This book is a collection of ideas and information, gathered from various sources, which should aid college students in formulating their own methods of improving communication. The four main sections of the book are "Concepts of Communication,""Concepts of Source and Message,""Concepts of Communication Criticism," and "Concepts of Interpersonal Communication." An introduction precedes each of the four sections. Some of the readings are based upon traditional research methods in the field of speech, while other readings are based on empirical studies of the effects of varying communication attempts. The concepts stated in the traditionally oriented readings (e.g., Karl Wallace and Robert Scott) are derived primarily from critical studies of speakers and their messages in an historical context. In the reading utilizing an empirical method, (e.g., James McCroskey and Charles Kelly) the primary emphasis is on audience or listener behavior, and the concepts represent conclusions about conditions which affect the understanding or acceptance of messages. (Author/RB)