Communication : Making Connections

by Seiler, William J.; Beall, Melissa L.

• ISBN13: 9780205392391
• ISBN10: 0205392393
• Edition: 6th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-01-01
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon

Summary

Lively, clear, and geared to students' needs, Communication: Making Connections directs students on a path to becoming more skilled, educated, and competent communicators in their everyday lives. Centered on the authors' belief that communication is about connecting, linking, sharing, participating, bonding, coupling, and joining with others, this text introduces students to the skills and theory of communication.

Table of Contents

Preface	xvii
About the Authors	xxx
PART ONE Making Connections through Communication
Connecting Process and Principles	1	(27)
Communication in the Workplace	2	(1)
What Is Communication?	3	(2)
Why Should We Study Communication?	5	(6)
Communication and Career Development	5	(1)
Communication and Ethical Behavior	6	(1)
Communication and Our Multicultural Society	7	(2)
Communication and Our Technological Society	9	(2)
Principles of Communication	11	(4)
Communication Is a Process	11	(1)
Communication Is a System	12	(1)
Communication Is Both Interactional and Transactional	12	(1)
Communication Can Be Intentional or Unintentional	13	(2)
Essential Components of Communication	15	(5)
Source	16	(1)
Message	17	(1)
Interference	18	(1)
Channel	18	(1)
Receiver	18	(1)
Feedback	19	(1)
Environment	19	(1)
Context	20	(1)
Types of Communication	20	(3)
Intrapersonal Communication	21	(1)
Interpersonal Communication	21	(1)
Public Communication	22	(1)
Mass and Mediated Communication	22	(1)
Misconceptions about Communication	23	(2)
Myth 1: Communication Is a Cure-All	24	(1)
Myth 2: Quantity Means Quality	24	(1)
Myth 3: Meaning Is in the Words We Use	24	(1)
Myth 4: We Have a Natural Ability to Communicate	24	(1)
Myth 5: Communication Is Reversible	25	(1)
Improving Communication Competence	25	(1)
Summary	26	(1)
Discussion Starters	26	(1)
Answers and Explanations	27	(1)
Notes	27	(1)
Connecting Perceptions and Communication	28	(26)
Perception and Communication	30	(2)
Understanding Perception	32	(1)
Awareness	32	(1)
Cognitive Process	32	(1)
Verbal Communication	33	(1)
The Nature of Perception	33	(7)
Selection	34	(1)
Organization	35	(2)
Interpretation	37	(3)
Perceptual Differences	40	(9)
Perceptual Set	40	(1)
Attribution Error	41	(1)
Physical Characteristics	42	(1)
Psychological State	43	(1)
Cultural Background	43	(3)
Gender	46	(1)
Media	47	(1)
Internet	48	(1)
Improving Perception Competencies and Perception Checking	49	(3)
Become an Active Perceiver	49	(1)
Recognize That Each Person's Frame of Reference Is Unique	50	(1)
Distinguish Facts from Inferences	50	(1)
Become Aware of the Role Perceptions Play in Communication	50	(1)
Keep an Open Mind	50	(1)
Perception Checking: Being a Competent Communicator	51	(1)
Summary	52	(1)
Discussion Starters	53	(1)
Notes	53	(1)
Connecting Self and Communication	54	(24)
Understanding Self-Concept	56	(8)
Self-Concept as a Process	57	(1)
Development of Self-Concept	58	(4)
The Hierarchy of Self-Concept	62	(2)
Communication and Self-Concept	64	(2)
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy and Impression Management	66	(2)
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy	66	(1)
Impression Management	67	(1)
Culture and Self-Concept	68	(2)
Gender and Self-Concept	70	(4)
Sex and Gender	70	(1)
Gender Stereotypes	71	(1)
Gender Expectations	72	(2)
Enhancing Self-Concept	74	(1)
Summary	75	(1)
Discussion Starters	76	(1)
Notes	76	(2)
Connecting through Verbal Communication	78	(30)
The Importance of Language	81	(3)
Language Is Powerful	81	(2)
Language Affects Thought	83	(1)
The Elements of Language	84	(8)
Sounds	84	(1)
Words	84	(1)
Grammar	85	(1)
Meaning	85	(7)
Language-Based Barriers to Communication	92	(8)
Meanings Can Be Misunderstood	92	(2)
Language Can Shape Our Attitudes	94	(1)
Language Can Cause Polarization	95	(1)
Language Can Be Sexist	96	(3)
Culture Affects Language Use	99	(1)
How to Use Language Effectively	100	(6)
Use Accurate Language	100	(2)
Use Vivid Language	102	(1)
Use Immediate Language	103	(1)
Use Appropriate Language	104	(1)
Use Metaphorical Language	104	(2)
Summary	106	(1)
Discussion Starters	106	(1)
Notes	107	(1)
Connecting through Nonverbal Communication	108	(30)
What Is Nonverbal Communication?	110	(1)
Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication	111	(4)
Nonverbal Communication Occurs Constantly	111	(1)
Nonverbal Communication Depends on Context	112	(1)
Nonverbal Communication Is More Believable than Verbal Communication	112	(1)
Nonverbal Communication Is a Primary Means of Expression	113	(1)
Nonverbal Communication Is Related to Culture	114	(1)
Nonverbal Communication Is Ambiguous	114	(1)
Functions of Nonverbal Communication	115	(3)
Complementing Verbal Behavior	115	(1)
Repeating Verbal Behavior	116	(1)
Regulating Verbal Behavior	116	(1)
Substituting for Verbal Behavior	116	(1)
Deceiving	116	(2)
Types of Nonverbal Communication	118	(14)
Facial Expressions and Body Movements	118	(5)
Physical Characteristics	123	(2)
Touch	125	(2)
Space	127	(2)
Time	129	(1)
Paralanguage/Vocalics	129	(1)
Silence	130	(1)
Smell	131	(1)
Artifacts	131	(1)
Environment	132	(1)
Interpreting and Improving Nonverbal Communication	132	(3)
Improving Our Interpretation of Nonverbal Communication	133	(1)
Improving the Nonverbal Communication We Send	134	(1)
Summary	135	(1)
Discussion Starters	136	(1)
Notes	136	(2)
Connecting Listening and Thinking in the Communication Process	138	(24)
The Importance of Effective Listening	141	(2)
Listening and Hearing: Is There a Difference?	143	(1)
The Stages of Effective Listening	144	(4)
Hearing	144	(1)
Understanding	145	(1)
Remembering	145	(1)
Interpreting	145	(1)
Evaluating	145	(1)
Responding: Sending Feedback	146	(2)
The Functions of Listening	148	(2)
Listening to Obtain Information	149	(1)
Listening to Evaluate	149	(1)
Listening with Empathy	149	(1)
Listening for Enjoyment	150	(1)
Barriers to Effective Listening	150	(3)
Considering the Topic or Speaker Uninteresting	150	(1)
Criticizing the Speaker Instead of the Message	151	(1)
Concentrating on Details, Not Main Ideas	151	(1)
Avoiding Difficult Listening Situations	151	(1)
Tolerating or Failing to Adjust to Distractions	152	(1)
Faking Attention	152	(1)
Critical Listening and Critical Thinking: Analyzing and Evaluating Messages	153	(2)
Assessing the Speaker's Motivation	154	(1)
Judging the Accuracy of the Speaker's Conclusions	155	(1)
Improving Listening Competence	155	(1)
Listening and Technology	156	(2)
Intercultural Listening	158	(1)
Summary	159	(1)
Discussion Starters	160	(1)
Notes	160	(2)
PART TWO Connecting in the Public Context
Selecting a Topic and Relating to the Audience	162	(28)
Selecting a Speech Topic	165	(8)
Selecting an Appropriate Topic	166	(1)
Techniques for Finding a Topic	167	(5)
Assessing the Appropriateness of a Topic	172	(1)
Narrowing the Topic	173	(1)
Determining the General Purpose, Specific Purpose, and Thesis of a Speech	173	(6)
The General Purpose	174	(2)
The Specific Purpose	176	(2)
The Thesis	178	(1)
Relating to the Audience	179	(10)
Understanding the Audience's Point of View	180	(1)
Captive versus Voluntary Participants	180	(1)
Key Audience Information	181	(4)
Ways to Learn about the Audience	185	(4)
Summary	189	(1)
Discussion Starters	189	(1)
Notes	189	(1)
Gathering and Using Information	190	(24)
Gathering Information	192	(8)
Using Yourself as a Source of Information	192	(1)
The Interview as a Source of Information	193	(2)
The Library as a Source of Information	195	(1)
Electronic Information Sources	196	(1)
Surfing the Web: The Internet as a Source of Information	197	(3)
Suggestions for Doing Research	200	(1)
Using Research to Support and Clarify Ideas	200	(11)
Testimony	203	(2)
Examples	205	(2)
Definitions	207	(1)
Statistics	208	(3)
Summary	211	(1)
Discussion Starters	212	(1)
Notes	212	(2)
Organizing and Outlining Your Speech	214	(36)
Organize the Body of Your Speech	216	(11)
Develop the Main Points	217	(3)
Order the Main Points	220	(6)
Connect the Main Points	226	(1)
Support the Main Points	227	(1)
Organize the Introduction of Your Speech	227	(6)
Orient the Audience to the Topic	228	(2)
Motivate the Audience to Listen	230	(1)
Forecast the Main Points	231	(2)
Organize the Conclusion of Your Speech	233	(3)
Show That You Are Finishing the Speech	234	(1)
Make Your Thesis Clear	234	(1)
Review the Main Points	234	(1)
End with a Memorable Thought	234	(2)
Outline Your Speech	236	(12)
The Preliminary Outline	237	(1)
The Full-Sentence Outline	238	(5)
The Presentational Outline	243	(5)
Summary	248	(1)
Discussion Starters	248	(1)
Answers and Explanations	248	(1)
Notes	248	(2)
Managing Anxiety and Delivering Your Speech	250	(36)
Qualities of Effective Speakers	252	(4)
Ethics	252	(1)
Knowledge	253	(1)
Preparation	254	(2)
Self-Confidence	256	(1)
Managing Speech Anxiety	256	(7)
Communication Apprehension	257	(1)
Symptoms of Speech Anxiety	257	(1)
Causes of Speech Anxiety	258	(1)
Speech Anxiety and Other Cultures	259	(1)
Treating Speech Anxiety	260	(3)
Methods of Delivery	263	(4)
Impromptu Delivery	265	(1)
Manuscript Delivery	265	(1)
Memorized Delivery	265	(1)
Extemporaneous Delivery	266	(1)
Vocal and Physical Aspects of Delivery	267	(7)
Vocal Aspects	267	(3)
Physical Aspects	270	(4)
Presentational Aids	274	(10)
Choosing and Using Presentational Aids	275	(1)
Kinds of Presentational Aids	275	(5)
Methods of Presentation	280	(2)
Computer-Generated Presentational Aids	282	(1)
Developing Presentational Aids	283	(1)
Your Delivery	284	(1)
Summary	284	(1)
Discussion Starters	285	(1)
Notes	285	(1)
Informative Speaking	286	(30)
Information and Power	288	(2)
Distinctions between Informative and Persuasive Speaking	290	(1)
Topics for Informative Speeches	290	(5)
Objects	292	(1)
Processes	292	(1)
Events	293	(1)
Concepts	293	(2)
Preparing and Developing an Informative Speech	295	(10)
Gain and Maintain Audience Attention	295	(3)
Increase Understanding of the Topic	298	(4)
Hints for Effective Informative Speaking	302	(3)
Evaluating the Informative Speech	305	(4)
Topic	305	(1)
General Requirements	306	(1)
Audience Analysis	306	(1)
Supporting Materials	307	(1)
Organization	307	(1)
Delivery	308	(1)
Language Choice	308	(1)
A Sample Informative Speech with Commentary	309	(4)
Analysis and Evaluation	312	(1)
Summary	313	(1)
Discussion Starters	314	(1)
Notes	314	(1)
Appendix: Informative Speech Topics	315	(1)
Persuasive Speaking	316	(32)
The Goal of Persuasive Speaking	318	(2)
Topics for Persuasive Speeches	320	(5)
Questions of Fact	321	(1)
Questions of Value	322	(2)
Questions of Policy	324	(1)
Persuasive Claims	325	(1)
Establishing Credibility	326	(3)
Competence	327	(1)
Character	328	(1)
Charisma	328	(1)
Becoming Effective Consumers of Persuasion	329	(1)
Preparing and Developing a Persuasive Speech	330	(5)
Researching the Topic	331	(1)
Organizing the Speech	331	(1)
Supporting Materials	331	(4)
Persuasive Strategies	335	(1)
Fallacies in Argument Development	335	(3)
Fallacies of Reason	336	(1)
Fallacies of Evidence	336	(2)
Evaluating the Persuasive Speech	338	(4)
Topic	338	(1)
General Requirements	338	(1)
Audience Analysis	338	(1)
Supporting Materials	339	(1)
Organization	339	(1)
Delivery	340	(1)
Language Choice	340	(2)
A Sample Persuasive Speech with Commentary	342	(4)
Evaluation and Analysis	345	(1)
Summary	346	(1)
Discussion Starters	346	(1)
Notes	346	(1)
Appendix: Persuasive Speech Topics	347	(1)
PART THREE Connecting in Relational Contexts
Interpersonal Communication	348	(28)
Interpersonal Communication and Relationships	350	(6)
Motivation and Need to Form Relationships	352	(1)
Uncertainty Reduction Theory	352	(1)
Predicted Outcome Value Theory	353	(1)
Social Exchange Theory	353	(1)
Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation Theory	354	(2)
Relationships: Getting to Know Others and Getting to Know Ourselves	356	(6)
Learning about Others through Face-to-Face Relationships	356	(3)
Learning about Others through Online Relationships	359	(3)
Self-Disclosure in Relationships	362	(10)
Self-Disclosure: The Process	362	(1)
Johari Window Model	363	(2)
Social Penetration Model	365	(1)
Why Do We Self-Disclose?	366	(1)
When Shouldn't We Self-Disclose Too Much?	366	(1)
Self-Disclosure, Privacy, and Gender	367	(2)
Cultural Issues in Self-Disclosure	369	(1)
Rhetorical Sensitivity	370	(1)
General Conclusions about Self-Disclosure	371	(1)
Summary	372	(1)
Discussion Starters	373	(1)
Notes	374	(2)
Developing Relationships	376	(34)
Forming and Dissolving Relationships	379	(16)
Interpersonal Attraction	379	(1)
Physical Attributes	380	(2)
Meeting on the Internet	382	(1)
Knapp's Stages of Coming Together	383	(3)
Knapp's Stages of Coming Apart	386	(4)
Duck's Phases of Dissolution	390	(2)
Dialectical Theory: Push and Pull	392	(2)
Managing Relational Tensions	394	(1)
Interpersonal Conflict	395	(8)
What Causes Conflict?	395	(2)
Does Conflict Have to Be Destructive?	397	(1)
When Is Conflict Beneficial?	398	(1)
What Are Useful Strategies for Conflict Management or Resolution in Interpersonal Relationships?	399	(3)
Signs That Show a Relationship Is in Trouble	402	(1)
Relational Repair Strategies	403	(1)
Improving Communication Competence in Relationships	403	(3)
Establish Supportive and Caring Relationships	404	(1)
Nurture a Supportive Environment	405	(1)
Invite More Communication	406	(1)
Summary	406	(1)
Discussion Starters	407	(1)
Notes	407	(3)
Group and Team Communication	410	(26)
Small-Group Communication: Making the Connection	412	(1)
What Is a Group?	413	(1)
Group Formation: Why Do People Join Groups?	414	(2)
Types and Purposes of Small Groups	416	(3)
Primary Groups	416	(1)
Secondary Groups	417	(2)
Project or Work Teams	419	(3)
Characteristics of Small Groups	422	(4)
Interdependence	422	(1)
Commitment	422	(1)
Cohesiveness	423	(1)
Group Size	423	(1)
Group Norms	424	(1)
Group Culture	425	(1)
Gender Differences in Group Communication	426	(1)
Ethical Behavior in Group Communication	427	(1)
Technology and Groups	428	(2)
Disadvantages of Small Groups	430	(3)
Going Along to Get Along	430	(2)
Time Consuming	432	(1)
Varying Communication Styles	432	(1)
Unfair Workloads	432	(1)
Pressure to Fail	433	(1)
Grouphate Phenomenon	433	(1)
Summary	433	(1)
Discussion Starters	434	(1)
Notes	434	(2)
Participating in Groups and Teams	436	(27)
Team Building	438	(2)
Setting Goals	438	(1)
Determining Roles	439	(1)
Leadership	440	(6)
Leading a Group	440	(1)
Leadership Styles and Behavior	441	(3)
Leadership and Gender Differences	444	(2)
Conducting a Meeting	446	(1)
Member Participation	447	(3)
Roles of Group Members	447	(1)
Contributions of Group Members	448	(2)
Problem Solving and Decision Making	450	(6)
Determining the Problem	450	(1)
Discussing the Problem	451	(1)
Applying Reflexive Thinking to Problem Solving and Decision Making	452	(2)
Brainstorming	454	(1)
Brainstorming via Technology	454	(1)
Reaching Group Consensus	455	(1)
Managing Group Conflict	456	(3)
Conflict and Group Communication	456	(2)
Managing Conflict	458	(1)
Ethical Behavior and Conflict	459	(1)
Evaluating Small-Group Performance	459	(1)
Summary	460	(1)
Discussion Starters	461	(1)
Notes	461	(2)
Connecting to Mediated and Mass Communication available online at www.ablongman.com/seiler6e
Mediated Communication
Interpersonal and Group Messages
Ethics and Chat Rooms
Keep Your Perspective!
Public Messages
Mass Communication
Historical Perspective
Books
Newspapers
Magazines
Movies
Radio
Television
The Music Industry
The Internet
Distance Education
Summary
Discussion Starters
Notes
Connecting in the Organizational Context available online at www.ablongman.com/seiler6e
Organizations---What are They?
Organizational Communication
The Role of Organizations
Theories of Managing People in Organizations
Organizational Culture
Narratives and Stories
Rites and Rituals
Material Symbols
The Role of Technology in Today's Organizations
Issues Facing Organizations
Summary
Key Terms
Discussion Starters
Notes
APPENDIX Employment Interviewing: Preparing for Your Future	463	(22)
Preparing for Your Career	465	(1)
Career Research on the Internet	466	(1)
Choosing a Career	467	(1)
Qualities Employers Seek	467	(2)
Preparation for an Interview	469	(8)
Writing a Resume	469	(6)
Searching the Job Market	475	(1)
Researching the Company via the Internet	475	(1)
Developing Questions to Ask the Interviewer	476	(1)
How to Dress for an Interview	477	(1)
The Interview	477	(4)
Frequently Asked Questions	478	(3)
Other Considerations	481	(1)
Factors Leading to Rejection	481	(1)
Factors Leading to Job Offers	482	(1)
Summary	482	(1)
Discussion Starters	483	(1)
Notes	483	(2)
Index	485