Praised for its teachability, Thinking Through Communication provides an excellent, balanced introduction to basic theories and principles of communication, making sense of a complex field through a variety of approaches. In an organized and coherent manner, Thinking Through Communication covers a full range of topics- from the history of communication study to the methods used by current communication scholars to understand human interaction. The text explores communication in a variety of traditional contexts: interpersonal, group, organizational, public, intercultural, computer-mediated communication and the mass media. This edition also offers new insights into public speaking and listening. This text can be used successfully in both theory- and skills-based courses. Written in a clear, lively style, Trenholm's overall approach-including her use of examples and interesting illustrations-helps both majors and non-majors alike develop a better understanding of communication as a field of study and an appreciation for ways in which communication impacts their daily lives. Table of Content Part I: Introduction to Communication Chapter 1: The Communication TraditionA Brief History of Communication Study Communication Today: Contemporary Departments of Rhetoric and Communication Theory Chapter 2: Definitions, Models, and Perspectives Defining Communication How Models Help Us Understand Communication It All Depends on Your Point of View: Four Perspectives What to Look for When You Look at CommunicationPart II: Listening and Language Chapter 3: Decoding Messages: Listening and PerceptionWhat Is Listening? The Listening Process Designing Messages That Are Easy to Listen To Chapter 4: Encoding Messages: Spoken Language What Is Language? The Subsystems of Language Pragmatic Styles and Structures Language and Social Identity Language Choices and Pragmatic Effects Chapter 5: Encoding Messages: Nonverbal Communication What Is Nonverbal Communication? The Nonverbal Codes Increasing Nonverbal Skills Part III: Communication Contexts Chapter 6: Interpersonal Communication What Is Interpersonal Communication? Managing Interpersonal Communication Relational Development: Stages in Intimate Dyads Increasing Relational Skills New Media, New Relationships Becoming a More Responsible Communicator Chapter 7: Group Communication What Is a Group? Managing Group Communication Group Development: Phases in Problem-Solving Groups Strengthening Group Discussion Skills Communicating in Virtual Groups Becoming a More Responsible Communicator Chapter 8: Organizational Communication What Is an Organization? Managing Organizational Communication Increasing Organizational Skills Using Organizational Technology Becoming a More Responsible Communicator Chapter 9: Public Communication What Is Public Communication? Why Is Public Communication Important? Evaluating Public Communication Strengthening Critical Reception Skills Becoming a More Responsible Communicator Chapter 10: Preparing and Presenting Public Speeches What Is a Public Speech? Planning the Public Speech Managing Delivery Increasing Public Speaking Skills Becoming a More Responsible Communicator Chapter 11: Communication and the Media The Traditional Mass Media New Media: Going Global and Mobile Convergence: The Intersection of New Media and Old Becoming a More Responsible Communicator Chapter 12: Intercultural Communication What Is Culture? Barriers to Intercultural Communication Adapting to New Cultures Becoming a More Open Communicator Chapter 13: Methods of Discovery How Is Communication Research Done? Five Contemporary Research Methods Learning More about Communication