Communication is the medium for an active, complex and collaborative process and is a continuous process. For business or even relationships to be successful and highly productive, communications must absolutely be used and developed. This essay demonstrates distinctive ways in which communications can be improved and increased, relating to an incident/case study I recently experienced in my workplace. THE COMMUNICATION INCIDENT After I graduated from high school, I was adamant about finding a job that would keep me busy for the four months before starting college. I was eventually hired by Hog's Breath, Woonona, as a casual member of the front of house staff, which means I am constantly interacting with customers, kitchen staff and other members of my team. I have always been a confident communicator and my manager absolutely agrees with this, which is why one day I was asked to serve a deaf couple, a married male and female. My manager believed that other staff members would be too uncomfortable and nervous to serve the couple, as verbal communication, the most common form of communication used in the restaurant when serving customers, would clearly not be a strong option as regards these two certain customers. I was still happy to add the deaf couple to my section of the restaurant and be their waiter for the night. The woman, approaching the table, was quick to let me know that she and her companion were deaf, through direct sign movements to her ears, as well as trying to say so verbally. I then smiled back at each of them and opened the menu to the drinks and appetizers page, running my hand down the page, suggesting that perhaps they would like to start here. Then I also used my hand to direct both of their attention... to the center of the paper... analyzing it, I can honestly say that both verbal and non-verbal communication were equally important and successful as there really is an inherent relationship built between the two of them. It was interesting now to look back on the situation and realize that the deaf woman was really trying to engage in verbal communication for my interests, while I was really trying to engage in nonverbal communication for hers. Therefore, I can honestly say that I believe the communication, both verbal and non-verbal, was quite successful as we were both engaged and focused on the situation and the possible miscommunications or misunderstandings that could easily arise. Even though it took a long time because we both had to figure out the best way we can communicate, in the end it was better and I truly believe that for communications to be successful, patience must be implemented.