Review of The Interpersonal Communication Book, 13th edition by Joseph A. Devito, New York: Pearson, 2012, 432 pages

Abstract

The topic of interpersonal communication has recently gained increasing acknowledgement as a separate field of study in the broader family of communication studies, in a change of perspective that now takes our daily one-on-one interactions into account as the relevant, micro-scale acts that represent the foundation of all larger-scale communication -be it corporate, mass media, or online social media.Despite numerous handbooks, encyclopaedias and essential volumes on the topic which became available on the market throughout the years, one book stands apart, and has now reached its 13 th edition and continues to inspire and inform young academics in universities worldwide. Joseph A. Devito's "The Interpersonal Communication Book" is a well-structured and fundamental book on interpersonal communication, which covers topics as broad as relationships, conflict and communication ethics, and proves the key point that interpersonal communication is many-faceted, depending on dimensions such as individual apprehension, assertiveness or adequacy. We cannot speak of a general thesis that the book defends, but rather of separate conclusions for each unit, ranging from the idea that self-disclosure in a relationship at its early stages is perceived as riskier by women, as compared to men (in the part dedicated to the self in communication), to newly found support for the theory that all verbal and nonverbal communication is intentional and a matter of choice.This updated book appears to be a truly complete view of the literature and research in the field of interpersonal communication. At the same time it is a very practical compendium, as it openly offers suggestions for effective communication when considering ethics, diversity and power in interpersonal communication, as well as differentiating between face-to-face and mediated (computer-mediated) interaction.Thus, most noteworthy, the 13 th edition of the book is brought up to date and adjusted to strongly highlight the concept of choice in communication. Devito clearly stresses how to adapt our skills in order to make better choices in communication, irrespective of the context (personal, social, professional) and, at the same time, directs readers towards bettering their social interactions through a rich palette of interpersonal skills. There is also an updated focus on culture and interpersonal communication, with aspects of cultural diversity integrated in all major units of the book.The author successfully and diligently walks the readers through the specifics of interpersonal communication, and demonstrates that it is a process through which individuals define themselves and their interaction partners, through ever-changing and periodically redefined

The Southeast Asian Conference on Education 2024: Official Conference Proceedings

“…One of the components of work readiness is communication, in a work situation a teacher is required to be able to communicate well during the teaching process in class, where teachers who can deliver material well can be understood by their students (Brady, 2010). The communication scale consists of openness, empathy, support, positive attitude, similarity, confidence, and closeness (Schiau, 2016).…”