Which of the following are barriers to transmitting?

• A. Poor word choice - Silence - Assumptions - Tone - Too many requests - Audio level - Body language
• B. Clear diction and concise phrasing
• C. Active listening
• D. Brief pauses

Answer: (A)

Barriers to transmitting a message in aviation communications include poor word choice, silence, assumptions, tone, too many requests, audio level, and body language. Each of these can distort or obscure the intended meaning at the moment you send the message. Poor word choice leaves the message vague or open to misinterpretation; silence can create uncertainty and prevent timely clarification; assumptions fill gaps with incorrect meaning rather than what you intended; tone conveys attitude and urgency and can change how the message is received, sometimes sounding harsh or impatient; too many requests overwhelm the listener and obscure the primary action or priority; audio level that is too soft, too loud, or inconsistent makes the transmission hard to hear or leads to misreading; and body language can contradict spoken words or signal disengagement, reducing trust in the message. By contrast, clear diction and concise phrasing help communicate precisely, active listening supports understanding and feedback, and brief pauses give time to process and confirm. These elements reduce barriers and improve transmission effectiveness.