Now in its eighth edition, this classic text by Ronald B. Adler and George Rodman retains the enduring features that have made it the best-selling introductory human communication text on the market: an engaging and reader-friendly writing style; an inviting visual design with marginal quotations, cartoons, photographs, newspaper clippings, and supplemental readings on every page; up-to-date information on technology, gender, and cultural diversity; and everyday applications based on solid research and theory. Maintaining the quality of presentation and student-focused pedagogy that have characterized previous editions, this new edition features updated examples, coverage of current communication theory, entirely new student-oriented sample speeches with new commentaries, and a commitment to equipping students with effective communication skills that will matter and make a difference in their everyday lives.
NEW TO THE EIGHTH EDITION
Improved Design and Pedagogy
� Each chapter now opens with a list of cognitive and behavioral objectives so that students know precisely what they need to learn.
� Activities are now integrated into the text--adjacent to the concepts they complement--allowing students to apply the material more easily to their lives.
New Feature Film Profiles
� Using a medium that students already know and love, Understanding Human Communication, Eighth Edition, integrates current movies into instruction to effectively teach concepts and principles. New films include:
� Cast Away
� Shallow Hal
� Pay It Forward
� You've Got Mail
� Clueless
� At First Sight
� Patch Adams
� Dangerous Minds
� Almost Famous
New Sidebar Topics
� "Understanding Diversity" Sidebars show students how communication principles apply to people from different backgrounds. New topics include:
- doing business across cultures
- non-western views of modern medicine
- deafness and identity
� "Understanding Communication Technology" Sidebars teach students how new technologies can expand and improve communication. New topics include:
- identity management on the Internet
- strategies for expressing emotions online
- using the World Wide Web to deliver difficult messages
- communicating in "virtual groups" on the web
- software to improve group decision-making
New Material on Public Speaking
The sample speeches in chapters 10, 11, 13, and 14 are completely new and accompanied by commentaries provided by the student speakers in addition to the authors' explanations.
� This edition places greater emphasis on student informative speaking and includes a sample student speech.
� This edition contains expanded guidelines for personalizing an informative speech.
Updated and Expanded Research and Examples
Throughout the new edition, many topics have been added, expanded, or updated to reflect current information and contemporary theory. For example:
� Chapters 1-2
- how communication shapes and manages identity
- how narratives shape perceptions and frameworks for shared understanding
- how some communication aims at coordination, but not necessarily understanding
� Chapter 3
- similarities and differences between male and female communication styles
- how children's names affect their identities
- examples of contemporary slang and jargon
� Chapter 4
- personal listening styles
- the importance of listening in professional and personal life
- how cultural differences shape listening
- how communicators offer social support to others
� Chapters 5-6
- deceptive communication
- when and why people disclose personal information
� Chapters 10-14
- new demographic analyses of today's audiences
- the role of human communication in contemporary world events
- the new student activism
� Media Appendix
- Cumulative Effects Theory
- how different theories lead to the observation of different effects
- how the media contributes to changes in language styles over time
Each chapter ends with a Summary and Resources.
Preface
PART I: ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION
CHAPTER 1. HUMAN COMMUNICATION: WHAT AND WHY
Communication Defined
Communication Is Human
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
Clarifying Misconceptions about Communication
Communication Does Not Always Require Complete Understanding
Communication Is Not 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. PERCEPTION, THE SELF, AND COMMUNICATION
Perceiving Others
Narratives and Perception
Common Perceptual Tendencies
Situational Factors Influencing Perception
Perception and Culture
Empathy and Perception
Perceiving the Self
Self-Concept Defined
Communication and Development of the Self
Culture and the Self-Concept
The Self-Concept, Personality, and Communication
The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Identity Management: Communication as Impression 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
Non-Gender Variables
Sex Roles
Culture and Language
Verbal Communication Styles
Language and World View
Language Use in North American Culture
CHAPTER 4. LISTENING
Misconceptions about Listening
Listening and Hearing Are Not the Same Thing
Listening Is Not a Natural Process
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
Empathic Listening
Advising
Judging
Analyzing
Questioning
Supporting
Prompting
Paraphrasing
When and How to Help?
CHAPTER 5. NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication Exists
Nonverbal Behavior Has Communicative Value
Nonverbal Communication Is Primarily Relational
Nonverbal Communication Is Ambiguous
Much Nonverbal Communication Is Culture-Bound
Differences between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Single vs. Multiple Channels
Discrete vs. Continuous
Conscious vs. Unconscious
Functions of Nonverbal Communication
Repeating
Substituting
Complementing
Accenting
Regulating
Contradicting
Deceiving
Types of Nonverbal Communication
Posture and Gesture
Face and Eyes
Voice
Touch
Physical Attractiveness
Clothing
Distance
Time
Territoriality
Environment
PART II: INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
CHAPTER 6. UNDERSTANDING INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Characteristics of Interpersonal Relationships
What Makes Communication Interpersonal?
Content and Relational Messages
Metacommunication
Intimacy in Interpersonal Relationships
Dimensions of Intimacy
Male and Female Intimacy Styles
Cultural Influences on Intimacy
Relational Development and Maintenance
Developmental Models
Dialectical Perspectives
Characteristics of Relational Development and Maintenance
Self-Disclosure in Interpersonal Relationships
The Johari Window Model 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 Disconfirming 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
Letting Go
PART III: 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
Growth Groups
Problem-Solving Groups
Social Groups
Characteristics of Groups
Rules and Norms
Roles
Patterns of Interaction
Decision-Making Methods
Cultural Influences on Group Communication
Individualism vs. Collectivism
Power Distance
Uncertainty Avoidance
Task vs. Social Orientation
Short- vs. 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
Types of Problem-Solving Formats
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 IV: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
CHAPTER 10. CHOOSING AND DEVELOPING A TOPIC
Choosing a Topic
Look for a Topic Early
Choose a Topic That Interests You
Defining Purpose
General Purpose
Specific Purpose
Thesis Statement
Analyzing the Speaking Situation
The Listener: Audience Analysis
The Occasion
Gathering Information
Internet Research
Library Research
Interviewing
Personal Observation
Survey Research
Sample Speech
CHAPTER 11. ORGANIZATION AND SUPPORT
Structuring the Speech
Working Outline
Formal Outline
Speech 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
Using Visual Aids
Types of Visual Aids
Media for the Presentation of Visual Aids
Rules for Using Visual Aids
Sample Speech
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
CHAPTER 13. INFORMATIVE SPEAKING
Types of Informative Speaking
By Content
By Purpose
Informative vs. Persuasive Topics
An Informative Topic Tends to Be Noncontroversial
The Informative Speaker Does Not Intend to Change Audience Attitudes
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 Language
Generate Audience Involvement
Sample Speech
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
Adapt to a Hostile Audience
Building Credibility as a Speaker
Competence
Character
Charisma
Sample Speech
APPENDIX I. 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
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
APPENDIX II. MEDIATED COMMUNICATION
Types of Mediated Communication
Mass Communication
Mediated Interpersonal Communication
Converging Communication Media
Theories of Media Effects
Flow Theories
Bullet Theory
Two-step Flow
Multi-step Flow
Social Learning Theory
Individual Differences
Cultivation Theory
Agenda Setting
Cumulative Effects Theory
Cultural Studies Approaches
Gender Analysis
Political-Economic Analysis
How We Use Media
Media Consumers as Active Agents
Types of Uses and Gratifications
Different Theories, Different Observations
Notes
Glossary
Credits
Index