This fully revised and updated second edition: * outlines the main components and distinctive characteristics of interpersonal communication * offers detailed analysis of communication structures, considering their everyday applications and implications * includes new material on race, gender and sexuality * looks to the future of interpersonal communication.

Peter Hartley is Senior Academic in Communication Studies at the School of Cultural Studies, Sheffield Hallam University.

Introduction; Understanding interpersonal communication; Chapter 1 Defining what we mean by interpersonal communication; Chapter 2 The process of interpersonal communication; Chapter 3 The skills of interpersonal communication; Chapter 4 Communication skills in context; The components of interpersonal communication; Chapter 5 The social context; Chapter 6 Social identity; Chapter 7 Social perception; Chapter 8 Codes 1; Chapter 9 Using codes 2; Issues and controversies in interpersonal communication; Chapter 10 How useful are 'popular' models of interpersonal communication?; Chapter 11 Do men and women communicate differently?; Chapter 12 Does assertiveness work?; Going beyond interpersonal communication; Chapter 13 Communication and groups; Chapter 14 Final thoughts;