The Basics of Communication: A Relational Perspective

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David T. McMahan has taught courses that span the dis­cipline of communication, including numerous courses in interpersonal communication, media, communica­tion education, theory, and criticism. David’s research interests also engage multiple areas of the discipline with much of his research devoted to bridging the study of relationships and media. This work includes exam­ining the discussion of media and the incorporation of catchphrases and media references in everyday com­munication. A great deal of research has been derived from his experiences in the classroom and his commit­ment to education. His early work in this area focused on communication competence, self-conception, and assessment. His focus has since shifted toward topics that include both media and rela­tionships, such as contradictions within advisor–advisee relationships and discussions of media in the classroom. His diverse research experiences include studies on symbolic displays of masculinity and violence in rural America, media-based political transfor­mations of the world’s nation-states, The New York Times’ reporting of mass-murder suicide, and primetime animated series. His work has appeared in such journals as Review of Communication, Communication Education, and Communication Quarterly, as well as edited volumes. A member of the Central States Communication Association, Eastern Communication Association, Iowa Communication Association, National Communication Association, Southern States Communication Association, Speech Communication Association of Puerto Rico, and Western States Communication Association, David has served numerous roles within these organizations. He has received multiple awards for his work in the classroom and has been the recipient of a number of public service and academic distinctions, most recently being named a Centennial Scholar by the Eastern Communication Association. He hopes to someday appear on an updated version of Tic Tac Dough and beat the dragon.