This document discusses effective communication skills. It defines communication and outlines the communication process. It identifies the most common forms of communication as spoken word, written word, visual images, and body language. It also discusses different types of communication like downward, upward, and lateral communication. The document outlines barriers to effective communication like noise, inappropriate medium, assumptions, emotions, language differences, poor listening skills, and distractions. It emphasizes the importance of listening skills and provides tips to improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills.