Communication is active interpretation, consideration, and response within an interaction. To effectively communicate, one must be mentally engaged with the subject ( actively considering and interpreting what is being said/presented). The third piece, reaction, is based on the previous pieces: interpretation and consideration. Unlike the first two parts, the response is an outward expression (mainly seen through physical motion, facial expression, or language). There are many possible barriers to communication, including (but not limited to) misunderstanding the subject’s intentions, forgoing any consideration or interpretation before responding, or even literal barriers, such as not being able to see or hear the subject. There are many cases where I have felt unheard or misunderstood. I often get into disagreements with friends and family because they don’t fully listen to what I am expressing. When someone disagrees with another person, they often shut down the conversation without allowing the other person to finish. I struggle with the consideration and interpretation parts of communication daily. It is within my nature to try and listen to respond; however, when all I can think about is my response, I stop actively listening. To communicate more effectively, I try to listen with an open mind. I focus on what is being said more than what I want to say. Therefore when it is my turn to speak, I can confidently respond, knowing that I am adding to a conversation, not usurping it.