From the Back CoverWe use it every day. It can be interpersonal, nonverbal, group, public, or even electronic. And we could all probably benefit from a lesson on ways to use it more effectively. So what is it? Communication. And this book is intended to be the lesson we need, as it reveals and explains the language, codes, creativity, technology and skills of which effective, clear communication is made. This coherent, clear book provides an excellent and balanced introduction to basic theories and principles of communication. It covers a full range of topics-- from the history of communication study to the efforts of communication scholars, with nearly half of its coverage devoted to contexts of communication. The author asks readers to rediscover the daily process of communication and to think about it in systematic ways. Anyone concerned with communicating effectively.