Skilled Interpersonal Communication

Book reviews > Skilled Interpersonal Communication

Hargie, O. and Dickson, D. (2004). Skilled Interpersonal Communication: Research, Theory and Practice, Hove, England: Routledge

At first glance, this looks like a standard book on communications, perhaps for managers or the commercial market. The subtitle, however, indicates that maybe it is an academic book. In fact it is somewhere in between, or maybe both.

With 542 pages, including 64 pages of references, it is no lightweight.

The topics covered are solid set of fundamentals, with full chapters on each of:

• Nonverbal communications
• Rewarding and reinforcing
• Questioning
• Reflecting
• Listening
• Explaining
• Self-disclosure
• Set induction and closure
• Assertiveness
• Influence and persuasion
• Negotiation
• Groups and group interaction

What is really nice is the high level of strong content. Rather than motherhood-and-apple-pie that is often found in books on communications, this text is based on solid and well-referenced research.

The book is written in clear language with a straightforward layout. There are a number of tables, but no diagrams. Visuals would have been nice, but the solid text means these were not particularly missed.

The balance of a strong academic foundation and clear writing makes this book ideal for both students and practitioners who are seeking a strong general text on the subject of interpersonal communication.

In short: Solid meat from cover to cover.