The principal aim of this paper is to present a theoretical review of the concept of communication as skill. Several distinctive features are distinguished below.

1. Selective perception of appropriate cues. This is important in the performance of any skill, since not all cues are of equal relevance. 

2. Accuracy in perceiving others can provide valuable guides to action.

3. Deception detection is a notable example of the importance of accuracy, especially for professionals, such as police and customs officers.

4. Feedback and corrective action. How individuals modify their behaviour in the light of feedback from others.

5. Non-verbal cues are particularly useful, in the sense that feedback is always available if you know how to read the demeanour of others.

6. People cannot not communicate. Even a so-called “blank wall” may be seen as a form of communication.

7. Good timing and rhythm, for example, knowing how and when to make a point in a discussion, especially in a larger group, where opportunities for participation may be limited.

8. Social situations. Types of skills vary according to social context. Public speakers will require different skills from those involved in one-on-one interpersonal communication, and vice versa.

9. Cultural differences in communication. Can be highly significant, especially for incidents of miscommunication. Inter-cultural communication can be taught through appropriate training. 

Communication skills are of considerable practical importance. If they can be identified and specified, then they can also be learned and taught, and interpersonal communication may thereby be enhanced. 

Peter Bull PhD, FBPsS (Universities of York & Salford, UK) is a specialist in the analysis of language and communication. He read Modern History at the University of Oxford, and Psychology at the University of Exeter, where he wrote a PhD thesis on the Psychological Significance of Posture. He is now Honorary Professor in Psychology at the Universities of York and Salford (Manchester, UK), and Visiting Professor in Political Communication at the University of Antwerp (Belgium). He has also been Visiting Professor at Sapienza University of Rome (Italy), and is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Peter Bull’s principal academic interest is in the detailed microanalysis of interpersonal communication. He has over 150 academic publications, principally concerned with this theme, especially political communication. His research has been extensively cited (6,477 citations, Google Scholar, 20 January, 2024 - publication h-index 40, i-10 index 96). He has been listed in the Dictionary of International Biography, and in Marquis' Who's Who in the World. He also has a personal profile on the Social Psychology Network (18,115 hits, 20 January, 2025). Peter Bull’s latest book (Peter Bull & Maurice Waddle: The Psychology of Political Communication: Politicians under the Microscope) was published by Routledge in 2023.