An Assignment on

Distortion of Message

Distortion
Distortion is a phenomenon in the communication where all the messages do not reach the
receiver or the intend of the message is changed.

Causes of distortion
1. Personal Barriers
• Your style and character(rude, polite, shy, outspoken)
• Preparation and presentation.
• Lack of clarity(Pronunciation, pitch, etc)
• Lack of credibility.
• Timing

2. Organizational barriers
• Culture
• Environment
• Size and structure
• Pace of activity

3. Process barriers
• Channel/ medium
• Irrevalent information loading
• Lack of response or feedback
• Inappropriate questions
Types of distortion of message
According to Kirk (1953), the distortion of information may be of three fundamentally
different kinds:
1. Systematic of stretch distortion
2. Fog distortion
3. Mirage distortion
1. Systematic or stretch distortion
In this distortion, no information is lost. Rather it is changed or recorded in an orderly or
systematic way. Thus in this case, the information is purposely changed in a systematic way
to serve some specific objectives. This type of distortion may be useful for extension workers
for effective treatment of the message.

2. Fog distortion
In fog distortion, information is lost, masked or ‘fogged’ over, because of the inability of the
communicator to encode and/or the inability of the receiver to decode the message with the
complete fidelity.

3. Mirage distortion
In mirage distortion, we can see something that is not there. Far from withholding
information from us, mirage distortion gives us extra unwanted information. It is unwanted
because it is likely to result in mistaking the distorted message as pertinent information, thus
introducing error into prediction. Extension workers, while painting a rosy picture with
regard to new idea may create a mirage type of distortion the mind of the farmers.

Distortion occurs at different levels in communication

1. Senders and Receivers

The more diverse their goals or the more antagonistic they are in relations, the the more likely
that distortions and errors in communication will occur.
2. Transmitters and Receptors
The choice of transmitters can affect outcomes. Some messages may be better spoken others
written. Poor eyesight, faulty hearing, etc diminish the ability of a receiver to receive a
message accurately.

3. Messages
The symbolic forms by which information is communicated. The more we use symbolic
communication, the more likely the symbols may not accurately communicate the meaning
we intend.

4. Encoding
The process by which messages are put into symbolic forms. Senders are likely to encode
messages in a form which receivers may not prefer.

5. Channels
The conduits by which messages are carried from one party to another. Messages are subject
to distortion by channel noise or various forms of interference.

6. Decoding
The process of translating messages from their symbolic form into a form that makes sense.
When people speak different languages, decoding involves higher degree of error.

7. Meanings
The facts, ideas, feelings, reactions or thoughts that exist within individuals and act as filters
for interpreting the decoded message. Those filters can introduce distortions.

8. Feedback
The process by which the receiver reacts to the senders’ message. Absence of feedback can
contribute to significant distortions. Feedback can distort communication by influencing the
offers negotiators make.

Overcoming distortion of message:

1. Verbal emotions
2. Watch verbal cues
3. Use feedback
4. Simple language
5. Listen actively

An example of distortion of message:

A reporter was present at a hamlet burned down by the U S Army 1st Air cavalry Division in
1967. Investigation found:
The order from the division headquarters to brigade was:
“On no occasion must hamlets be burned down.”
The brigade radioed the battalion:
“Do not burn down any hamlets unless you are absolutely convinced that the Viet Cong are in
them.”
The battalion radioed the infantry company at scene:
“If you think there are any Viet Cong in the hamlet, burn it down.”
The company commander ordered his troops:
“Burn down that hamlet.”

References:
1. Sandhu, A.S.2004 Text Book on Agricultural Communication Oxford and IBH New
Delhi.
2. Internet.