Chapter 1 The Communication Process: An Overview

The Significance of Communication in Human Life

Defining Communication 6

Communication as Linear Process: An Analytic Model

Interactive Communication: A Simultaneous Transactions Model

Accuracy in Communication

Chapter 2 Verbal Communication: Using Speech and Language

The Animal Kingdom: Communicating without Language

The Human Experience: The Development of Speech and Language

The Basic Nature of Language

Chapter 3 Nonverbal Communication: Communicating Without Language

The Relationship Between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

“Things” That Communicate

Actions That Communicate

Communication as an Integrated Process

Chapter 4 The Importance of Listening

The Listening Process

The Listening Encounter

Misconceptions That Impair Listening

A Seven-Feature Plan for Strategic Listening

Part Two Communicating in Distinctive Contexts

Chapter 5 Communicating Interpersonally

Communicating in an Interpersonal Context

Engagement: The Initial Encounter

Management: Moving Toward and Maintaining Intimacy

Disengagement: Communicating When Relationships Erode

Chapter 6 Communicating in Small Groups

The Nature of Human Groups

Stages in Group Development

Informal Communication in Small, Intimate Groups

Communicating in Task-Oriented Discussion Groups

Communicating in Formal Decision-Making Groups

Group Cohesion and Disorganization

Chapter 7 Communicating in Organizations

The Nature and Functions of Organizations

Max Weber’s Classical Theory of Bureaucracy

Management’s Designs for Organizational Communication

The Flow of Messages in Large Organizations

Chapter 8 Communicating between Cultures

The Nature of Culture

The Influence of Culture on Communication

Features of Culture that Make a Difference

Unique Styles of Communication Common in Specialized Cultures

Communicating Successfully in Intercultural Contexts

Part Three Managing Personal Communication Processes

Chapter 9 Presenting Yourself Effectively

The Impressions You Make in Initial Encounters

Presenting Yourself in Encounters That Really Matter

Deciding What to Say

Changing Negative Impressions

Chapter 10 Overcoming Communication Apprehension

Communication Apprehension as a Common Reaction

Causes of Communication Apprehension

Consequences of High and Low Communication Apprehension

Dealing with Stage Fright

Reducing Communication Apprehension

Chapter 11 Influencing Others

The Importance of Persuasion in Everyday Life

Person-to-Person Persuasion

Alternative Methods for Achieving Influence

Understanding Resistance and Yielding

Traditional Communication Strategies for Influencing People

Chapter 12 Coping with Conflict

The Major Characteristics of Conflict

Common Causes of Conflict

Personal Styles of Coping with Conflict

Successful Conflict Negotiation

Part Four Understanding Communication Media

Chapter 13 Using Media to Communicate Interpersonally

Face-to-Face versus Mediated Communication

Communicating Using Traditional Written Media

Communicating by Telephone and Related Media

Communicating by Computer

Teleconferencing

Chapter 14 Understanding Mass Communication

Social and Cultural Factors That Have Shaped Our Media

Mass Communication as a Process

The Great Debate over the Influence of Mass Communication

The Power of the Media: Alternative Interpretations

Chapter 15 Understanding Communication Research

The Postulates of the Scientific Research Perspective

Research Designs as Strategies for Controlled Observation

Focus Groups

Observing by Measuring Variables

Ethical Issues in Communication Research