Preface p. viii
The Fabric of Interpersonal Communication
Introduction p. 1
A First Look at Interpersonal Communication p. 10
The Interpersonal Imperative p. 12
Defining Interpersonal Communication p. 20
Models of Interpersonal Communication p. 24
Principles of Interpersonal Communication p. 35
Guidelines for Interpersonal Communication Competence p. 43
Chapter Summary p. 48
Key Concepts p. 49
For Further Thought and Discussion p. 50
Continuing the Conversation p. 50
Communication and the Creation of Self p. 52
What Is the Self? p. 53
Guidelines for Improving Self-Concept p. 77
Chapter Summary p. 84
Key Concepts p. 85
For Further Thought and Discussion p. 85
Continuing the Conversation p. 86
Perception and Communication p. 88
The Process of Human Perception p. 89
Influences on Perception p. 100
Guidelines for Improving Perception and Communication p. 110
Chapter Summary p. 118
Key Concepts p. 120
For Further Thought and Discussion p. 120
Continuing the Conversation p. 121
The World of Words p. 122
The Symbolic Nature of Language p. 123
Principles of Verbal Communication p. 127
Symbolic Abilities p. 134
Speech Communities p. 143
Guidelines for Improving Verbal Communication p. 148
Chapter Summary p. 156
Key Concepts p. 157
For Further Thought and Discussion p. 157
Continuing the Conversation p. 158
The World Beyond Words p. 159
Defining Nonverbal Communication p. 160
Principles of Nonverbal Communication p. 163
Types of Nonverbal Communication p. 169
Guidelines for Improving Nonverbal Communication p. 186
Chapter Summary p. 189
Key Concepts p. 191
For Further Thought and Discussion p. 191
Continuing the Conversation p. 192
Mindful Listening p. 193
The Listening Process p. 195
Obstacles to Effective Listening p. 202
Forms of Nonlistening p. 209
Adapting Listening to Communication Goals p. 214
Guidelines for Effective Listening p. 222
Chapter Summary p. 224
Key Concepts p. 225
For Further Thought and Discussion p. 225
Continuing the Conversation p. 226
Weaving Communication into Relationships
Emotions and Communication p. 227
Emotional Intelligence p. 229
The Nature of Emotions p. 232
Obstacles to Effective Communication of Emotions p. 245
Guidelines for Communicating Emotions Effectively p. 253
Chapter Summary p. 260
Key Concepts p. 260
For Further Thought and Discussion p. 261
Continuing the Conversation p. 261
Communication Climate: The Foundation of Personal Relationships p. 263
Elements of Satisfying Personal Relationships p. 264
Confirming and Disconfirming Climates p. 275
Guidelines for Creating and Sustaining Healthy Climates p. 285
Chapter Summary p. 293
Key Concepts p. 295
For Further Thought and Discussion p. 295
Continuing the Conversation p. 296
Managing Conflict in Relationships p. 298
Defining Interpersonal Conflict p. 301
Principles of Conflict p. 303
Approaches to Conflict p. 309
Responses to Conflict p. 313
Social Influences on Conflict p. 316
Communication Patterns During Conflict p. 320
Guidelines for Effective Communication During Conflict p. 329
Chapter Summary p. 335
Key Concepts p. 336
For Further Thought and Discussion p. 337
Continuing the Conversation p. 337
Friendships in Our Lives p. 339
The Nature of Friendship p. 340
The Development and Rules of Friendship p. 350
Pressures on Friendships p. 355
Guidelines for Communication Between Friends p. 363
Chapter Summary p. 367
Key Concepts p. 368
For Further Thought and Discussion p. 369
Continuing the Conversation p. 369
Committed Romantic Relationships p. 371
Committed Romantic Relationships p. 372
The Organization of Romantic Relationships p. 380
Long-Term Commitments p. 389
Challenges to Sustaining Romantic Relationships p. 398
Guidelines for Communication Between Romantic Partners p. 407
Chapter Summary p. 411
Key Concepts p. 413
For Further Thought and Discussion p. 413
Continuing the Conversation p. 414
Epilogue: Continuing the Conversation p. 416
Communication Creates and Reflects Identity p. 416
Interpersonal Communication Is Central to Relationships p. 417
Interpersonal Communication Takes Place in a Diverse World p. 417
The Road Ahead p. 418
Glossary p. 419
References p. 425
Index p. 439