Previous editions ('Social Skills in Interpersonal Communication') have established this work as the standard textbook on communication. Directly relevant to a multiplicity of research areas and professions, this thoroughly revised and updated edition has been expanded to include the latest research as well as a new chapter on negotiating. Key examples and summaries have been augmented to help contextualise the theory of skilled interpersonal communication in terms of its practical applications. Combining both clarity and a deep understanding of the subject matter, the authors have succeeded in creating a new edition which will be essential to anyone studying or working in the field of interpersonal communication.

'This voluminous book provides an excellent, well-written and, in terms of sources used, up-to-date introduction to a diverse range of theories and fields of research regarding interpersonal communication.' - Luc Van Poecke, Department of Communication, University of Leuven, in Communications

'The most comprehensive review of skilled interpersonal communication available. Encyclopaedic in reach and engagingly written, it offers many pointers for improved practice across a myriad of fields. It will serve as the classic introduction to interpersonal skills for many years to come.' - Dr Dennis Tourish, Reader in Communication Management, University of Aberdeen

'Hargie and Dickson skilfully integrate an extensive array of theories and research while highlighting the practical implications of the literature. With obvious delight in the subject matter they invite us to ponder our own relationships in a more critical manner. Scholars and students alike will gain much from this book.' - Professor Phillip Clampitt, Information Sciences Program, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

'Hargie and Dickson are to be commended for the academic rigour with which they approach the practice of communication. The book makes an important and thoroughly informed contribution to the exploration and development of communicative ability.' - Dr Bill Campbell, Director, Centre for Human Communication, Manchester Metropolitan University

Owen Hargie and David Dickson are both based at the School of Communication, University of Ulster.