The concept of competence in speech communication situations is explored here, with emphasis on the identification of competency as an educational objective. A review of relevant research in the relatively new area of communicative competence is presented, as well as an examination of the theoretical and conceptual issues relating to it. Competence research reveals a number of "dimensions" or components of competence, the most clearly defined being empathy, behavioral flexibility, and interaction management. With a basic knowledge of which communication abilities are necessary for adequate functioning in society, educators are then challenged to devise educational strategies to give students the knowledge and experiential learning necessary to achieve competence in this vital area of their lives.