The Journey Ahead

Studying communication is the first step toward improving it

Interpersonal communication is our primary vehicle for exchanging meaning, connecting emotionally, and building relationships with others. This makes it essential that we base our interpersonal decisions on the best knowledge to which we have access. No one would consider making choices about collegiate majors, future careers, or monetary interests without first gathering the most trustworthy information available. Interpersonal communication should be no different.

Teaching Tip: National Communication Association

Encourage your students to visit the National Communication Association’s Web site at natcom.org to find a wealth of information on the field of communication. Students can find brief articles about cutting-edge communication research and information on careers in communication.

This chapter—which introduces key definitions and important principles—will start you on your journey into the study of interpersonal communication. As we travel together through interpersonal essentials, skills, and relationships, the transformative potential of your interpersonal communication will become apparent.

POSTSCRIPT

We began this chapter with a military wife struggling to juggle the competing demands of raising her children and maintaining her marriage. Melissa Seligman uses multiple media to stay connected with her husband during his combat deployments. At the same time, she has learned that computers, phones, and care packages are merely tools. The most important thing is open, honest, and loving communication.

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How do you stay close with loved ones who are distant? What tough communication choices have you faced in these relationships?

The story of Melissa Seligman’s struggle reminds us of an inescapable truth that forms the foundation for this book. Our close relationships are the most important things in our lives, and it’s our choices regarding how we communicate that determine whether these relationships survive and thrive, or fade away.