The Key to Survival has established itself as an affordable, straightforward text geared toward students with varying backgrounds. Based on reader feedback, research in communication and other fields, and events in the news, the first ten chapters have been thoroughly revised. An added final chapter addresses the widespread surge in communicating electronically and offers practical guidelines for using this medium.
Smith and Tague-Busler's conversational writing style and their clear presentation of multifaceted topics defuse the possibility of confusion or intimidation. They define and analyze how specific human mental and physical processes affect interactions with others, stressing that effective communication is essential to meeting basic human needs. Unlocking a more complete understanding of these processes enables readers to implement the authors' suggested techniques for mastering successful communication.
Engaging chapter-opener narratives link common miscommunication experiences to essential points discussed in the text, spiking readers' interest in ways to improve their own communication. Discussion questions, activities, boldfaced key terms throughout the text, and a comprehensive glossary are additional features that enhance teaching and learning about interpersonal communication.
Also by Tracey L. Smith and Mary Tague-Busler, Icebreaker: A Manual for Public Speaking, 7E (ISBN 9781478615569). Titles of related interest from Waveland Press: Cupach et al., Competence in Interpersonal Conflict, Second Edition (ISBN 9781577666493) and Young-Travis, Oral Communication: Skills, Choices, and Consequences, Third Edition (ISBN 9781577667452).
