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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Key Terms
Appendix A: Communicating Professionalism When Interviewing
Answer Key
Glossary
Endnotes
Index