Which of the following is an example of a contextual barrier to competent listening?

Communication overload serves as an example of a contextual barrier to competent listening because it occurs when an individual is presented with too much information at once, making it challenging to process and comprehend what is being communicated. This barrier can happen in various settings, such as fast-paced environments or during lengthy presentations where numerous topics are covered simultaneously. As a result, the listener may struggle to focus or retain the essential points being conveyed, ultimately hindering effective listening and understanding.

In contrast, while bias and judgment, passivity, and unwillingness to engage can all impede listening, they are more associated with personal attitudes or mental states rather than the external or situational context that defines communication overload. Contextual barriers typically arise from the environment or the nature of the communication process itself, whereas the other options relate more to the listener’s personal involvement or mental engagement during the communication.