Interpersonal Communication: Putting Theory into Practice

Description

Some of us may believe that interpersonal communication is a matter of common sense or that skillful communication is an innate ability that you either have or you don’t. In this text, Denise Solomon and Jennifer Theiss demonstrate that interpersonal communication skills are not just common sense; nor are they mysterious qualities that defy learning. Interpersonal Communication: Putting Theory into Practice draws on theory and research in the interpersonal communication discipline to help you identify strategies to improve your communication skills. Denise and Jen introduce interpersonal communication as a subject of scientific research that has enormous relevance to your daily lives. You will learn to use what researchers have discovered about interpersonal communication to improve your own ability to communicate well. You will also read about contemporary research in interpersonal communication, a foundation for establishing skill-building tips. In making research accessible, Denise and Jen show that communication scholars tackle important questions that have real-life relevance, and they dispel myths about interpersonal communication. A touchstone throughout this book is a commitment to topics and applications that can help you in many different situations and throughout your life. The companion website provides self-assessment quizzes, video interviews with scholars, and more. When you have finished reading this text, you will be better prepared to communicate effectively in all areas of your world, with skills and understanding that you can use to improve your interactions with the people around you. Cover INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION Putting Theory into Practice Copyright Brief Table of Contents Contents Preface Icons Used in this Text Acknowledgments Chapter 1 What is Interpersonal Communication? What is Interpersonal Communication? Practicing Interpersonal Communication Studying Interpersonal Communication Interpersonal Communication Ethics Summary Activities For Exploring Communication Ethics Key Words Part 1 Foundations Chapter 2 Culture and Interpersonal Communication What Is Culture? Culture and Communication Intercultural Communication Summary Activities for Exploring Communication Ethics Key Words Chapter 3 Identity and Interpersonal Communication Self-Concept: How you see Yourself Identity: The Communicated Self Identities in Transition Summary Activities for Exploring Communication Ethics Key Words Chapter 4 Perception and Interpersonal Communication Stages of Perception Attribution: Perceiving and Misperceiving Causes Factors That Affect Perception Summary Activities for Exploring Communication Ethics Key Words Part 2 Interpersonal Interaction Chapter 5 Language and Interpersonal Communication The Nature of Verbal Communication The Rules of Language Factors That Affect Language use Biased Language Summary Activities for Exploring Communication Ethics Key Words Chapter 6 Nonverbal Communication What Is Nonverbal Communication? The Functions of Nonverbal Messages Individual Differences Combining Verbal and Nonverbal Cues Summary Activities For Exploring Communication Ethics Key Words Chapter 7 Emotions and Communication What are Emotions? Feelings and Communication Factors That Affect Emotions and Communication The Dark Side of Emotions in Close Relationships Summary Activities for Exploring Communication Ethics Key Words Chapter 8 Listening What Is Listening? Active Listening Listening for Relational Meanings Summary Activities for Exploring Communication Ethics Key Words Part 3 Interpersonal Relating Chapter 9 Developing and Ending Relationships Forming Relationships Escalating Relationships Ending Relationships When Things go Wrong Summary Activities for Exploring Communication Ethics Key Words Chapter 10 Intimacy and Interpersonal Communication The Nature of Intimacy Communication in Intimate Relationships Individual Differences in Intimacy Extremes of Intimacy Summary Activities for Exploring Communication Ethics Key Words Chapter 11 Communication in Families What is a Family? Communication in Family Systems The Family Lifespan Summary Activities for Exploring Communication Ethics Key Words Part 4 Strategic Interpersonal Communication Chapter 12 Interpersonal Influence Goals Influence Messages Interpersonal Influence in Action Summary Activities for Exploring Communication Ethics Key Words Chapter 13 Interpersonal Conflict What Is Conflict? Managing Conflict Conflict Dynamics Summary Activities for Exploring Communication Ethics Key Words Chapter 14 Communicating Comfort and Support Providing Comfort Individual Differences in Comforting Behavior Comfort When it Counts Summary Activities for Exploring Communication Ethics Key Words Bibliography Index