What is considered external noise in communication?

External noise in communication refers to any environmental factors or distractions that can interfere with the effective delivery or reception of a message. This includes sights or sounds that may divert the attention of the receiver away from the intended communication. For instance, a loud construction site, a ringing phone, or visual stimuli in a busy room can all serve as external noise, making it difficult for the listener to focus on what is being said.

In contrast, internal thoughts that distract from listening, challenges posed by the message sender, and emotional responses from the audience are not classified as external noise but rather as internal factors that influence interpersonal communication and comprehension. These internal distractions influence how the message is interpreted but do not fall under the umbrella of external noise, which is more about the physical environment and its impact on communication clarity.