Understanding Human Communication

Table of Contents

Each Chapter ends with a Summary, Key Terms, Activities, and For Further Exploration.
PART ONE. ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION
Chapter 1. Human Communication: What and Why
Communication Defined
Communication Is a Process
Communication Is Symbolic
Types of Communication
Intrapersonal Communication
Dyadic/Interpersonal Communication
Small Group Communication
Public Communication
Mass Communication
Functions of Communication
Physical Needs
Identity Needs
Social Needs
Practical Needs
Modeling Communication
A Linear Model
A Transactional Model
Communication Competence: What Makes an Effective Communicator?
Communication Competence Defined
Characteristics of Competent Communicators
Intercultural Communication Competence
Competence in Mediated Communication
Clarifying Misconceptions About Communication
Communication Does Not Always Require Complete Understanding
Communication Isn't Always a Good Thing
No Single Person or Event Causes Another's Reaction
Communication Will Not Solve All Problems
Meanings Rest in People, Not Words
Communication Is Not Simple
More Communication Is Not Always Better
Chapter 2. The Self, Perception, and Communication
Communication and the Self
Self-Concept Defined
Communication and the Development of the Self
Culture and the Self-Concept
The Self-Concept and Communication with Others
The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Perceiving Others
Steps in the Perception Process
Narratives and Perception
Common Perceptual Tendencies
Perception and Culture
Empathy and Perception
Communication and Identity Management
Public and Private Selves
Characteristics of Identity Management
Why Manage Impressions?
How Do We Manage Impressions?
Impression Management and Honesty
Chapter 3. Language
The Nature of Language
Language Is Symbolic
Meanings Are in People, Not Words
Language Is Rule-Governed
The Power of Language
Language Shapes Attitudes
Language Reflects Attitudes
Troublesome Language
The Language of Misunderstandings
Disruptive Language
Evasive Language
Gender and Language
Content
Reasons for Communicating
Conversational Style
Nongender Variables
Culture and Language
Verbal Communication Styles
Language and Worldview
Chapter 4. Listening
Misconceptions About Listening
Listening and Hearing are Not the Same Thing
Listening Is Not a Natural Process
Mindful Listening Requires Effort
All Listeners Do Not Receive the Same Message
Overcoming Challenges to Effective Listening
Faulty Listening Behaviors
Reasons for Poor Listening
Personal Listening Styles
Content-Oriented
People-Oriented
Action-Oriented
Time-Oriented
Informational Listening
Don't Argue or Judge Prematurely
Separate the Message from the Speaker
Be Opportunistic
Look for Key Ideas
Ask Questions
Paraphrase
Take Notes
Critical Listening
Listen for Information Before Evaluating
Evaluate the Speaker's Credibility
Examine the Speaker's Evidence and Reasoning
Examine Emotional Appeals
Listening as Social Support
Types of Supportive Responses
When and How to Help?
Chapter 5. Nonverbal Communication
Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal Behavior Has Communicative Value
Nonverbal Communication Is Primarily Relational
Nonverbal Communication Is Ambiguous
Nonverbal Communication Is Different from Verbal Communication
Nonverbal Skills Are Important
Influences on Nonverbal Communication
Culture
Gender
Functions of Nonverbal Communication
Repeating
Substituting
Complementing
Accenting
Regulating
Contradicting
Deceiving
Types of Nonverbal Communication
Body Movement
Voice
Appearance
Touch
Space
Environment
Time
PART TWO. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Chapter 6. Understanding Interpersonal Relationships
Why We Form Relationships
Appearance
Similarity
Complementarity
Reciprocal Attraction
Competence
Disclosure
Proximity
Rewards
Characteristics of Interpersonal Communication
What Makes Communication Interpersonal?
Interpersonal Communication and the Internet
Content and Relational Messages
Metacommunication
Communication Over the Relational Lifespan
A Developmental Perspective
A Dialectical Perspective
Intimacy in Interpersonal Relationships
Dimensions of Intimacy
Male and Female Intimacy Styles
Cultural Influences on Intimacy
Self-Disclosure in Interpersonal Relationships
Models of Self-Disclosure
Characteristics of Effective Self-Disclosure
Guidelines for Appropriate Self-Disclosure
Alternatives to Self-Disclosure
Chapter 7. Improving Interpersonal Relationships
Communication Climates in Interpersonal Relationships
Confirming and Deconfirming Messages
How Communication Climates Develop
Creating Positive Communication Climates
Managing Interpersonal Conflict
The Nature of Conflict
Styles of Expressing Conflict
Characteristics of an Assertive Message
Gender and Conflict Style
Cultural Influences on Conflict
Methods of Conflict Resolution
Steps in Win-Win Problem Solving
PART THREE. COMMUNICATION IN GROUPS
Chapter 8. The Nature of Groups
What Is a Group?
Interaction
Interdependence
Time
Size
Goals
Goals of Groups and Their Members
Individual Goals
Group Goals
Types of Groups
Learning Groups
Problem-Solving Groups
Social Groups
Growth Groups
Characteristics of Groups
Rules and Norms
Roles
Patterns of Interaction
Decision-Making Methods
Cultural Influences on Group Communication
Individualism Versus Collectivism
Power Distance
Uncertainty Avoidance
Task Versus Social Orientation
Short- Versus Long-Term Orientation
Chapter 9. Solving Problems in Groups
Problem Solving in Groups: When and Why
Advantages of Group Problem Solving
When to Use Groups for Problem Solving
Group Problem-Solving Formats
Types of Problem-Solving Groups
Computer-Mediated Groups
Approaches and Stages in Problem Solving
A Structured Problem-Solving Approach
Developmental Stages in Problem-Solving Groups
Maintaining Positive Relationships
Basic Skills
Building Cohesiveness
Leadership and Power in Groups
Power in Groups
What Makes Leaders Effective?
Overcoming Dangers in Group Discussion
Information Underload and Overload
Unequal Participation
Pressure to Conform
PART FOUR. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
Choosing a Topic
Look for a Topic Early
Choose a Topic That Interests You
Defining Purpose
General Purpose
Specific Purpose
The Thesis Statement
Analyzing the Speaking Situation
The Listener: Audience Analysis
The Occasion
Gathering Information
Internet Research
Library Research
Interviewing
Personal Observation
Survey Research
Chapter 11. Organization and Support
Structuring the Speech
Working Outline
Formal Outline
Speaking Notes
Principles of Outlining
Standard Symbols
Standard Format
The Rule of Division
The Rule of Parallel Wording
Organizing Your Points in a Logical Order
Using Transitions
Beginning and Ending the Speech
The Introduction
The Conclusion
Supporting Material
Functions of Supporting Material
Types of Supporting Material
Styles of Support: Narration and Citation
Chapter 12. Presenting Your Message
Dealing with Stage Fright
Facilitative and Debilitative Stage Fright
Sources of Debilitative Stage Fright
Overcoming Debilitative Stage Fright
Types of Delivery
Extemporaneous
Impromptu
Manuscript
Memorized
Practicing the Speech
Guidelines for Delivery
Visual Aspects of Delivery
Auditory Aspects of Delivery
Offering Constructive Criticism
Using Visual Aids
Types of Visual Aids
Media for the Presentation of Visual Aids
Rules for Using Visual Aids
Chapter 13. Informative Speaking
Types of Informative Speaking
By Content
By Purpose
Informative Versus Persuasive Topics
An Informative Topic Tends to Be Noncontroversial
The Informative Speaker Does Not Intend to Change Audience Attitude
Techniques of Informative Speaking
Define a Specific Informative Purpose
Create Information Hunger
Make It Easy to Listen
Emphasize Important Points
Use a Clear Organization and Structure
Use Supporting Material Effectively
Use Clear, Simple Language
Generate Audience Involvement
Chapter 14. Persuasive Speaking
Characteristics of Persuasion
Persuasion Is Not Coercive
Persuasion Is Usually Incremental
Persuasion Is Interactive
Persuasion Can Be Ethical
Categorizing Types of Persuasion
By Types of Proposition
By Desired Outcome
By Directness of Approach
Creating the Persuasive Message
Set a Clear, Persuasive Purpose
Structure the Message Carefully
Use Solid Evidence
Avoid Fallacies
Adapting to the Audience
Establish Common Ground
Organize According to the Expected Response
Neutralize Potential Hostility
Building Credibility as a Speaker
Competence
Character
Charisma
APPENDIX: INTERVIEWING
The Nature of Interviewing
Interviewing Defined
How Interviewing Differs from Conversation
Planning the Interview
The Interviewer's Role
The Interviewee's Role
Conducting the Interview
Stages of an Interview
The Interviewer's Responsibilities
The Interviewee's Responsibilities
The Selection Interview
Employment Strategies
Tips for the Interviewee
Interviewing and the Law
The Information-Gathering Interview
Prepare for the Interview
Choose the Right Interviewee
Informational Interviewing Tips
Other Interview Types
The Persuasive Interview
The Counseling Interview
The Survey Interview
Notes
Key Terms
Credits
Index