Synopses & Reviews
INVITATION TO HUMAN COMMUNICATION, working in partnership with National Geographic, acknowledges the complexity of today's world, the power of communication, and the necessity of teaching students the foundational skills they will need to both compete and succeed in this complex and exciting environment.
Review
"This book is pretty ambitious in a 'good way.' It challenges the students to apply course concepts in real world situations where answers are not always obvious. The NG "inserts" do a really nice job here."
Review
"I believe this text provides a unique perspective, utilizing fantastic examples of how varying successful individuals utilize communication. Very exciting text!"
Review
"A pretty traditional hybrid text with a unique emphasis on civility and diversity which is sorely needed in our society."
Review
"....From what I see so far the examples are a real strength of the writing and certainly enhance the interest of the reading and engage the reader at a very visceral level."
Review
"This chapter (Chapter 10: Developing Your Speech Topic and Purpose) takes students on a clear path to help them determine speech topics. The steps in the process of choosing a topic are articulated well. These pages on selecting a topic, narrowing the purpose, and developing a thesis statement are done very well. Finally, a textbook that explains this in such clear, step by step language, as opposed to textbooks that gloss over the process, leaving out the important connecting steps! I love the connection the author makes between purpose statements and thesis statements to guide students in developing a well-directed speech. In addition, the author does an excellent job discussing intro and conclusion techniques. Students can read this chapter and truly get it on their own."
About the Author
Doctor of Philosophy, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; Master of Arts, University of Oregon, Eugene Oregon. Professor, Speech Communication, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorad since 1998. Author of INVITATION TO PUBLIC SPEAKING 4TH EDITION (Cengage). Ph.D. in Communication, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, 2007.Emphasis: Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, Political Communication, Feminist Theory. M.A., Speech Communication, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 2000. Teaches communicaiton studies at Colorado State University.
Table of Contents
PART I: FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNICATION. 1. The Communication Process. The Definition of Communication. Civil and Ethical Communication. Communication is Symbolic. Communication is a Process. Communication is Influenced by Culture. National Geographic Explorer Tip: Aziz Abu Sarah. Types of Communication. National Geographic Explorer Tip. Models for Communication. Linear Model of Communication. Practicing Human Communication: What are you ethnic and cultural backgrounds? Practicing Human Communication: What kind of interactions have you had recently? Interactive Model of Communication. Transactional Model of Communication. Communication as an Act of Civility. Ethical Moment: Global Graffiti: Whose Space Is It? Communication and Competence. Communication Competence Requires Flexibility. Practicing Human Communication: What is Flexibility? Communication Competence Requires Practice. National Geographic Speaks: Thomas Taha Rassa Culhane: The Great Conversation. Communication Competence Requires Cognitive Complexity. Why Study Communication? Communication is Around Us. Communication is Irreversible. Communication is Always Evolving. Communication and Careers. Communication and Family. Communication and Self. Communication and Civic Engagement. Chapter Summary. Key Concepts. Further Reflection and Discussion. Activities and Web Links. 2. Communication, Perception, and the Self. The Definition of Perception. The Process of Perception. Practicing Human Communication: What Kind of Perceptions Do You Have? Influences on Perception. Perception, Identity, and Standpoint. Speaking Visually: Media and Our Self-Concept. Perceiving our Self. Self-concept and Family. Self-concept and Culture. Self-concept and Communication. Self-esteem. Self-esteem and the Media. Case Study: Women's Self-esteem and the Media. Perceiving Others. The Power of First Impressions. National Geographic Explorer Tip: Alexandra Cousteau. Practicing Human Communication: Experiencing Stereotyping. Civility, Social Justice, and Perception. Chapter Summary. Key Concepts. Further Reflection and Discussion. Activities and Web Links. 3. Nonverbal Communication. Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication. Communication at Work: Leaders, Greetings and Cultural Differences. Nonverbal Communication is Influenced by Culture. Nonverbal Communication is Influenced by Gender. Nonverbal Communication is Relational. Nonverbal Communication is Ambiguous. Nonverbal Communication is Related to Verbal Communication. Types of Nonverbal Communication. National Geographic Explorer Tip: Mireya Mayor. Visual Codes of Nonverbal Communication. Practicing Human Communication: Reading Between the Lines. Case Study: Artifacts, Ambiguity, and Arguments. Auditory Codes of Nonverbal Communication. Communication at Work: Seconds of Silence. Invisible Codes of Nonverbal Communication. Chapter Summary. Key Concepts. Further Reflection and Discussion. Activities and Web Links. 4. Language. The Nature of