Praised for its “teachability,” Thinking Through Communication provides an excellent, balanced introduction to basic theories and principles of communication, making sense of a complex field through a variety of approaches.

In an organized and coherent manner, Thinking Through Communication covers a full range of topics–from the history of communication study to the methods used by current communication scholars to understand human interaction. The text explores face-to-face communication in a variety of traditional contexts: interpersonal, group, organizational, public, and intercultural, and offers new insights in computer-mediated communication and the mass media. Thinking Through Communication can be used successfully in both theory- and skills-based courses.

Written in a clear, lively style, Trenholm's overall approach–including her use of examples and interesting illustrations–helps both majors and non-majors alike develop a better understanding of communication as a field of study and an appreciation for ways in which communication impacts their daily lives.

New to this edition:

• The focus of Chapter Three has switched from a general discussion of perception to a detailed examination of listening. In addition to explaining how the listening process works, this chapter also offers suggestions that will help students improve listening effectiveness and teach them how to design messages that enhance audience acceptance and understanding.
• The material on public communication, formerly found in Chapter Nine, has been revised, augmented, and divided into two chapters: Rhetoric and Preparing and Presenting Public Speaking. This new format gives instructors maximum flexibility by allowing them to assign either or both chapters. Students will benefit from the more poignant discussions of both aspects of public communication.  
• The mass communication section, Chapter 11, has been updated to include material on new media as well as an expanded discussion of traditional mass media. New sections on computer-mediated communication and mobile telecommunications technology invite students to consider how media convergence is changing the nature of the mass media and affecting the way they live their lives.
• The suggested readings sections at the end of each chapter have been updated to provide recent titles of interest.

I. INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION.

1. The Communication Tradition.

A Brief History of Communication Study

Communication Today: Contemporary Departments of Rhetoric and Communication Theory.

2. Definitions, Models, and Perspectives.

Defining Communication.

How Models Help Us Understand Communication

It All Depends on Your Point of View: Three Perspectives

Cultural Studies: An Evolving Perspective

What to Look for When You Look at Communication.

II. LISTENING AND LANGUAGE.

3. Decoding Messages: Listening and Perception.

What Is Listening?

The Listening Process

Designing Messages That Are Easy to Listen to

4. Encoding Messages: Spoken Language.

Language is Symbolic

The Subsystems of Language

Pragmatic Styles and Structures

Language and Social Identity

Language Choices and Pragmatic Effects

5. Encoding Messages: Nonverbal Communication.

What Is Nonverbal Communication?

The Nonverbal Codes.

Increasing Nonverbal Skills.

III. COMMUNICATION CONTEXTS. 

6. Interpersonal Communication.

What Is Interpersonal Communication?

Managing Interpersonal Communication.

Relational Development: Stages in Intimate Dyads.

Increasing Relational Skills.

Becoming a More Responsible Communicator.

7. Group Communication.

What Is a Group?

Managing Group Communication.

Group Development: Phases in Problem-Solving Groups.

How not to be Chosen Leader

Strengthening Group Discussion Skills.

Becoming a More Responsible Communicator.

8. Organizational Communication.

What is an Organization?

Managing Organizational Communication.

Developing Organizational Culture.

Increasing Organizational Skills.

Becoming a More Responsible Communicator.

9. Public Communication.

What Is Public Communication?

Why is Public Communication Important?

Evaluating Public Communication

Strengthening Critical Reception Skills

Becoming a More Responsible Communicator

10. Preparing and Presenting Public Speeches

What is a Public Speech?

Planning the Public Speech

Managing Delivery

Increasing Public Speaking Skills

Becoming a More Responsible Comminicator

11. Communication and the Mass Media.

What Is Mass Communication?

How Audiences and Media Messages Interact.

Media Formats and Logics.

Computer Mediated Communication

Becoming a More Responsible Communicator

12. Intercultural Communication.

What Is Culture?

Barriers to Intercultural Communication.

Adapting to New Cultures.

Becoming a More Open Communicator

13. Methods of Discovery.

How Is Communication Research Done?

Five Popular Research Methods.

Learning More about Communication.