Communication has the following characteristics: 1. It is a two way process involving at least two persons. 2. It is a continuous or dynamic process. Barriers can be overcome to resume the communication, [see (d)] 3. Its basic purpose is to stimulate the understanding and response of the receiver. 4. Communication may be verbal or written; formal or informal; and may assume the form of an order, instruction, report, query, etc. [see (a)] 5. It pervades all human relationship, formal or informal. 6. Communication is verbal as well as non-verbal. 7. It is a goal oriented process, aimed at achievement of objectives, and is effective only when the goals of both the parties are in harmony. 8. It is an interdisciplinary science, deriving from anthropology (study of body language), sociology (study of human behaviour), psychology (study of attitude), etc. 9. It can straighten the bumps but does not guarantee success, [see (c)] 10. Communication skills can be learnt and improved to achieve desired results, [see (b)]