For courses in Introduction to Communication

Communication: Principles for a Lifetime was designed to address the biggest challenge when teaching Introduction to Communication: how to present the variety of fundamental theories and skills without overwhelming learners. The 8th Edition offers new Critical/Cultural Perspectives features that examine contemporary issues in communication and refreshed chapter-ending study guides that better reinforce the authors’ five-principles approach.

Features A clear framework fosters understanding of key concepts

To help students understand and remember the essential concepts of the course, Communication: Principles for a Lifetime is organised around five fundamental communication principles:

Be aware of your communication with yourself and others Effectively use and interpret verbal messages Effectively use and interpret nonverbal messages Listen and respond thoughtfully to others Appropriately adapt messages to others

These principles are introduced early in the text, and are referred to throughout the later chapters as students learn about interpersonal relationships, group and team discussions, and public presentations. This principles-centred framework helps students see the ‘big picture,’ and understand the importance of communication, in the classroom and beyond.

New to this edition

Critical/Cultural Perspectives & Communication features in each chapter explore various topics from a critical/cultural communication perspective, focusing on messages about power, resistance, suppression, and marginalisation. Diversity & Communication features complement and expand discussions of new applications of research about diversity throughout the text. Ethics & Communication features reinforce the importance of being an ethical communicator and may spark enriching discussions. Social Media & Communication features explore ways to effectively use social media as an important communication tool. The chapter-ending study guides have been reworked to better reinforce how chapter content connects to the five fundamental communication principles that form the backbone of the text.

Principle Points narrative summaries help students review the important points of the chapter. Principle Terms lists collect the key terminology of the chapter. Principle Skills questions and collaborative learning activities guide students to think critically about how they can apply chapter concepts to their lives and relationships.

The latest research findings about the principles and skills of human communication have been incorporated throughout each chapter. Fresh, contemporary examples, photos, and illustrations enhance key themes and help students relate course content to their own lives. Two fresh student speeches in Appendix B model the best practices in public speaking.