Communication: Embracing Difference, 3rd Edition

This third edition has continued its staple as a text that relates the student to the concepts. By describing basic communication theories in everyday, non-technical terms, the emphasis on practical situations in the book helps students to connect the examples to their daily lives.

Communication: Embracing Difference presents a clear format that stresses the importance of understanding and celebrating inter-relational differences within communication. Up-to-date examples of communication among interpersonal, small group, and public settings, allows the student to apply the concepts and theories learned, enabling them to become more confident and successful communicators. Emphasizing a target audience of a diverse population, the overall approach of this text resonates with the communicator of today. 

Table of Contents:

 

Unit I The Process of Communication

 

1 An Overview of Communication

The Communication Process

Functions of Communication

Types of Communication

Understanding Difference, Diversity, and Communication

 

2 Perception

The Process of Perception

Perceptions of Ourselves

Perceptions of Others

Developing Accurate Perceptions of Ourselves and Others

 

3 Listening

Hearing and Listening

Factors That Interfere with Listening

Effective Listening

 

4 Verbal Communication

The Nature of Language and Meaning

The Meaning of Words

Factors That Influence Our Language Use

Problems with Language

Improving Verbal Skills

 

5 Nonverbal Communication

The Nature of Nonverbal Communication

Types and Functions of Nonverbal Communication

Improving Nonverbal Communication

 

Unit II Interpersonal Communication

 

6 Understanding Ourselves and Others

The Nature of Interpersonal Relationships

Self-Disclosure within Relationships

Theoretical Explanations of Interpersonal Communication

Conflict within Relationships

Improving Our Efforts to Resolve Conflicts

 

7 Creating a Positive Communication Climate

Understanding Defense Mechanisms

Coping with Defensiveness

Stepping Back from Defensive Communication

 

8 Interviewing

Interview Questions

Organizing the Interview

Types of Interviews

The Employment Interview

Preparing for an Interview

Improving Your Interviewing Skills

 

9 Communicating in Small Groups

An Overview of Small-Group Communication

Types of Small Groups

Variables in Small-Group Communication

Participating in Small-Group Discussions

Decision-Making Methods

Communication Skills within Small Groups

 

10 Solving Problems Using Small Groups

Solving Problems as a Group

Types of Problem-Solving Formats

The Process of Problem Solving

Leadership

Effective Leadership Communication

 

Unit III Public Communication

 

11 Selecting a Speech Topic and Adapting

to the Audience

Selecting a Topic

Yourself

The Situation

The Audience

Demographic Factors

Audience Characteristics

Brainstorming

Adapting to the Audience

The Speech Purpose

Thesis Statement

 

12 Researching and Using Supporting

Material for Your Speech

Sources of Information

Finding Sources: The Library

Using the Internet: World Wide Web

Citing Sources

Forms of Support for Your Speech

Anecdotes and Stories

Presentational Aids

Using Presentational Aids

 

13 Organizing Your Speech

The Body

The Introduction

The Conclusion

Transitions

Preparing the Speech Outline

 

14 Delivering Your Speech

Oral and Written Communication

Understanding Speech Anxiety

Types of Delivery

Sharing Ideas

Using Your Body

Using Your Voice

Practicing Your Speech

 

15 The Informative Speech

The Nature of the Informative Speech

Informative Speech Topics

Organizing the Informative Speech

Methods of Presenting an Informative Speech

Sample Informative Student Speech

 

16 The Persuasive Speech

Developing a Persuasive Speech Objective

Topics for a Persuasive Speech

Organizing Your Persuasive Speech

Developing Persuasive Appeals

Techniques for Enhancing Your Credibility

Sample Student Persuasive Speech

 

Glossary

References

Index