7th Edition
Skilled Interpersonal Communication Research, Theory and Practice
Established as the foremost textbook on communication, the seventh edition of Owen Hargie’s Skilled Interpersonal Communication is thoroughly revised and updated with the latest research findings, theoretical developments and applications.
The contribution of skilled interpersonal communication to success in both personal and professional contexts is now widely recognised and extensively researched. People have a deep-seated and universal need to interact with others, and the greater their communicative ability the more satisfying and rewarding will be their lives. The main focus of this book is on the identification, analysis and evaluation of the core skills needed in these interactions. The first two chapters provide details of the nature of interpersonal communication and socially skilled performance, respectively, with a review of the main theoretical perspectives pertaining to each. The book then offers detailed accounts of the fourteen main skill areas: nonverbal communication, reinforcement, questioning, reflecting, listening, explaining, self-disclosure, set induction, closure, assertiveness, influencing, negotiating and interacting in and leading group discussions. The book concludes with a discussion on the ethical issues in interpersonal communication. This new edition also features an extended section on groupthink and analyses the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on aspects such as greeting patterns and the effectiveness of Project Fear by the UK government to secure citizen compliance.
Written by one of the foremost international experts in the field, this is essential reading for students of interpersonal communication in general and to qualified personnel and trainees in many fields.
List of Figures
Preface
- The Features of Interpersonal Communication
- A Conceptual Model of Skilled Interpersonal Communication
- Communicating Without Words: Skilled Nonverbal Behaviour
- Rewarding Others: The Skill of Reinforcing
- Finding Out About Others: The Skill of Questioning
- Showing Understanding for Others: The Skill of Reflecting
- Paying Attention to Others: The Skill of Listening
- Getting Your Message Across: The Skill of Explaining
- Telling Others About Yourself: The Skill of Self-Disclosure
- Opening and Closing Interactions: The Skills of Set Induction and Closure
- Standing Up for Yourself: The Skill of Assertiveness
- Using Your Influence: The Skill of Persuasion
- Working Things Out Together: The Skill of Negotiating
- Working with Others: Skills of Participating in And Leading Small Groups
- Concluding Comments
Bibliography
Name Index
Subject Index
Biography
Owen Hargie is Emeritus Professor of Communication at Ulster University. His special areas of interest are in the fields of interpersonal, organisational, health and inter-cultural communication, and he is a prolific author and researcher in these areas. He is a visiting professor at several universities and a communication consultant for numerous organisations.
'This classic text on interpersonal communication has only grown in stature over the years. It offers a comprehensive guide to a range of vital communication skills that will fascinate academics and be of immense value to professionals in any occupation that involves dealing with people. It is that rare thing – an indispensable read.'
Dennis Tourish, University of Sussex Business School, UK
'Owen Hargie is internationally known and cited worldwide for his expertise on the topic of communication skill. This new edition of Skilled Interpersonal Communication is therefore most welcome. The book is an invaluable resource not only for academics, researchers and students, but also for professional practitioners. I have no hesitation in giving it my strongest recommendation.'
Peter Bull, Universities of York and Salford, UK
'The concept and complexity of communication is broken down into parts which the reader will find helpful. The presentation is enhanced with a number of models, diagrams, acronyms, case studies and worked examples which are interesting to read – these are sourced from a wide range of theory, literature and research.'
Jane Brett, London South Bank University, UK
'This is an excellent comprehensive textbook on interpersonal communication. The book is both highly readable and theoretically informed. Key concepts are explored using interesting illustrative examples and underpinned by rigorous empirical research. Professor Hargie’s text has always been the standard work in this field and this latest revised and updated 7th edition is most welcome."
Ian Somerville, University of Leicester, UK
