This chapter begins with, "Human communication is simply an exchange of information, verbal or nonverbal, between a sender and a receiver."  Ah, yes, and then it goes on to explore why this is NOT just "simply" communication!  If only it were that easy!
   An important piece of our communicating was actually discussed some in the Thinking chapter - and that is communicating with ourselves.  We pretty much always have a running commentary going off in our minds - and it's not always pretty.  That commentary started before we understood language.  As infants we learn to understand non-verbal cues that are added to as we learn language skills and we have a pretty solid set of judgments and values by the time we start school.  This is most often the foundation of that internal conversation we have with ourselves - and often no longer serves us as adults as it did as a child.  Much of the time we aren't even aware we're having the dialogue!  As with thinking, this dialogue has a lot to do with our self-concept which in turn has a lot to do with our overall wellness.  It is an interesting exercise to take a few days to really listen to your self-talk.  Write out how you communicate with yourself; see what patterns there are, what messages are repeated.  If they are not ones of encouragement and support, you might investigate ways to improve your self-communication.
   But usually when we think of communication, we think about our interactions with other people.  As with our first quote - communication is an exchange of information.  Sometimes it is just for fun and those conversations rarely cause much problem.  Most of the time, however, we communicate because one side - or both - of the conversation has a need to be met.  If our message - our need - is not effectively given or received, then that need is not going to be fulfilled and the result can range anywhere from mildly irritating or inconvenient to missed opportunities and misunderstandings to downright harmful or even deadly.  We are all wise to take the time to work on effective communication skills.
   There are two sides to communication - the giving and the receiving of information.  Ideally, the message given is clear, truthful and respectful, is received in the manner it was intended and results in a clear, truthful and respectful response.  Many things can get in the way of this, however.  Using generalizations, absolutes and judgments (always/never, good/bad, stereotypes) either in giving or filtering our receiving the message can foster defensiveness, stress and distance,  making it harder to have a positive exchange.  Trying to determine what another wants to hear instead of what you really want to say is stressful & counter-productive in the long run.  Delivering a message with a desire to control a situation rather than relate to it - having an agenda or ulterior motive - doesn't contribute to positive communications. 
   These problems don't generally arise in our basic chit-chat with the neighbor or at a social gathering.  But when the situation calls for sharing of feelings, especially ones considered negative, how we communicate is critical.
   Listening skills are a vital part of communication and something that can be practiced, learned and improved.  Many times we only partly listen and are quick to assume the end of the sentence/question/story and mentally prepare our next response instead of hearing it out to the end.  Practice fully listening.  Notice your stance, your facial expressions, the feelings that are triggered as you listen.  When you prepare to share information, notice those same things, along with your intention for sharing and the words you choose. 
   This chapter ends with some mention of different kinds of communications beyond our human kind.  Many other communications contribute to our wellbeing including those between other organized systems - from our cells and other groups of animals (like fish and ants) who are individuals but often function as a unit, to our communities and indeed, our Planet Earth.  It may be wise to listen to messages from others than humans as well!