Communication: Embracing Difference, 2nd Edition

Communication: Embracing Difference, 2e, stresses the importance of understanding and celebrating difference as a means to becoming a more effective communicator. This book describes basic communication theory in everyday, non-technical terms and offers the reader an abundance of opportunities to analyze, understand, practice, and apply skills to real-life situations presented in the book and encountered in their own daily lives. Communication: Embracing Difference emphasizes the practical application of communication skills in interpersonal, small group, and public settings, which will help the reader become more confident and successful communicators. Targeting an audience that range widely in age, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, social roles, and socio-economic status, this book is designed with an overall approach that resonates with a diverse population.

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