I'd have to say that the basis of communication begins long before the provided choices are even scratched.
I have a four year old daughter that is one of the best communicators in my entire extended family - A family that includes engineers, dentists, professional sales reps, and a social worker.
She listens, takes info, asks questions, formulates rebuttals, and can recognize bull$#!t. She senses humor, and can respond in kind.
I submit that communication is learned by example, and nurtured through a curiosity and genuine interest in other people.
Take me as a counter example. I'm a smart cookie, degreed, licensed, highly logical, musically talented and enjoy reading.
I could barely make spit to find out how others feel or think. It's not my nature. I just don't care.
I try, sometimes, but generally become quite bored. As a youngster, I had little modeling of effective communication, had no one of my age to work with, and adults generally anticipated and provided my needs. When I asked, my wants were generally minimized, so I quit asking. As a result, I don't talk much. When someone says something that a higher functioning human might see as an invitation to communicate, I'll grunt and nod in agreement. Look at my posts here on APS. Ususally a humorous or emotional tangent. No real back and forth "communication"
Communication is something that begins at birth, and by the time we were five, there was a predisposition already set.
Sure, we all can work and improve, but a set of disciplines teaches it?
No.
A set of parents, brothers, sisters and peers?
Yes.
