“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

— William H. Whyte1

Communication has always been a complex life skill for everyone. How we pass information to others and how we understand what is being conveyed to us can often be complicated. And today, with the ever-increasing number of communication tools at our fingertips, our need to understand how, when, and what we communicate is even more crucial. Well-honed communication skills can improve all aspects of your life. This is true regarding relationships with friends, significant others, family, acquaintances, people with whom you work, colleagues in your classes, and professors. In other words, everyone! Communication is probably the most important skill you can develop in your life.

By the time you complete this chapter, you should be able to do the following:

• Articulate the variables to communication.
• Define the forms and purpose of communication.
• Understand how technology has changed communication.
• Discuss various contexts of communication.
• Describe barriers to effective communication.