Based on the idea that while the field of communication is constantly changing, many basic communication skills remain the same, this new text helps students master the foundational writing, speaking, and interpersonal communications skills crucial for career success. The authors' friendly writing style works hand-in-hand with a non-threatening, humorous presentation that makes the basics of communication lively and interesting. While the greatest proportion of text material is devoted to such applications as business plans and funding proposals — the kind of communications most often used by the small businesses and professions in which the majority of students will start their careers — there is also substantial information on report writing and standardized communications, for students who will begin their employment in large-scale corporate organizations.