Communication skills allow one to exchange information, change behavior, and persuade through language, writing, visuals, and body language both formally and informally. Barriers to communication include semantic, emotional, and organizational barriers such as differing symbols, poorly expressed messages, distrust, and complex organizational policies. Effective communication involves paying attention to verbal and nonverbal messages as well as maintaining clarity, adequacy, integrity, and proper timing through eye contact, body language, and clear expression.