Choices & Connections An Introduction to Communication

by McCornack, Steven; Ortiz, Joseph

• ISBN13: 9781319448547
• ISBN10: 1319448542
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781319485153
• Additional ISBN(s): 9781319201166
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2022-11-18
• Publisher: Bedford/St. Martin's
• More Book Details

About This Book

Choices & Connections: An Introduction to Communication

ISBN: 9781319448547

About This Book

"Choices & Connections: An Introduction to Communication" is a comprehensive textbook designed for students in introductory communication courses. This fourth edition, published by Bedford/St. Martin's, offers a foundational exploration of human communication principles. It's a go-to resource for students and educators alike, providing detailed insights into the complexities of communication.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and instructors in introductory communication courses at the college and university levels. It's also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the basics of human communication, including professionals looking to refresh their knowledge or expand their understanding of communication principles.

History and Editions

The fourth edition of "Choices & Connections" has been updated to address user feedback, incorporating the latest research and discussions on communication scholarship. This edition includes detailed updates on communication models, perception processes, and cultural influences on communication. It also includes a modular approach and a wealth of examples with detailed, conceptual explanations, building a strong foundation in the material before asking students to apply what they've learned.

Author and Other Works

Steven McCornack and Joseph Ortiz are the authors of "Choices & Connections." Steven McCornack is known for his expertise in communication studies and his ability to explain complex concepts clearly and simply. Joseph Ortiz brings his expertise in communication pedagogy to the text, ensuring that it remains current and relevant.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers core concepts in human communication, including detailed explanations and examples.
• Diverse Perspectives: The text reflects a diverse community of expert voices, providing a broad range of perspectives on communication.
• Updated Research: The fourth edition includes detailed updates on current scholarship in communication studies.
• Modular Approach: The book is designed with a modular approach, making it easy to adapt to different course structures.
• Interactive Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, the book's focus on practical communication skills and real-world examples makes it an engaging resource for students.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Hardcover/ Paperback: ISBN-13: 9781319448547
• eBook: Available on-demand from various retailers (ISBN-13: 9781319448547)
• Rental Options: Various rental durations available from different retailers

Publication Details

• Publisher: Bedford/St. Martin's
• Publication Date: November 18, 2022
• Number of Pages: 576 pages
• Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

While there are no other specific editions mentioned, it's worth noting that this fourth edition is the latest release. However, if future editions are released, they will likely be updated with new research and pedagogical approaches.

Related ISBNs:

• 9781319485153 (Related ISBN, possibly for a companion resource or additional materials)

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for "Choices & Connections: An Introduction to Communication," making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Table of Contents

Preface

Part 1: Communication Foundations

Chapter 1: Introduction to Communication
 What Is Communication?
  Defining Communication
  Why We 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: Phubbing Your Partner
  Communication Connections
 Advance the Conversation Take Two: 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 Self
  Creating Faces and Masks
  Losing Face
  Maintaining Face
 Advance the Conversation: Distorting Online Self-Presentation
 Perceiving Others
  The Perception Process
  Perception and Culture
  Attributions and Perceptual Errors
 Forming Impressions
  Gestalts
  Algebraic Impressions
  Stereotypes
 Improving Perception
  Perception-Checking
  Empathy
 Advance the Conversation Take Two: 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
 Intersections of Identity
 Prejudice
Culture and Communication
 Dimensions of Difference
 Communication Accommodation
Creating Intercultural Competence
 World-Mindedness
 Attributional Complexity
Advance the Conversation Take Two: Confronting Cultural Stereotypes and Communicating More Competently
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 Online Face
  Managing Online Face
 Mediated Communication Challenges
  Perceived Social Isolation
  Online Disinhibition
  Digital Deception
 Using Mediated Communication Competently
 Advance the Conversation: Friends Don't Let Friends Fight on Social Media
 Advance the Conversation Take Two: 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 Take Two: 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 Intimacy
 Strengthening Your Nonverbal Communication Skills
  Enhancing Your Nonverbal Expressiveness
  Inhibiting Your Nonverbal Behaviors
  Checking Your Nonverbal Attributions
 Advance the Conversation Take Two: 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 Active Listening Skills
  Manage Your Feedback
  Adapt Listening
  Recognize the Value of Silence
 Advance the Conversation Take Two: 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 Take Two: 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 Take Two: 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 Take Two: 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 Cohesion
  Establishing Positive Norms
  Sharing Responsibility
 The Self's Influence on Small Group Communication
  Communication Traits
  Gender
  Culture
 Advance the Conversation: You're Not Funny
 Virtuality and Small Groups
  Benefits and Challenges of Group Virtuality
  Improving the Quality of Virtual Group Meetings
 Advance the Conversation Take Two: 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 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  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 Take Two: Handling Complaints
 Chapter Review

Part 4: Public Communication

Chapter 13: Preparing Your Speech
 Preparing a Speech: First Steps
 Choosing a Speech Topic
  Identifying the General Purpose
  Considering Speech Topics
  Deciding on a Topic
 Analyzing an Audience
  Understanding an Audience
  Developing an Audience Analysis
 Advance the Conversation: Speaking Your Mind
  Writing a Specific Purpose Statement
 Planning a Research Strategy
  Identifying Information Needs
  Drawing on Personal Knowledge
  Talking with Librarians
  Documenting Research Findings
 Conducting Research
  Primary and Secondary Resources
  Internet Resources
  Library Resources
  Interpersonal Resources
  Evaluating Your Resources
 Advance the Conversation Take Two: Oral Citations
 Chapter Review

Chapter 14: Composing Your Speech
 Developing a Speech Thesis
 Identifying and Supporting Main Points
  Identifying Main Points
  Supporting Main Points
 Organizing a Speech
  Selecting an Organizational Pattern
  Using Connectives
  Keeping Listeners Engaged
 Advance the Conversation: But the Video Went Viral!
 Introducing and Concluding a Speech
  Introducing a Speech
  Concluding a Speech
 Putting It All Together: Speech Outlines
  Preparation Outline
  Delivery Outline
 Advance the Conversation Take Two: 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
 Maximizing Speech Delivery
  Conveying Immediacy
  Projecting Confidence and Competence
  Managing Delivery in Online Speeches
 Managing Speech Anxiety
 Advance the Conversation: Helping a Friend Manage Speech Anxiety
 Choosing and Using Presentation Aids
  Types of Presentational Aids
  Presentation Software
  Tips for Using Presentational Aids
 Evaluating Speeches and Managing Feedback
  Giving Effective Feedback
  Using Feedback to Improve Speech Performance
 Advance the Conversation Take Two: 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 Personally Involving Topic
  Capture—and Hold—Listeners’ Attention
 Advance the Conversation: Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid
  Use Conversational Language
  Make the Speech Content Understandable
  Help Audiences Remember the Message
 Advance the Conversation Take Two: 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 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 an Issue
  Maintain High Ethical Standards
 Advance the Conversation Take Two: 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 and Admissions Selection Interviewing
  Preparing for Selection Interviews
 Advance the Conversation: Well… to Be Totally Honest With You
  Managing a Selection Interview
 Advance the Conversation Take Two: Managing Stress Questions
 Appendix Review

Glossary
References
Index
Pop Quiz Answers