External noise can be described as:

External noise refers to physical or environmental distractions that can interfere with effective communication. This type of noise can include sounds such as traffic, people talking, or any auditory disturbances happening around the communicator that are beyond the individual's control. It impacts the receiver's ability to concentrate on the message being communicated.

In contrast, the other options involve internal factors that influence communication. For example, voices in your mind or conscious thoughts pertain to internal dialogue and psychological noise, which can originate from one's own thoughts or feelings rather than external factors. Similarly, emotions that affect communication are also internal; they represent how a person's feelings may distort their perception or response within a communicative context. Therefore, recognizing and understanding external noise is crucial for effective communication, as it pertains to external factors that can obstruct the clarity of the message.