What is a common barrier to effective listening during a speech?

Emotional distractions are indeed a significant barrier to effective listening during a speech. When listeners experience strong emotions—whether they be triggered by personal issues, the content of the speech, or even the speaker’s delivery—they may find it difficult to focus on the message being conveyed. This distraction can lead to missing key points or misinterpreting the speaker's intent, ultimately hindering comprehension and engagement with the topic.

On the other hand, factors such as high speaker enthusiasm, clear visuals, and effective body language typically enhance the communication process rather than detract from it. Enthusiasm from a speaker can engage and energize the audience, prompting better attentiveness. Clear visuals aid in the retention of information, making complex ideas easier to understand. Meanwhile, effective body language reinforces the spoken message, helping to captivate and hold the audience's attention.