Communication involves the transfer of information from a sender to a receiver using a medium. The communication process includes the sender sending a message, the receiver understanding and responding to the message, and feedback between the two. Effective communication requires practice, patience and perseverance and can be improved by maintaining eye contact, body posture, facial expressions, listening skills and a positive attitude. Barriers to communication include distractions, lack of focus, misinterpreting words, cultural differences and difficulties expressing ideas.