ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces students to the study of communication and the characterization of civility. The chapter describes how communication can be both beneficial and harmful and includes a definition of communication. In addition, the chapter presents five categories of communication that will be covered in the text: fundamentals and intrapersonal communication, interpersonal communication, small group communication, public speaking, and media and technology-based communication. Students learn principles of communication; specifically, that communication is not a panacea, is irreversible, is a process, one cannot not communicate, and is strategic. The chapter also includes a description and explanation of a transactional model of communication. Civility and civil communication are characterized by respect, restraint, responsibility, and ethics, and the abuse of civility and the characterization of communication competence is also included in the chapter. Finally, students also read about how communication and norms (rules for civil behavior) are influenced by technology, the COVID-19 epidemic, and the culture, gender, and workplace contexts.
