Understanding Human Communication

by Adler, Ronald B.; Rodman, George

• ISBN13: 9780195336122
• ISBN10: 0195336127
• Edition: 10th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-02-01
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Now in its tenth edition, Understanding Human Communication continues to build on the widely successful approach--a sophisticated balance of theory and skills--that has captivated more than a half million students and their professors. The best-selling introductory communication book in the field, this classic text has been enriched and streamlined to reflect the latest research developments and to meet the evolving needs of students. It begins with an introduction to the basic elements of communication, providing students with a solid understanding of perception, language, listening, and nonverbal communication. Next, the book guides them through lively sections on interpersonal communication, small group communication, and public address. Esteemed authors Ronald B. Adler and George Rodman speak to students in language that is both engaging and accessible, offering numerous examples that clearly illustrate concepts in real-life scenarios. Throughout, they draw from the latest media, culture, technology, and scholarship to create a distinctive pedagogy that gives students the tools they need to master--and enjoy--this intriguing and relevant subject. With its striking visual presentation, comprehensive classroom supplements, and dedicated student-focused pedagogy, Understanding Human Communication continues to enliven classrooms and equip students with effective communication skills that will make a difference in their everyday lives. New to the tenth edition: * "Media Room" boxes analyze examples from popular films and television shows, in order to illustrate important communication concepts, from drama (Grey's Anatomy) to comedy (Little Miss Sunshine) to documentary (An Inconvenient Truth). * "Understanding Diversity" and "Understanding Technology" boxes incorporate new, incisive examples that convey key ideas. * New and updated coverage of culture and technology is integrated throughout. * Thought-provoking Case Studies now wrap up each unit, presenting real-life communication challenges that students might encounter on the job, in school, and in personal relationships. * All-new Sample Speeches include full outlines and commentary from students and the authors. * The Interviewing Appendix now addresses the needs of students entering the workforce, featuring pre-interview strategies, examples of questions that potential employers may and may not legally ask, and behavioral interviews. The text is accompanied by a Student Success Manual, an Instructor's Manual and Test Bank, a comprehensive companion website at www.oup.com/us/uhc10, and Now Playing, a vibrant resource (available both online and in print) that examines contemporary films through the lens of communication principles.

Author Biography

Ronald B. Adler is Professor of Communication at Santa Barbara City College. He is coauthor of Interplay: The Process of Interpersonal Communication, Tenth Edition (OUP, 2006), Looking Out, Looking In (2006), and Communicating at Work: Principles and Practices for Business and the Professions (2006).
George Rodman is Professor of Mass Communication at Brooklyn College, City University of New York, where he founded the television writing program. He is author of Mass Media in a Changing World, Second Edition (2007), and Making Sense of Media (2001).

Table of Contents

Each Chapter ends with a Summary, Key Terms, Activities, and For Further Exploration

Elements of Communication

Human Communication: What and Why

Communication Defined

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

Intercultural Communication Competence

Competence in Mediated Communication

Clarifying Misconceptions About Communication

Communication Does Not Always Require Complete Understanding

Communication Isn't 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

The Self, Perception, and Communication

Communication and the Self

Self-Concept Defined

Communication and the Development of the Self

Culture and the Self-Concept

The Self-Concept and Communication with Others

The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Perceiving Others

Steps in the Perception Process

Narratives and Perception

Common Perceptual Tendencies

Perception and Culture

Empathy and Perception

Communication and Identity Management

Public and Private Selves

Characteristics of Identity Management

Why Manage Impressions?

How Do We Manage Impressions?

Impression Management and Honesty

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

Nongender Variables

Culture and Language

Verbal Communication Styles

Language and Worldview

Listening

Misconceptions About Listening

Listening and Hearing are Not the Same Thing

Listening Is Not a Natural Process

Mindful 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

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