Humans are pack animals. Our ancestors hunted and gathered as a collective, depending upon one another for protection, sustenance and companionship. Our success as a species and as individuals depends upon our ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and non-verbally.

Today is the 50th anniversary of Star Trek. The final frontier the series crossed was one of challenging societal norms and asking uncomfortable questions .

Whether you�re sending a routine work email or chatting with people at a networking event, you want to appear as polished as possible. Why?

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In his book "Louder Than Words: Non-Verbal Communication," author Alton Barbour states that only 7 percent of communication is based on words. Thirty-eight percent is based on volume, pitch and tone of the voice, and a full 55 percent is based on facial expressions and other non-verbal communication.

If you've ever flubbed up while trying to communicate a message -- as most people have -- you understand just how important the different aspects of communication are. Communication is far more than just the words that come out of your mouth.

When a person responds to your words by saying �I hear you,� you may sometimes wonder if he is truly listening to you. Perhaps you find your mind wandering off when someone is sharing her thoughts with you. Hearing and listening have quite different meanings. Hearing is a passive occurrence that requires no effort.

Communication is an essential part of everyday life. People communicate with one another to share ideas, express thoughts and feelings, and resolve problems. Errors occur when a communicated message is not given or received as it was intended.

Effective communication promotes a sense of trust at its core. Conveying words, facial expressions and hand gestures ineffectively can destroy home and work relationships.

Communication is the process of sharing information, thoughts and feelings between people through speaking, writing or body language. Effective communication extends the concept to require that transmitted content is received and understood by someone in the way it was intended.

Schizophrenia is a complex illness that produces many different problems. Before attempting to communicate with someone who has schizophrenia, make sure you are ready. Make sure you have calmed down if you have been frustrated by the person�s behavior. Begin the conversation when you can project a reassuring presence.

A team filled with the best players in the league who communicates poorly will flounder in mediocrity, while a team filled with run-of-the-mill players who communicates flawlessly will be contenders every year.