Part I: An overview of the theories. 1. What is this thing called communication? -- 2. Socialisation: the process which produces our personhood and world view -- 3. The self: a person's view of her own unique being -- 4. The reality of change. Part II: Looking at the skills. 5. The challenge of listening: how to read the music of the message -- 6. Assertiveness: how to say it straight without hurting others -- 7. Crisis: loss and adaptation -- 8. Problem-solving: getting rid of the obstacles to decision-making, change and growth -- 9. Management: the art of getting things done -- 10. A succinct summary