Inter-Act : Interpersonal Communication Concepts, Skills, and Contexts

by Verderber, Kathleen S.; Verderber, Rudolph F.; Berryman-Fink, Cynthia

• ISBN13: 9780195378917
• ISBN10: 0195378911
• Edition: 12th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-06-09
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Designed to help students understand communication processes in relationships and develop specific skills needed to create and maintain healthy ones, Inter-Act: Interpersonal Communication Concepts, Skills, and Contexts, Twelfth Edition, retains the features that have made this book sosuccessful: a theory driven skills-based focus, an accessible tone and presentation, and a multitude of useful pedagogical tools. Lively and well-written, Inter-Act features numerous activities that enable students to relate their everyday experiences to their studies in communication. It also clearly illustrates how cultural, racial, and gender differences--as well as electronically mediated messages--alter what we should doto communicate effectively. With a strong focus on the importance of ethics, this leading text encourages students to develop their analytical abilities as they think critically about key concepts in interpersonal communication. Supplements: * Instructor's Manual (available in paperback and CD-ROM) includes an extensive Test Bank and suggested class activities.* Student Success Manual features study tips, chapter outlines and summaries, review questions, key terms, and critical thinking exercises.* Companion Website offers a wealth of resources for both students and instructors, including online self-testing and other study aids, links to a variety of communication-related websites, and "Now Playing" reviews of recent films.

Author Biography

Kathleen S. Verderber is Emerita Associate Professor of Management at Northern Kentucky University.
Rudolph F. Verderber is Emeritus Distinguished Teaching Professor of Communication at the University of Cincinnati.
Cynthia Berryman-Fink is Professor of Communication at the University of Cincinnati.

Table of Contents

Each Chapter ends with a Summary and Chapter Resources.

Preface

An Orientation To Interpersonal Communication

Definition of Interpersonal Communication

Functions of Interpersonal Communication

Components of Interpersonal Communication

Principles of Interpersonal Communication

Ethics and Interpersonal Communication

Diversity and Interpersonal Communication

Increasing Interpersonal Communication Competence

Forming And Using Social Perceptions

The Perception Process

Self-Perceptions: Self-Concept and Self-Esteem

The Effects of Self Perception on Communication

Presenting Self to Others: The Social Construction of Self

Perception of Others

Improving the Accuracy of Your Social Perception

Communicating In Relationships: Basic Concepts

Types of Relationships

Characteristics of Relationship Stages and Life Cycles

Understanding Relational Dialectics

Turning Points in Relationships

Theoretical Perspectives on Relationships

Verbal Communication

The Nature and Characteristics of Language

Improving Your Language Skills

The Effects of Technology on Verbal Communication

Communicating Through Nonverbal Behaviors

Characteristics and Functions of Nonverbal Communication

Types of Nonverbal Communication

Cultural and Gender Variations in Nonverbal Communication

Improving Nonverbal Communication Skills

Communication Across Cultures

Culture, Culture Shock, and Intercultural Communication

Identifying Cultural Similarities and Differences

Dominant Cultures and Co-Cultures

Barriers to Effective Intercultural Communication

Intercultural Communication Competence

Holding Effective Conversations

Definition, Structure, and Types of Conversations

Characteristics of Conversations

Rules of Conversations and the Cooperative Principle

Guidelines for Effective Conversationalists

Conversations Via Technology

Cultural Variations in Conversations

Listening Effectively

Definition of Listening

Attending

Understanding

Remembering

Critically Evaluating

Responding

Types of Listening

Listening in Cyberspace

Empathizing With And Supporting Others

Empathizing

Supporting

Characteristics of Effective and Ineffective Supporting

Supportive Interaction Phases

Supportive Message Skills

Supporting in Cyberspace

Gender and Cultural Similarities and Differences in Supporting

Managing Personal Information: Disclosure And Privacy

The Disclosure-Privacy Dialectic

Communication Privacy Management Theory

Effects of Disclosure and Privacy on Relationships

Effects of Technology on Privacy Boundaries

Self-Disclosure and Privacy Management Skills

Giving Personal Feedback

Asking for Personal Feedback

Using Interpersonal Influence Ethically

Power

Interpersonal Persuasion

Assertiveness

Managing Conflict

Types of Interpersonal Conflict

Styles of Managing Interpersonal Conflict

Destructive Behaviors in Conflicts

Productive Conflict Management Skills

Communicating In Intimate Relationships: Close Friends, Life Partners, And Families

Definition and Characteristics of Intimate Relationships

Close Friendships

Long-Term Relationships, Marriages, and Other Life Partnerships

Families

Problems Associated with Intimacy

Communicating In The Workplace

The Hiring Process

Manager and Co-Worker Relationship on the Job

Communicating in a Diverse Workplace

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