The twenty-first century is revolutionizing personal and professional communication. Technology extends our reach—making the study of communication more important than ever. Problem solving, critical thinking, and navigating new technologies require the ability to communicate precisely.

Affordable and engaging, the fifth edition of this concise yet comprehensive text covers intrapersonal and interpersonal communication, language, nonverbal communication, presentational speaking, persuasion, interviewing, and working in teams. The authors present indispensable skills for encoding and decoding messages. Interactive exercises encourage readers to experiment with what they learn about communication, to reflect on previous experiences, and to think critically about the choices available to them. Practicing communication skills builds competence and confidence in composing clear, compelling messages.

Verbal and nonverbal communication affect all interactions; they can enhance relationships or lead to conflict. Studying communication provides a foundation for understanding the components of effective communication prior to sending a message. Each section of the book guides readers in evaluating available choices and encourages them to think about potential consequences—building strong skills for meeting challenges and finding solutions.