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.
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
