This review attempts to identify generic competencies in communication that may be amenable to assessment. Concentrating on research-based literature, the review examines the models, methods, and research reviews that have been used to study communication. From these sources four areas of skill were identified: listening, empathy, non-verbal communication, and expressive abilities. The research relating to the definitions of subskills within these areas is discussed, as well as the difficulties in assessing the skills. (58pp.)