And finally, we understand that students come to the interpersonal communication course from a variety of life experiences. We worked, therefore, to make our writing accessible, avoiding cliches and using technical terms only when necessary to make a point, explaining their meanings as needed. We also made a conscious effort to use examples that reflect the diversity of interpersonal encounters. Thus, we include examples of interpersonal communication between teacher-student, physician-patient, painter-client, landlord-renter, politician-voter, clergy-layperson, retail clerk-customer, husband-wife, and friend-friend, among others.

Understanding Interpersonal Communication: Making Choices in Changing Times has a strong mixture of theory and skills. The focus on linking these two areas together is the text's greatest strength. There is use of current research that helps support the career and personal application throughout the text.
--Katherine Taylor, University of Louisville

1. Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
2. Communication, Perception, and the Self
3. Communication, Culture, and Identity
4. Communication and Emotion
5. Effective Listening
6. Communicating Verbally
7. Communicating Nonverbally
8. Sharing Personal Information
9. Communicating Power and Conflict
10. Communicating in Close Relationships
11. Technology and Interpersonal Communication