Interpersonal Communication by Solomon, Denise; Theiss, Jennifer;

Short description:

The third edition of this text continues to provide a comprehensive and practical introduction to the field of interpersonal communication, linking theory to the everyday. It is ideal for undergraduate students in courses on interpersonal communication and communication.

Long description:

The third edition of this text continues to provide a comprehensive and practical introduction to the field of interpersonal communication, linking theory to the everyday so that readers may navigate personal, social, and professional situations in ways that are fulfilling and effective.

This edition again builds on foundational research and theory with attention to current developments in the discipline and guidance on improving interpersonal communication skills. Key updates to this edition include a reorganization and streamlining of chapters, in particular by combining complementary discussions of culture and identity and of perception and listening. While references have been extensively updated, the learning features have been retained and expanded, offering students more opportunities to engage critically and thoughtfully with the material.

Interpersonal Communication: Putting Theory into Practice, Third Edition is ideal for undergraduate students in courses on interpersonal communication and communication skills.

To support the third edition, a comprehensive suite of updated Instructor and Student Resources is available at www.routledgelearning.com/interpersonalcomm.

Instructors will find:

• PowerPoint lecture slides


• Chapter outlines


• Multiple-choice test bank


• Sample syllabi


• Study guides


• Suggestions for chapter, unit, and semester assignments


• Suggested activities to facilitate exam review and in-class discussions.

Students are supported with:

• Videos featuring leading scholars discussing their theories and research


• Communication in Action activities


• Rating worksheets


• Expanded descriptions of theories


• Links to essays and videos featuring the work that students in the Communication Studies program at the California State Prison produced in response to self-reflection prompts in the first edition.

“Solomon and Theiss’ Interpersonal Communication: Putting Theory into Practice, Third Edition represents a welcome addition to introductory treatments of the subject. Undergraduate texts addressing the topic-area abound, but two of the fields’ top scholars have succeeded in crafting a first-rate overview of the extensive body of work bearing on interpersonal processes. The reader will find a seamless combination of classic, seminal work and contemporary advances, with particular emphasis on the latter. Additionally, students will find the Communication in Action and Connect with Theory components of each chapter to be useful tools in concretizing and making more personally relevant theoretical treatments that might otherwise seem somewhat divorced from their own experiences.”   

John O. Greene, Purdue University, USA

“This book provides a solid foundation to teach interpersonal communication skills that facilitate solutions to complex human problems. The authors find a great balance between density and presentation of core concepts. The book provides well-presented content for students to understand core concepts and significant issues, and to reflect on their own communication practices, experiences, and possibilities for making a difference through skillful interpersonal communication.”

Ashley P. Duggan, Boston College, USA

“Solomon and Theiss have once again delivered an exceptional text that blends theoretical rigor with real-world relevance. Interpersonal Communication: Putting Theory into Practice, Third Edition engages students not only with accessible explanations of foundational and contemporary research but also with thought-provoking questions that invite personal reflection and skill development. This is more than a textbook; it’s a guide to becoming a more mindful, competent speaker and listener in both personal and professional life.

Graham Bodie, University of Mississippi, USA

Table of Contents:

Part I: Foundations  1. What Is Interpersonal Communication?  2. The Person in Interpersonal Communication: Culture and Identity 3. Perception and Listening in Interpersonal Communication  Part II: Interpersonal Interaction  4. Nonverbal Communication  5. Language and Interpersonal Communication  6. Emotions and Communication  Part III: Interpersonal Relating  7. Developing and Ending Relationships  8. Intimacy and Interpersonal Communication  9. Communication in Families  Part IV: Strategic Interpersonal Communication  10. Interpersonal Influence  11. Interpersonal Conflict  12. Communication Comfort and Support