MyCommunicationLab Student Access Code Card for Communication (standalone)

This access code card gives you access to all of MyCommunicationLab's grade-boosting resources. MyCommunicationLab is an interactive online solution for Communication courses that combines multimedia, tutorials, simulations, tests, and quizzes to make learning fun! Updated in a new 8th edition, this hybrid text has an unique integrated "Making Connections" theme and emphasis on technology. It skillfully blends theory, current research, and skills, while emphasizing the connections between communication and our daily lives. This book introduces the basic principles of public speaking, interpersonal communication and group communication, and stresses communication competence by constantly applying a solid theoretical foundation through everyday and relevant communication examples, thought-provoking questions, and boxed features.

I. MAKING CONNECTIONS THROUGH COMMUNICATION

 

1. Connecting Process and Principles

 

Communication : Making Connections

What Is Communication?

Why Should We Study Communication?

Principles of Communication.

Essential Components of Communication

Types of Communication.

Misconceptions about Communication

Improving Communication Competence

 

2. Connecting Perceptions and Communication

 

Perception and Communication

Understanding Perception

The Nature of Perception

Perceptual Differences

Improving Perception Competencies and Perception Checking

 

3. Connecting Self and Communication

 

Understanding Self-Concept

Communication and Self-Concept

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy and Impression Management

Culture and Self-Concept

Gender and Self-Concept

Enhancing Self-Concept

 

4. Connecting Through Verbal Communication

 

The Importance of Language

The Elements of Language

Language-Based Barriers to Communication

How to Use Language Effectively

 

5. Connecting Through Nonverbal Communication

 

What Is Nonverbal Communication?

Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication

Functions of Nonverbal Communication

Types of Nonverbal Communication

Interpreting and Improving Nonverbal Communication

 

6. Connecting Listening and Thinking in the Communication Process

 

The Importance of Effective Listening

Listening and Hearing: Is There a Difference?

The Stages of Effective Listening

The Functions of Listening

Barriers to Effective Listening

Critical Listening and Critical Thinking: Analyzing and Evaluating Messages

Improving Listening Competence

Listening and Technology

Intercultural Listening

 

II. CONNECTING IN THE PUBLIC CONTEXT

 

7. Selecting a Topic and Relating to the Audience

 

Selecting a Speech Topic

Determining the General Purpose, Specific Purpose, and Thesis of a Speech

Connecting With the Listeners

 

8. Gathering and Using Information

 

Gathering Information

Suggestions for Doing Research

Using Research to Support and Clarify Ideas

 

9. Organizing and Outlining Your Speech

 

Organize the Body of Your Speech

Organize the Introduction of Your Speech

Organize the Conclusion of Your Speech

Outline Your Speech

 

10. Managing Anxiety and Delivering Your Speech

 

Qualities of Effective Speakers

Managing Speech Anxiety

Methods of Delivery

Vocal and Physical Aspects of Delivery

Presentational Aids

Your Delivery

 

11. Informative Speaking

 

Information and Power

Distinctions between Informative and Persuasive Speaking

Topics for Informative Speeches

Preparing and Developing an Informative Speech

Evaluating the Informative Speech

A Sample Informative Speech with Commentary

 

12. Persuasive Speaking

 

The Goal of Persuasive Speaking

Topics for Persuasive Speeches

Persuasive Claims

Establishing Credibility

Becoming Effective Consumers of Persuasion

Preparing and Developing a Persuasive Speech

Fallacies in Argument Development

Evaluating the Persuasive Speech

A Sample Persuasive Speech with Commentary

 

III. CONNECTING IN RELATIONAL CONTEXTS

 

13. Interpersonal Communication

 

Connecting with Others via Interpersonal Communication

Motivation and Need to Form Relationships

Relationships: Getting to Know Others and Ourselves

Connecting With Others Online

Self-Disclosure in Relationships

 

14. Developing Relationships

 

Forming and Dissolving Relationships

Interpersonal Conflict

Improving Communication Competence in Relationships

 

15. Group and Team Communication

 

Small Group Communication: Making the Connection

What Is a Group?

Group Formation: Why We Join Groups and Why We Leave

Types and Purposes of Small Groups

Project or Work Teams

Characteristics of Small Groups

Gender Differences in Group Communication

Ethical Behavior in Group Communication

Virtual Groups and Teams

Disadvantages of Small Groups

 

16. Participating in Groups and Teams

 

Team Building

Leadership

Conducting a Meeting

Member Participation

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Managing Group Conflict

Evaluating Small Group Performance

 

Appendix: Employment Interviewing: Preparing for Your Future

 

Preparing for Your Career

Career Research on the Internet

Choosing a Career

Qualities Employers Seek

Preparation for an Interview

The Interview

Factors Leading to Rejection

Factors Leading to Job Offers