This popular, comprehensive introduction to speech communication deftly blends theory, current research, and skills, while emphasizing the connections between communication and our daily lives.

Unique in its integrated “connections” theme and streamlined pedagogy, Communication: Making Connections introduces the basic principles of public speaking, interpersonal communication, and group communication. The constant application of a solid theoretical foundation to everyday communication through relevant examples, thought-provoking questions, and boxed features stress communication competence.

New and strengthened pedagogy highlights and reinforces the “connections” theme throughout the book, demonstrating how communication connects us to each other in a variety of contexts: the workplace, family, friends, community, school, public communication settings, the Internet, and across cultures.

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.