The Communication Playbook

About the Book

Designed for today′s active learners, The Communication Playbook moves students beyond the classroom by helping them develop a strong communication skillset that will benefit them throughout their lives. With a focus on effective communication skills and career success, bestselling authors Teri Kwal Gamble and Michael W. Gamble provide clear, accessible explanations of key concepts paired with hands-on learning activities, encouraging students to think critically about why good communication matters and how to apply it in the classroom, workplace, and community. The Third Edition tackles timely topics and trends, including artificial intelligence (AI), social media, misinformation and disinformation, and expanded insights into communication and health. Recognizing that strong communication is the cornerstone of everyday life, this text primes students to excel in their studies, careers, and beyond.

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Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors Part I: Fundamentals of Communication Chapter 1: Communication in Your Life Build Communication Presence The Nature and Essentials of Communication Key Communication Principles Why Work to Improve Communication Skills? Communication Skills: Practice Effective Communication Complete this Chapter 1 Checklist Key Terms Chapter 2: Culture and Communication The Link Between Communication and Culture Culture, Communication, and Difference Cultural Identity: Cultures within Cultures Dimensions of Culture in Action Digital Technology, Community, and Connectivity Communication Skills: Practice Communicating Interculturally Complete this Chapter 2 Checklist Key Terms Chapter 3: Perception and the Self The Nature of Perception The “I” Affects Perception of You Self-Perception, Outlook, and Performance Common Perceptual Barriers Gender, Culture, Self-Concept, and Perception Social Media, Self-Concept, and Perception Communication Skills: Practice Improving Perception of the Self and Others Complete this Chapter 3 Checklist Key Terms Part II: Communication Messages and Skills Chapter 4: Words and the Communication of Meaning The Nature of Language and Meaning Problems With Language Culture, Gender, and Language The Expression of Power and Offensive Language The Digital Dimension and Language Use Communication Skills: Practice Thinking Critically About Language Use Complete this Chapter 4 Checklist Key Terms Chapter 5: Nonverbal Messages Speak Characteristics and Functions of Nonverbal Communication Types of Nonverbal Communication Additional Nonverbal Messages Gender, Culture, and Nonverbal Behavior Nonverbal Communication in the Digital Dimension Communication Skills: Practice Using and Observing Nonverbal Cues Complete this Chapter 5 Checklist Key Terms Chapter 6: Ethical Listening Listening and the Communication Connection The Types and Stages of Listening Mindful Listening Gender, Culture, and Listening Digital Media Influences on Listening and Critical Thinking Communication Skills: Practice Listening Skills Complete This Chapter 6 Checklist Key Terms Part III: Interpersonal Communication (Person-to-Person) Chapter 7: Understanding Personal and Professional Relationships Reasons to Seek Interpersonal Relationships Types of Relationships Conversation and Connection How Sex, Gender, and Culture Impact Relationships Digital Media and Our Relationships Communication Skills: Practice Improving Interpersonal Relationships Complete This Chapter 7 Checklist Key Terms Chapter 8: Emotions and Relational Conflict Handling Relationships Lying, Trusting, and Laughing in Relationships Communicating Emotional Intelligence in Relationships Handling Emotions During Relational Conflict Understanding the Role of Sex, Gender, and Culture in Emotional Expression and Conflict Expressing Emotions and Conflict with Technology Communication Skills: Practice Handling Feelings Effectively Complete This Chapter 8 Checklist Key Terms Part IV: Group Communication Chapter 9: Team Building, Group Decision-Making, and Problem Solving Groups, Teams, and You Making the Decision to Use a Group Decision Making in Groups: Reaching Goals Gender, Culture, and Group Interaction Technology and Group Interaction Communication Skills: Practice Tips for Improving Group Communication Complete this Chapter 9 Checklist Key Terms Chapter 10: Group Membership, Leadership, and Conflict Resolution Performing Group Membership and Leadership Leadership Theories Cooperative and Supportive Group Work Group Conflict The Influence of Gender and Culture on Leadership and Conflict Management Demonstrating Effective Leadership and Conflict Management in Virtual Groups Communication Skills: Practice Tips for Ethical Conflict Management Complete This Chapter 10 Checklist Key Terms Part V: Public Communication Chapter 11: Public Speaking and You Step Up and Speak With Confidence Learn a Step-by-Step System for Readying Your First Speech Start With You Understand Your Audience Analyze the Occasion Select and Develop Your Topic Communication Skills: Practice Tips for Improving Speech Preparation Complete This Chapter 11 Checklist Key Terms Chapter 12: Research, Support, and Outline Your Speech Research Your Topic Feature the Best Support Available Choose an Organizational Format: Linear or Configural Arrangement Build the Speech Framework: Outlining Your Speech Add Beginnings and Endings Communication Skills: Practice Tips for Speech Design and Organization Complete This Chapter 12 Checklist Key Terms Chapter 13: Presentation Aids and Speech Delivery Selecting and Preparing Presentation Aids Evaluating Delivery Best Practices Rehearsing Your Presentation Assessing the Speaker’s Performance Communication Skills: Practice Tips for Evaluating Your Speech Complete This Chapter 13 Checklist Key Terms Chapter 14: Informative Speaking Sharing and Conceptualizing Information Types of Informative Presentations Best Practices for Informative Speakers Assessing an Informative Speech Communication Skills: Practice Tips for Achieving Informative Speaking Goals Complete this Chapter 14 Checklist Key Terms Chapter 15: Persuasive Speaking The Purpose of Persuasion Types of Persuasive Speeches Follow Best Practices for Persuading Effectively and Responsibly Assessing a Persuasive Speech Communication Skills: Practice Tips for Achieving Persuasive Speaking Goals Complete this Chapter 15 Checklist Key Terms Appendix A: Communicating Professionalism When Interviewing Answer Key Glossary Endnotes Index

About the Author :
Teri Kwal Gamble enjoyed a career as a full professor of communication at the College of New Rochelle in New Rochelle, NY (PhD, New York University; MA and BA, Lehman College, CUNY), and Michael W. Gamble, is a full professor of communication at the New York Institute of Technology in New York City (PhD, New York University; BA and MFA, University of Oklahoma). The Gambles are partners in life and work. Professional writers of education and training materials, the Gambles are the coauthors of numerous textbooks and trade books. Their most recent publication is The Communication Playbook (2027). Teri and Mike also are the coauthors of The Interpersonal Communication Playbook and The Public Speaking Playbook (2024). Among other books the Gambles have written together are The Intercultural Communication Playbook with Xiaowen Guan(2025), Nonverbal Messages Tell More: A Practical Guide to Nonverbal Communication (2017), Leading with Communication (2013), and The Gender Communication Connection (2nd ed., 2014). Previously, Michael served as an officer and taught Leadership Skills for the U.S. Army Infantry School during the Vietnam War. The Gambles also are the founders of Interact Training Systems, a consulting firm that conducts seminars, workshops, and short courses for business and professional organizations. Teri and Mike also produce training and marketing materials for sales organizations and are the coauthors of the trade book, Sales Scripts That Sell. Teri and Mike have a daughter and son-in-law, Lindsay and Dan, as well as a son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Tong. The Gambles cherish their two grandchildren, Mackenzie and Beckham.       Teri Kwal Gamble enjoyed a career as a full professor of communication at the College of New Rochelle in New Rochelle, NY (PhD, New York University; MA and BA, Lehman College, CUNY), and Michael W. Gamble, is a full professor of communication at the New York Institute of Technology in New York City (PhD, New York University; BA and MFA, University of Oklahoma). The Gambles are partners in life and work. Professional writers of education and training materials, the Gambles are the coauthors of numerous textbooks and trade books. Their most recent publication is The Communication Playbook (2027). Teri and Mike also are the coauthors of The Interpersonal Communication Playbook and The Public Speaking Playbook (2024). Among other books the Gambles have written together are The Intercultural Communication Playbook with Xiaowen Guan(2025), Nonverbal Messages Tell More: A Practical Guide to Nonverbal Communication (2017), Leading with Communication (2013), and The Gender Communication Connection (2nd ed., 2014). Previously, Michael served as an officer and taught Leadership Skills for the U.S. Army Infantry School during the Vietnam War. The Gambles also are the founders of Interact Training Systems, a consulting firm that conducts seminars, workshops, and short courses for business and professional organizations. Teri and Mike also produce training and marketing materials for sales organizations and are the coauthors of the trade book, Sales Scripts That Sell. Teri and Mike have a daughter and son-in-law, Lindsay and Dan, as well as a son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Tong. The Gambles cherish their two grandchildren, Mackenzie and Beckham.