In 1999, Robert T. Craig published the article "Communication theory as a field" and argued that the field of communication theory ought to be viewed as a practical discipline. In Practicing Communication Theory: Exploring, Applying, and Teaching the Constitutive Metamodel, editors Marc Howard Rich and Jessica S. Robles expand upon Craig's seminal contribution by assembling diverse and learned voices of international communication scholars to explore the practical, theoretical, and pedagogical implications of Craig's work. The chapters demonstrate how communication is practiced in the world and how scholars have incorporated Craig's theories into the classroom. Contributors share their experiences redefining, reworking, and complicating traditions of communication. Additional chapters focus on the international community and explore ways communication theory is practiced worldwide. The closing chapter, written by Craig, responds to the various perspectives presented throughout the book and provides new ideas and insight to further contribute to ongoing conversations about practicing communication theory. Demonstrating the practical nature of the communication discipline, Practicing Communication Theory is an excellent book for scholars in the field and for graduate courses in communication theory.

This engaging text explores how everyday talk--the ordinary kinds of communicating that people do in schools, workplaces, and among family and friends--expresses who we are and who we want to be. The authors interweave rhetorical and cultural perspectives on the "little stuff" of conversation: what we say and how we say it, the terms used to refer to others, the content and style of stories we tell, and more. Numerous detailed examples show how talk is the vehicle through which people build relationships. Students gain skills for thinking more deeply about their own and others' communicative practices, and for understanding and managing interactional difficulties. New to This Edition *Updated throughout to incorporate the latest discourse analysis research. *Chapter on six specific speech genres (for example, organizational meetings and personal conversation). *Two extended case studies with transcripts and discussion questions. *Coverage of digital communication, texting, and social media. *Additional cross-cultural examples. Pedagogical Features *A preview and summary in every chapter. *Accessible explanations of core concepts. *End-of-book glossary. *Endnotes that identify key authors and suggest further reading.