs when people are reluctant to communicate bad news. The elements of effective communication.