Full Description
Concise, compact, and visually exciting, Essential Communication is a fresh approach to human communication. Written by renowned author team Ron Adler, George Rodman, and Athena du Pre, the text more accurately reflects the way that today's students communicate yet still includes more substantive content than other brief books on the market. Filled with skills-oriented concepts and learning objectives, Essential Communication is salient,practical, and engaging.KEY FEATURES * A perfect balance of scholarship and practicality in a format that is comprehensive yet concise * The most comprehensive and practical coverage ofissues affecting communication in contemporary life-like social media, ethics, culture, and professionalism-in multiple contexts* Early, integrated, and effective coverage of public speaking that encourages students to be more confident and effective communicators earlier in the course * Superior ancillary materials, including an Annotated Instructor's Edition for professors and Dashboard, a reliable and easy-to-use online homework system for students, make it easy foranyone to use this text* Three concise chapters devoted to interpersonal communication (Chapters 7-9) reflect the increased emphasis in this course on communication in relationships withfriends, family members, and romantic partners* An entire chapter devoted to the practical essentials of communicating for success in the workplace (Chapter 10) takes students step-by-step through the process of finding, getting, and keeping a job and communicating successfully with bosses, employees, and coworkers* Contemporary photos and captions highlight popular movies, television shows, and pop culture, prompting students to think critically about their owncommunication* Questions in the margins prompt students to think critically about the essential concepts in each major section
Contents
PART ONEChapter 1: Communication: What and WhyCommunication Defined-Communication Is Symbolic-Communication Is a Process-Communication Is Irreversible-Communication Is Relational, Not IndividualModels of Communication-A Linear Model-A Transactional ModelContexts of Communication-Intrapersonal Communication-Dyadic/Interpersonal Communication-Small Group Communication-Organizational Communication-Public Communication-Mass CommunicationCommunication Competence-Characteristics of Competent Communication-Characteristics of Competent CommunicatorsCommunication Competence with Social Media-Choose the Best Medium-Be Careful What You Post-Be Considerate -Balance Mediated and Face-to-Face Time-Be SafeMisconceptions About Communication-Communication Does Not Always Require Complete Understanding-Communication Will Not Solve All Problems-Communication Isn't Always a Good Thing-Meanings Don't Rest in Words-Communication Is Not Simple-More Communication Isn't Always BetterChapter 2: The Self, Perception, and CommunicationThe Self-Concept Defined-Self-Esteem Influences the Self-Concept-Significant Others Influence the Self-Concept-Culture Influences the Self-Concept-The Self-Concept Influences Communication with Others-The Self-Concept Influences Future Communication and BehaviorPerceiving Others Effectively-Sex and Gender Misconceptions -The Terms "Sex" and "Gender" Are Not Identical-Mistaken AttributionsEmpathy and Perception Challenges-Dimensions of Empathy -Perception Checking Identity Management-We Have Public and Private Selves -We Have Multiple Identities -Identity Management Is Collaborative -Identity Management May Be Conscious or Unconscious -People Differ in Their Degree of Identity Management -People Manage Identities to Follow Social Rules and Accomplish Goals -People Manage Identities Online -Managing Your Identity Doesn't Make You Dishonest Chapter 3: Communication and CultureCulture DefinedCocultures and Communication-Ethnicity and Race-Region-Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity-Religion-Physical Ability and Disability-Age and Generation-Socioeconomic StatusCultural Values and Norms That Shape Communication-Individualism and Collectivism-High and Low Context-Uncertainty Avoidance-Power Distance-Talk and Silence-Competition and CooperationDeveloping Intercultural Communication Competence-Spend Time with People from Different Backgrounds-Develop a Tolerance for Ambiguity-Keep an Open-Minded Attitude-Acquire and Use Culture-Specific Information Appropriately-Be Patient and PersistentPART TWO: COMMUNICATION ELEMENTSChapter 4: LanguageThe Nature of Language-Language Is Symbolic-Meanings Are in People, Not in Words-Language Is Governed By RulesThe Power of Language-Language Shapes Attitudes-Language Reflects AttitudesTroublesome Language-Misunderstandings-Disruptive Language-Evasive LanguageGender and Language-Content-Reasons for Communicating-Conversational Style-Occupation and Gender Roles-Biological Factors-Social Norms-Transcending Gender BoundariesChapter 5: ListeningMisconceptions about Listening-Hearing and Listening Are Not the Same Thing-Listening Is Not a Natural Process-All Listeners Do Not Receive the Same MessageChallenges to Effective Listening-Faulty Listening Behaviors-Reasons for Poor ListeningTypes of Listening-Task-Oriented Listening-Relational Listening-Analytical Listening-Critical ListeningListening and Social Support-Social Support Online-Gender and Social Support-When and How to HelpChapter 6: Nonverbal CommunicationCharacteristics of Nonverbal Communication-Nonverbal Behavior has Communicative Value-Nonverbal Behavior Is Primarily Relational-Nonverbal Behavior Is Ambiguous-Nonverbal Communication Is EssentialFunctions of Nonverbal Behavior-Repeating-Substituting-Complementing-Regulating-Contradicting-DeceivingTypes of Nonverbal Communication-Body Movements-Face-Eyes-Voice-Appearance-Touch-Space-Environment-TimeInfluences on Nonverbal Communication-Culture-GenderNonverbal Communication Competence-Tune Out Words-Use Perception Checking-Pay Attention to Your Own Nonverbal BehaviorPART THREE: INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONChapter 7: Communicating in Interpersonal RelationshipsThe Nature of Interpersonal Communication-Content and Relational Messages-MetacommunicationSelf-Disclosure-Models of Self-Disclosure-Questions to Ask Before Self-DisclosingMediated Versus Face-to-Face CommunicationCommunication Climates in Interpersonal Relationships-Confirming and Disconfirming Messages-Relational Spirals-Defensive and Supportive BehaviorsChapter 8: Communicating With Friends and FamilyHow We Choose Friendships-Similarity-Complementarity-Mutual Liking-RewardsTypes of Friendships-Short-Term vs. Long-Term-Low Disclosure vs. High Disclosure-Doing-Oriented vs. Being-Oriented-Low Obligation vs. High Obligation-Same Sex vs. Other Sex-In-Person vs. MediatedSuccessful Communication in Friendships-Be a Good Listener-Give Advice Sparingly-Share Feelings Respectfully -Apologize and Forgive-Be Validating and Appreciative-Stay True Through Hard Times-Be Trustworthy and Loyal-Give and Take EquallyTypes of Family Relationships-Parents and Children-Siblings-Grandparents and GrandchildrenSuccessful Communication in Family Relationships-Share Family Stories-Listen to Each Other-Negotiate Privacy Rules-Coach Conflict Management-Go Heavy on Confirming Messages-Have FunChapter 9: Communicating With Romantic PartnersThe Nature of Intimacy-Male and Female Intimacy Styles-Love LanguagesCommunicating in Romantic Relationships-A Developmental Perspective-A Dialectical Perspective-Strategies for Managing Dialectical TensionsDeception in Romantic Relationships-Altruistic Lies-Evasions-Self-Serving LiesManaging Interpersonal Conflict-Styles of Expressing Conflict-Abusive Relationships-Applying Win-Win Problem SolvingPART FOUR: PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATIONChapter 10: Communicating for Career SuccessStrategies for Finding a Job-Cultivating Personal Networks-Conducting Informational InterviewsStrategies for Getting Hired-Applying for a Job-Preparing for the Selection Interview-During the Interview-Post-Interview Follow-Up-Phone and Video Interviews-Interviewing and the LawStrategies for Communicating on the Job-Communicating with Followers, Leaders, and Peers-Communicating in a Professional Manner-Working with a Difficult Boss-Exiting GraciouslyLeadership, Followership, and Power-Approaches to Leadership-Becoming a Leader-The Importance of Followers-Power in the WorkplaceChapter 11: Communicating in Groups and TeamsThe Nature of Groups and Teams-What a Group Is-Group and Individual Goals-How a Group Becomes a TeamCharacteristics of Groups-Rules and Norms-Patterns of Interaction-RolesProblem Solving in Groups-Advantages of Group Problem Solving-When to Use Groups for Problem Solving-Developmental Stages in Group Problem SolvingGroup Problem-Solving Strategies and Formats-Problem-Solving Formats-Solving Problems in Virtual Groups-A Structured Problem-Solving Approach-Decision-Making MethodsMaking the Most of Group Discussion-Build Cohesiveness-Encourage Equal Participation-Avoid Information Underload and Overload-Avoid Pressure to Conform-Make the Most of DiversityPART FIVE: PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONChapter 12: Preparing SpeechesAnalyzing Your Speaking Situation-The Audience-The OccasionPlanning Your Speech-Choose Your Topic-Define Your Purpose-Write a Purpose Statement-State Your Thesis-Gather InformationStructuring Your Speech-Outlines-Speaking Notes-Organizational PatternsUsing Introductions, Conclusions, and Transitions-The Introduction-The Conclusion-TransitionsUsing Supporting Material-Types of Support -Styles of SupportChapter 13: Presenting SpeechesManaging Speech Anxiety-Helpful and Unhelpful Speech Anxiety-Sources of Unhelpful Speech Anxiety-How to Overcome Unhelpful Speech AnxietyChoosing a Type of Delivery-Extemporaneous-Impromptu-Manuscript-MemorizedUsing Visual Aids-Types of Visual Aids-Media for Presenting Visual Aids-Rules for Using Visual Aids-Presentation SoftwarePracticing the Speech-Visual Aspects of Delivery-Auditory Aspects of Delivery-Online/Virtual DeliveryChapter 14: Speaking to Inform, Persuade, and EntertainTypes of Speeches-Informative Speeches-Persuasive Speeches-Speeches to EntertainTechniques of Informative Speaking-Define a Specific Informative Purpose-Make it Easy for the Audience to Listen-Use Clear, Simple Language-Emphasize Important Points-Generate Audience InvolvementTechniques of Persuasive Speaking-Set a Specific Persuasive Purpose-Structure Your Speech Strategically-Structure Your Argument Carefully-Avoid Fallacies-Adapt to Your Specific Audience-Establish Common Ground and CredibilityTechniques of Speaking to Entertain-Follow the Rules of Humor-Use the Most Effective Type of HumorAPPENDIX A: Informative Speech APPENDIX B: Persuasive SpeechAPPENDIX C: Speech to EntertainNotes Glossary CreditsIndex
