Choices & Connections shows students that communication is an opportunity to connect their words and actions to their choice of who they want to be and what kind of community they want to live in. Every element in the text is designed to engage students in the study of communication and help them become resilient, confident, and culturally conscious communicators. Choices & Connections helps students integrate and apply the most current scholarly research through scenario activities, real-life situations, and pop-culture examples designed to recursively develop communication skills best learned through practice, in context.
The third edition has been extensively revised to ensure that all students’ perspectives are represented. The coverage of gender communication has been overhauled, with a reimagined Chapter 3 on “Understanding Gender and Culture.” The mediated communication chapter has also been heavily revised with the latest research.
Preface
Part 1: Communication Foundations
Chapter 1: Introduction to Communication
What Is Communication?
Defining Communication
Why You Communicate
Communication Models
Studying Communication
A Brief History of Communication
Types of Communication
Communication Competence
Understanding Communication Competence
Putting Competence into Practice
Choices and Connections
Communication Skills
Advance the Conversation: Time for Payback?
Communication Connections
Advance the Conversation Video Activity: Competent Conversations
Chapter 1 Review
Chapter 2: Self and Perception
The Nature of Self
Self-Awareness
Self-Concept
Self-Esteem
Gender, Sexual Orientation, Culture, and Self
Presenting Your Self
Creating Faces and Masks
Losing Face
Maintaining Face
Advance the Conversation: Distorting Online Self-Presentation
Perceiving Others
The Perception Process
Attributions and Perceptual Errors
Forming Impressions
Gestalts
Algebraic Impressions
Stereotypes
Improving Your Perception
Perception-Checking
Empathy
Advance the Conversation Video Activity: Empathy for a Group Member
Chapter Review
Chapter 3: Understanding Gender and Culture
What Is Gender?
Gender Defined
Gender and Communication
Gender and Verbal Communication
Gender and Nonverbal Communication
Moving Beyond Gender Stereotypes
Advance the Conversation: Challenging Binary Judgments
What Is Culture?
Culture Defined
Co-Cultures
Intersectionality
Prejudice
Culture and Communication
Dimensions of Difference
Communication Accommodation
Creating Intercultural Competence
World-Mindedness
Attributional Complexity
Advance the Conversation Video Activity: Adapting to Cultural Differences
Chapter Review
Chapter 4: Mediated Communication
What Is Mediated Communication?
Types of Mediated Communication
Functions of Mediated Communication
Characteristics of Mediated Communication
Self-Presentation and Mediated Communication
Creating Your Online Face
Managing Your Online Face
Mediated Communication Challenges
Perceived Social Isolation
Online Disinhibition
Digital Deception
Using Mediated Communication Competently
Advance the Conversation: Friends Don't Let Friends Text and Talk
Advance the Conversation Video Activity: Removing an Embarrassing Post
Chapter Review
Chapter 5: Verbal Communication
The Nature of Verbal Communication
Language Is Symbolic
Language Is Governed by Rules
Language Conveys Meaning
Language and Culture Are Intertwined
Verbal Communication Skills
Create Understandable Messages
Use "I" and "We" Language
Avoid Gender-Based Presumptions
Be Mindful of Cultural Differences
Verbal Communication Challenges
Prejudiced Language
Verbal Aggression
Deception
Advance the Conversation: Protecting a Friend from Harm
Defamation
Advance the Conversation Video Activity: Disagreement with Family
Chapter Review
Chapter 6: Nonverbal Communication
Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication Uses Multiple Channels
Nonverbal Communication Conveys More Meaning Than Verbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication Blends with Verbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication Is Influenced by Gender
Nonverbal Communication Is Influenced by Culture
Types of Nonverbal Communication
Body Movement
Voice
Touch
Personal Space
Appearance
Environmental Features
Functions of Nonverbal Communication
Conveying Meaning
Expressing Emotion
Presenting Self
Managing Interactions
Advance the Conversation: I Wasn't Being Sarcastic!
Defining Relationships
Strengthening Your Nonverbal Communication Skills
Enhancing Your Nonverbal Expressiveness
Inhibiting Your Nonverbal Behaviors
Checking Your Nonverbal Attributions
Advance the Conversation Video Activity: Perceiving Nonverbal Messages
Chapter Review
Chapter 7: Active Listening
The Listening Process
Stages of the Listening Process
Motives for Listening
Multitasking and Listening
Advance the Conversation: To Multitask or Not, That Is the Question!
Listening Styles
Four Listening Styles
Gender and Listening Styles
Culture and Listening Styles
Barriers to Active Listening
Selective Listening
Pseudo-Listening
Aggressive Listening
Improving Your Active Listening Skills
Manage Your Feedback
Adapt Your Listening
Recognize the Value of Silence
Advance the Conversation Video Activity: Active Listening
Chapter Review
Part 2: Interpersonal Communication
Chapter 8: Principles of Interpersonal Communication
What Is Interpersonal Communication?
Interpersonal Communication Is Transactional
Interpersonal Communication Is Dynamic
Interpersonal Communication Is Relational
Interpersonal Communication Is Impactful
Why Form Relationships?
Proximity
Resources
Similarity
Reciprocal Liking
Physical Attractiveness
Types of Relationships
Romantic Relationships
Family Relationships
Friendships
Advance the Conversation: When a Good Friend Changes
Workplace Relationships
Relationship Stages
Coming Together
Coming Apart
Advance the Conversation Video Activity: Ending a Relationship
Chapter Review
Chapter 9: Managing Interpersonal Relationships
Self-Disclosure in Relationships
Self-Disclosure and Relationship Development
Communicating Self-Disclosure
Self-Disclosure Skills
Advance the Conversation: I Don't Want to Hear This!
Managing Relationship Tensions
Openness versus Protection
Autonomy versus Connection
Novelty versus Predictability
Sustaining Your Relationships
Relational Maintenance
Supportive Communication
Advance the Conversation Video Activity: Relationship Maintenance at Work
Chapter Review
Chapter 10: Managing Conflict
Defining Conflict
Conflict Begins with Perception
Conflict Involves Clashes between Goals or Actions
Conflict Is a Process
Selecting an Approach to Conflict
Avoidance
Accommodation
Competition
Advance the Conversation: I Didn't Lie!
Collaboration
Conflict Endings
Separation
Domination
Compromise
Integrative Agreements
Structural Improvements
Barriers to Constructive Conflict
Attributional Errors
Destructive Messages
Cultural Differences
Advance the Conversation Video Activity: Conflict with a Roommate
Chapter Review
Part 3: Small Group Communication
Chapter 11: Small Group Communication
Defining Small Groups
Characteristics of Small Groups
Types of Small Groups
Development of Small Groups
How Small Groups Communicate
Balancing Group Roles
Building Cohesiveness
Establishing Positive Norms
Sharing Responsibility
Managing Physical Space
The Self's Influence on Small Group Communication
Communication Traits
Gender
Culture
Advance the Conversation: You're Not Funny
Virtual Groups and Teams
Challenges of Virtual Groups
Improving Communication in Virtual Small Groups
Advance the Conversation Video Activity: Conflict with a Group Member
Chapter Review
Chapter 12: Leadership in Group Communication
Perspectives on Leadership
Traits View
Style View
Situational View
Functional View
Leading with Communication
Supporting Gender and Cultural Diversity
Creating a Communication Climate
Preventing Groupthink
Dealing with Conflict
Advance the Conversation: The Bearer of Bad News
Leading Problem Solving
Structured Problem Solving
Group Brainstorming
Leading Decision Making
Decision by Authority
Decision by Vote
Decision by Consensus
Leading Meetings
Planning Meetings
Conducting Meetings
Following Up On/Evaluating Meetings
Advance the Conversation Video Activity: Handling Complaints
Chapter Review
Part 4: Public Communication
Chapter 13: Preparing Your Speech
Preparing Your Speech: First Steps
Choosing Your Speech Topic
Identifying Your General Purpose
Considering Speech Topics
Deciding on Your Topic
Analyzing Your Audience
Understanding Your Audience
Developing Your Audience Analysis
Advance the Conversation: Speaking Your Mind
Writing Your Specific Purpose Statement
Planning Your Research Strategy
Identifying Your Information Needs
Drawing on Your Personal Knowledge
Talking with Librarians
Documenting Your Research Findings
Conducting Your Research
Primary and Secondary Resources
Internet Resources
Library Resources
Interpersonal Resources
Evaluating Your Resources
Advance the Conversation Video Activity: Relationship Maintenance at Work
Chapter Review
Chapter 14: Composing Your Speech
Developing Your Speech Thesis
Identifying and Supporting Your Main Points
Identifying Your Main Points
Supporting Your Main Points
Organizing Your Speech
Selecting an Organizational Pattern
Using Connectives
Keeping Listeners Engaged
Advance the Conversation: But the Video Went Viral!
Introducing and Concluding Your Speech
Introducing Your Speech
Concluding Your Speech
Putting It All Together: Speech Outlines
Preparation Outline
Delivery Outline
Advance the Conversation Video Activity: Elevator Speeches
Sample Preparation and Delivery Outlines
Preparation Outline
Delivery Outline
Chapter Review
Chapter 15: Delivering Your Speech
Speech Delivery Modes
Impromptu Speaking
Manuscript Speaking
Extemporaneous Speaking
Managing Your Speech Anxiety
Conveying Immediacy
Projecting a Powerful Speech Style
Advance the Conversation: This Is How I Talk
Managing Your Delivery in Online Speeches
Managing Speech Anxiety
Choosing and Using Presentation Aids
Types of Presentation Aids
Presentation Software
Tips for Using Presentation Aids
Evaluating Speeches and Managing Feedback
Giving Effective Feedback
Using Feedback to Improve Your Speech Performance
Advance the Conversation Video Activity: Delivering a Speech
Chapter Review
Chapter 16: Informative Speaking
What Is Informative Speaking?
Functions of Informative Speeches
Specific Purposes for Informative Speeches
Informative versus Persuasive Speaking
Types of Informative Speeches
Expository Presentations
Process or Demonstration Presentations
Narrative Presentations
Comparison/Contrast Presentations
Guidelines for Informative Speaking
Choose a Topic You Care About
Capture—and Hold—Your Listeners’ Attention
Advance the Conversation: Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid
Use Everyday Language
Make Your Speech Understandable
Help Your Audience Remember Your Message
Advance the Conversation Video Activity: Responding to Audience Questions
Sample Informative Speech: Going Carbon Neutral on Campus
Chapter Review
Chapter 17: Persuasive Speaking
What Is Persuasive Speaking?
Types of Persuasive Propositions
Audience Analysis for Persuasive Speeches
Credibility in Persuasive Speeches
Organizing and Supporting Persuasive Speeches
Organizing Persuasive Speeches
Advance the Conversation: Do or Die: Using Scare Tactics to Persuade Others
Reasoning for Persuasive Speeches
Avoiding Fallacies
Appealing to Your Audience's Needs and Emotions
Connecting to Your Audience's Needs
Providing Testimony and Stories
Using Descriptive Language
Guidelines for Persuasive Speaking
Establish Goodwill with Your Audience
Keep Your Specific Purpose Realistic
Decide How to Present Your Issue
Maintain High Ethical Standards
Advance the Conversation Video Activity: Emotional Appeals
Sample Persuasive Speech: Becoming a Socially Conscious Consumer
Chapter Review
Appendix: Interviewing
What Is Interviewing?
Types of Interviews
Preparing for an Interview
Essential Communication Skills for Interviewing
Being an Active Listener
Building Rapport and Demonstrating Cooperation
Using Mediated Communication during Interviews
Information Interviewing
Preparing for an Information Interview
Managing an Information Interview
Employment Selection Interviewing
Preparing for an Employment Selection Interview
Advance the Conversation: Well… to Be Totally Honest With You
Managing an Employment Selection Interview
Advance the Conversation Video Activity: Managing Stress Questions
Appendix Review
Glossary
References
Index
Pop Quiz Answers
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