Providing the knowledge and practical skills needed to make effective communication choices in today’s rapidly changing and technologically advanced society, this text empowers students to become confident communicators.

1. Foundations of Interpersonal Communication 1.1 The Evolution and Foundation of the Communication Field 1.2 Defining Interpersonal Communication 1.3 Three Models of Human Communication 1-4 The Principles of Interpersonal Communication 1-5 Dispelling Myths about Interpersonal Communication 1-6 Interpersonal Communication Ethics Chapter Wrap-Up 2. Communication, Culture, and Identity 2.1 Defining Culture 2.2 Diversity around the Globe and In the United States 2.3 Why Study Intercultural Communication? 2.4 Dimensions of Culture 2.5 Challenges of Intercultural Communication 2.6 Skill Set For Intercultural Understanding Chapter Wrap-Up 3. Communication, Perception, Identity, and the Self 3.1 Understanding Interpersonal Perception 3.2 Influences on Perception 3.3 Dimensions of the Self 3.4 Identity Management 3.5 Online Identity Management 3.6 Skill Set: Improving Perception Checking and Self-Actualization Chapter Wrap-Up 4. Communication Verbally 4.1 Understanding Verbal Symbols 4.2 Factors Affecting Verbal Symbols 4.3 The Destructive and Constructive Sides of Verbal Symbols 4.4 Skill Set For Improving Verbal Communication Chapter Wrap-Up 5. Communicating Nonverbally 5.1 Assumptions of Nonverbal Communication 5.2 Nonverbal Communication Codes 5.3 The Influence of Culture on Nonverbal Communication 5.4 The Influence of Technology on Nonverbal Communication 5.5 Skill Set For Increasing Nonverbal Communication Effectiveness Chapter Wrap-Up 6. Listening and Responding Effectively 6.1 Lend Me Your Ear: Differences between Hearing and Listening 6.2 The Components of the Listening Process 6.3 The Value and Importance of Listening 6.4 The Barriers: Why We Don’t Listen 6.5 Poor Listening Habits 6.6 Styles of Preferred Listening 6.7 Culture and the Listening Process 6.8 Skill Set For Effective Listening Chapter Wrap-Up 7. Communicating and Emotion 7.1 Defining Emotion 7.2 Explaining Emotion: Biology and Social Interaction 7.3 Emotion and Communication 7.4 Influences on Emotional Expression 7.5 Recognizing Blends in Emotional Communication 7.6 Skill Set For Emotional Communication Chapter Wrap-Up 8. Sharing Personal Information 8.1 Definition of Self- Disclosure: Opening Up 8.2 Reasons for Revealing and Concealing Personal Information 8.3 Factors Affecting Self-Disclosure 8.4 Principles of Self-Disclosure 8.5 Explaining Self-Disclosure 8.6 Skill Set For Effective Disclosing Chapter Wrap-Up 9. Communicating Conflict 9.1 Defining Conflict 9.2 Communication Patterns and Styles in Conflict 9.3 The Destructive and Constructive Sides of Interpersonal Conflict 9.4 Explaining Conflict 9.5 The Relationship of Conflict to Power 9.6 Skill Set For Effective Conflict Management Chapter Wrap-Up 10. Communicating in Close Relationships 10.1 Understanding Close Relationships 10.2 Thinking and Talking About Close Relationships 10.3 Influences on Close Relationships 10.4 Developing Interpersonal Relationships through Stages 10.5 Explaining Communication in Close Relationships 10.6 Skill Set For Communicating In Close Relationships Chapter Wrap-Up 11. Communicating with Families, Friends, and Romantic Partners 11.1 Family Relationships 11.2 Close Friendships 11.3 Romantic Relationships 11.4 Skill Set For Improving Your Interpersonal Communication with Family Members, Close Friends, and Romantic Partners Chapter Wrap-Up