Synopses & Reviews
Interpersonal Communication interweaves current research and theory with the skills needed to communicate effectively in today's complex and diverse "global village." Now in its fifth edition, this bestseller explains the principles and theoretical underpinnings of interpersonal communication while enriching students' everyday interactions with new interpersonal skills. The authors' five-point model of communication competence focuses on the keys to becoming a better communicator. Introduced in the first chapter and employed throughout the book, this useful model emphasizes how communication constructs relationships and how relationships in turn encourage or constrain communication practices. Every chapter contains fascinating applications of communication practices. Drawn from anthropology, ethnology, history, psychology, and popular culture, these applications illustrate how the information and skills needed for effective interpersonal communication can enrich students' enjoyment of most of life's activities.
Interpersonal Communication, 5/e, is ideal for introductory classes on interpersonal communication.
Revised and Updated for the Fifth Edition
·Chapter 4, Verbal Competence, consolidates material on gender and language previously covered in separate chapters. It presents traditional findings and accompanying criticisms side-by-side in order to encourage careful interpretation and discussion.
·Chapter 8, Self Competence, includes an expanded discussion and a new case study on the best way to handle coming-out disclosures-a topic that college students are encountering more and more frequently.
·Chapter 11, Intimate Relationships, provides additional information on factors that lead to the break-up of personal relationships and discusses how gender roles affect relational satisfaction. It also offers a sampling of John Gottman's seminal work on relational conflict.
·Chapter 12, Professional Relationships, has been revised substantially. It contains new sections on organized narratives and ritual, as well as discussions of how to manage professional relationships and set boundaries to separate home, work, and community.
·Chapter 13, Cultural and Historical Influences, features a new discussion of several basic variables that define cultural difference, followed by an examination of how American cultural patterns fit those variables.
Synopsis
This book is an introduction to interpersonal communication, intended for a first course to be taken by freshmen and sophomores. The book introduces students to some of the historical and theoretical underpinnings of interpersonal communication, and demonstrates the ways that they are relevant to contemporary life. Using a five-point model of communication competence, the authors emphasize how communication constructs relationships and how relationships in turn can construct or constrain communication. Applications drawn from disciplines as diverse as anthropology, history, psychology, and cultural studies illustrate the ways that interpersonal communication skill can enrich one's life.
Synopsis
Interpersonal Communication, Fourth Edition, by Sarah Trenholm and Arthur Jensen interweaves current research and theory with the skills needed to communicate effectively in today's complex and diverse "global village." This bestseller explains the principles and theoretical underpinnings of interpersonal communication while enriching readers' everyday interactions with new interpersonal skills. The authors' five-point model of communication competence focuses on the keys to becoming a better communicator. Introduced in the first chapter and employed throughout the book, this useful model emphasizes how communication constructs relationships and how relationships in turn encourage or constrain communication practices. Every chapter contains fascinating applications of communication practices. Drawn from anthropology, ethnology, history, psychology, and popular culture, these applications illustrate how the information and skills needed for effective interpersonal communication can enrich people's enjoyment of most of life's activities.
Table of Contents
Preface
Each chapter ends with a section called "Process to Performance"-which includes Review Terms, Suggested Readings, Topics for Discussion, an Observation Guide, and Exercises.
PART 1: INTRODUCTORY PERSPECTIVES
Chapter 1: Introduction: Communication and Competence
What Is Communication?
Definitions of Human Communication
Characteristics of Communication
Box 1.1. Bonzo Goes to College: Attempts to Teach Language to Primates
A Model of Communicative Competence
Individual Knowledge and Communicative Competence
Social Context and Communicative Competence
Box 1.2. Insulting the Meat: An Interpersonal Communication Ritual
The Link Between Process and Performance
Skill Building: On Taking a Process Perspective
Chapter 2: Interpersonal Communication: Building Relationships
What Is Interpersonal Communication? The Nature of Dyads
The Role of Interpersonal Communication in Relationships
What is a Relationship?
Box 2.1. The Neuroscience of Love: Why We Need Relationships
The Characteristics of Relationships
Relational Paths: Intimacy and Distance
Interpersonal Profiles: Private and Public Paths
Independence vs. Conformity: A Basic Interpersonal Dilemma
Box 2.2. Mind Your Manners: Some Social Functions of Etiquette
Building Relationships: What Does It Take To Be Relationally Competent?
Communication Competence and Relationships
Some Characteristics of Healthy Relationships
Skill Building: A Preview
PART 2: SENDING AND RECEIVING MESSAGES
Chapter 3: Nonverbal Competence
What Is Nonverbal Communication?
Spontaneous Communication
Symbolic Communication
The Power of Nonverbal Codes
The Functions of Nonverbal Codes: Three Ways to Use Them
Expressing Meaning
Modifying Verbal Messages
Regulation the Flow of Interaction
The Structure of Nonverbal Codes: Seven Channels for Message Making
Proxemics
Physical Appearance
Gaze
Box 3.1. The "Guarded Self": How to Avoid Being Seen in Public
Facial Expression
Kinesics
Box 3.2. A Nonlinear History of Handshaking
Vocalics
Tactile Communication
Balancing Nonverbal Codes: Compensating and Reciprocating
Equilibrium Theory
Compensating and Reciprocating in Everyday Life
The Interplay of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Skill Building: Communicating Feelings
Expressing Feelings
Reflecting Feelings
Chapter 4: Verbal Competence
What Is Language?
Differences Between the Verbal and Nonverbal Codes
Characteristics of the Verbal Code
The Functions of Language
The Structure of