Barriers between the listener and the speaker can be numerous and varied. They include environmental and physical barriers like noise, which can block or distort incoming stimuli, and physiological noise stemming from a physical illness or bodily stress. Cognitive and personal factors such as complex or abstract information, cognitive limits, a lack of listening preparation, and prejudices can also interfere with effective listening. Additionally, emotional barriers like anxiety or stress, and even differences in language and culture, can impede the communication process12345. References: Communication in the Real World, Fundamentals of Communication, Effective Communication: Barriers and Strategies, MBA Notes, SkillPacks