Book excerpt: Communicating in Groups offers a concise, step-by-step introduction to the theory and practice of small group communication and teaches students to develop and apply critical thinking skills in group problem-solving situations. The book continues to synthesize current small group theory and research while presenting the material in a practical and accessible manner for students interested in the dynamics of small group communication. The eighth edition marks the first time two central chapters on communication are integrated into one chapter, capturing key principles of both verbal and non-verbal small group behavior within a new definition of communication. With the firm belief that group participation can be an uplifting, energizing experience, authors Kathy Adams and Gloria Galanes give students the tools they will need to achieve this outcome. Research and theory are presented with a focus on what is important to students—understanding their group experiences and making them effective communicators.