FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)Human Behavior and Effective CommunicationHard
A student pilot recently experienced a frightening encounter with severe turbulence. During the post-flight debrief about that flight, the instructor calmly begins to explain the turbulence encounter, but the student crosses his arms, stops making eye contact, and abruptly says, 'I don't want to talk about this.' What is the best description of the barrier preventing effective communication in this scenario?
- AEmotional barrier
- BSemantic barrier
- CLack of common core of experience
- DPhysical barrier
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Emotional barrier
An emotional barrier exists when strong feelings such as fear, anxiety, or anger interfere with a person's willingness or ability to send or receive a message. The student's defensive body language and refusal to discuss the frightening event reflect an emotional reaction blocking communication, not a vocabulary or physical issue.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Semantic barrier involves differing word meanings, not an emotional reaction to a frightening event.
- C. Lack of common experience involves no shared background, but here the instructor and student share the same flight experience.
- D. Physical barrier involves environmental obstructions like noise or distance, which are not present here.
Emotional Barrier to Communication
A communication barrier that occurs when strong emotions such as fear, anger, or anxiety prevent a person from effectively sending or receiving a message.
- Can manifest as defensiveness, withdrawal, or refusal to engage
- Often linked to a stressful or traumatic prior experience
- Instructors should build trust and address emotions before continuing instruction
Memory trick: 'Feelings first' - strong emotions can shut the communication door.