This text offers a blend of theory and skills that students can use to become “other-oriented” — mindfully considerate of the thoughts, needs, and values of others.

Fueled by the authors' conviction that “skills inform principles; principles inform skills,”Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others maintains a careful balance between theoretical and skills-oriented material. This book integrates an emphasis on diversity with theoretical and skills discussions. Examples are drawn from a variety of age and ethnic groups, and special boxes focus on gender and diversity issues. A chapter on intercultural communication supplements this integral material by relating it to the “other-oriented” approach.