This theory-based introduction to basic concepts in human communication provides coverage of new and innovative theories as well as the more traditional coverage of an introduction to communication course, giving students an understanding of the discipline and helping them develop strategies for becoming better communicators.

Fundamentals of Human Communication presents the basic theoretical and practical concepts of the human communication process. DeFleur uses a multidisciplinary approach, with a balance of innovative and traditional perspectives to give students the tools to communicate effectively in the workplace and in everyday situations

This introduction to the basic concepts in human communication provides a theory-based overview of the communication studies discipline and helps students develop strategies for becoming better communicators. Substantially revised, the third edition focuses on communication research and theory from a social science perspective, and emphasizes communication in practice, both in everyday life and in the workplace. Fundamentals of Human Communication is not intended for courses in which the text is meant to support an extensive public speaking/performance component.

The main theme of this publication is the fundamental features of verbal and nonverbal communication and their relationships with the identification of a person, his/her socio-cultural background and personal traits. The problem of understanding human behaviour in terms of personal traits, and the possibility of an algorithmic implementation that exploits personal traits to identify a person unambiguously, are among the great challenges of modern science and technology. On the one hand, there is the theoretical question of what makes each individual unique among all others that share similar traits, and what makes a culture unique among various cultures. On the other hand, there is the technological need to be able to protect people from individual disturbance and dangerous behaviour that could damage an entire community. As regards to the problem of understanding human behaviour, one of the most interesting research areas is that related to human interaction and face-to-face communication. It is in this context that knowledge is shared and personal traits acquire their significance.