Perception is the process of selecting, organizing, and interpreting data from our senses. This is an inherently subjective process with much potential for error, both in the perception of self and in the perception of others. Our self-concept and self-esteem are protected by the self-serving bias. Our perception of others is biased by the primacy effect, negativity bias, attribution error, and stereotyping. Our perception of self and others is a fundamental starting point of human communication. We reveal who we are to others by self-disclosing. To be a competent communicator, monitor your perceptual biases, avoid snap judgments, recognize cultural differences, manage the impressions you make with others, practice empathy, and check your perceptions of others with them.