CONTENTS Preface Acknowledgements About the Authors Part 1: Fundamentals of Human Communication Chapter 1: Communication: What and Why 1.1 Characteristics of Communication Defining Communication Transactional Model of Communication 1.2 Types of Communication Intrapersonal Communication Dyadic Communication Interpersonal Communication Small-Group Communication Organizational Communication Public Communication Mass Communication Social Media Communication 1.3 Communication Competence There's No

"Understanding Human Communication has a hands-on approach that students will find very relatable and enjoyable compared to the other texts they are using." --Zack Sowder, Virginia Tech "A fresh look at communication for students today." --Lois K. Deerberg, Kirkwood Community College "Recent, relevant, and appealing . . . students will remain engaged." --Ronald Hochstatter, McLennan Community College

Ronald B. Adler is Professor of Communication, Emeritus, at Santa Barbara City College. George Rodman is Professor in the Department of Television, Radio and Emerging Media at Brooklyn College, City University of New York. Athena du Pré is Distinguished University Professor of Communication at the University of West Florida. Barbara Cook Overton has a doctorate in health communication from Louisiana State University and a Master of Fine Arts in media production from the University of New Orleans.

Selling point: Reader-friendly content is up to date and clear without being simplistic, giving students what they need to be successful and keeping them interested with an approachable tone Selling point: Real-life examples and engaging images make concepts interesting, clear, and relevant to students' lives, which increases student motivation and interest Selling point: Updated and expanded coverage of social media, including the associated advantages and dangers, the mass personal- and hyper-personal nature of social media, will help students recognize the challenges of managing communication across the multitude of platforms that they use every day Selling point: Revised discussions of culture and communication, with updated explorations of race and ethnicity, regional differences, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, physical abilities, age/generation, and socioeconomic status, provide relevant context and analysis for students