Recognized for its focus on being "other-oriented" - a focal point that highlights the importance interpersonal interactions -Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others enhances communication competence in a variety of interpersonal relationships and interpersonal contexts. This sixth edition emphasizes the expanding role of technology in interpersonal communication and the implication of its use in our daily relationships and communication with others. Relating to Others also offers exceptional coverage of cultural diversity, to help readers understand and adapt to these differences while learning how to establish common links with other individuals enabling them to build and strengthen relationships in their everyday lives.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents: I. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION FOUNDATIONS 1. Introduction to Interpersonal Communication What is Interpersonal Communication? Why is Interpersonal Communication Important to Your Life? The Communication Process Electronically Mediated Interpersonal Communication Principles of Interpersonal Communication Improving Your Interpersonal Communication Competence 2. Interpersonal Communication and Self Self Concept: Who You Think You Are Self-Esteem: Your Self Worth How to Improve Your Self Esteem Self and Interpersonal Relationships Self and Communication Social Style 3. Interpersonal Communication and Perception Understanding Interpersonal Perception How We Form Impressions of Others How We Interpret the Behavior of Others Barriers to Accurate Interpersonal Perception How to Improve Perception Skills 4. Interpersonal Communication and Cultural Diversity: Adapting to Others Understanding Diversity: Describing Our Differences Understanding Culture: Dimensions of Our Mental Software Barriers to Effective Intercultural Communication Improving Intercultural Communication Competence II. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS 5. Listening and Responding Skills Listening Defined Listening Styles Listening Barriers Enhancing Listening Comprehension Skills Enhancing Empathic Listening Skills Enhancing Critical Listening Skills Enhancing Responding Skills Enhancing Empathic Responding Skills Enhancing Skill in Confirming Others 6. Verbal Communication Skills How Words Work The Power of Words Word Barriers Using Words to Support Others Using Words to Be Appropriately Assertive 7. Nonverbal Communication Skills. Why Learn about Nonverbal Communication? The Challenge of Interpreting Nonverbal Messages Nonverbal Communication Codes Interpreting Nonverbal Communication Improving Your Skill in Interpreting Nonverbal Messages Improving Your Skill in Expressing Nonverbal Messages 8. Conflict Management Skills. Conflict Defined Conflict Myths Conflict Types Conflict and Power. Conflict Management Styles Conflict Management Skills III. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION RELATIONSHIPS. 9. Understanding Interpersonal Relationships Interpersonal Relationships Defined Types of Interpersonal Relationships Genesis of Interpersonal Relationships: Attraction Stages of Interpersonal Relationship Development Theories of Interpersonal Relationship Development 10. Managing Relationship Challenges Relationship Challenges The Dark side of Interpersonal Communication and Relationships De-Escalation and Termination of Relationships 11. Interpersonal Relationships: Friendship and Romance Friendship Romantic Relationships Strategies and Skills for Developing Interpersonal Relationships 12. Interpersonal Relationships: Family and Workplace Family Relationships Workplace Relationships