About This Book

Real Communication: An Introduction, 5th Edition

Real Communication: An Introduction, 5th Edition, is a comprehensive textbook designed to equip students with the critical skills needed to navigate the increasingly digital communication landscape. This book is a go-to resource for students and educators alike, offering a detailed exploration of human communication principles and meeting scope and sequence requirements for typical introductory communication courses.

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 5th edition of Real Communication: An Introduction has been updated to address user feedback, incorporating the latest research and discussions on digital communication. This edition includes detailed updates on how communication has evolved with technology, addressing issues such as email etiquette, social media usage, and the impact of digital channels on interpersonal relationships. It also includes a variety of real-world examples and case studies to illustrate key concepts.

Author and Other Works

The authors of Real Communication: An Introduction are Dan O'Hair, Mary Wiemann, and Dorothy Mullin. Dan O'Hair is known for his expertise in communication theory and his ability to make complex concepts accessible to students. Mary Wiemann brings her experience in communication research to the text, ensuring that it remains current and relevant. Dorothy Mullin contributes to the book's practical approach, providing students with actionable advice on effective communication.

Key Features

Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers core concepts in human communication, including symbolic communication, transactional communication, and communication ethics.
Digital Age Focus: The text reflects the dynamic changes in communication due to digital technologies, providing students with practical skills for effective digital communication.
Real-World Examples: The book includes engaging and lively examples from people currently in the workforce, making the material more relatable and applicable.
Assessment Tools: The text is complemented by Achieve, a single, easy-to-use platform that provides interactive tools and assessments to engage students and improve course outcomes.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

Hardcover: ISBN-13: 9781319201746
eBook: Available through various e-book platforms (ISBNs may vary)
Loose-Leaf: ISBN-13: 9781319201746 (also available as a hole-punched, loose-leaf textbook)
Renting Options: Various rental durations available from different retailers

Publication Details

Publisher: Bedford/St. Martin's
Publication Date: 2020
Number of Pages: 624
Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

10th Edition: Not available (this is the latest edition)
Related ISBNs:
9781319321741 (hole-punched, loose-leaf textbook)
9781319505806 (mobile-friendly e-book)
9781319529543 (package includes Achieve and loose-leaf)
9781319529505 (package includes Achieve and paperback)

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for Real Communication: An Introduction, 5th Edition, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Part One. Basic Communication Processes
Chapter 1. Communication: Essential Human Behavior
           We Must Communicate: Functions Essential to Living
                       Expressing Affiliation
                       Managing Relationships
                       Influencing Others
            How We Communicate
                       Communication Is Symbolic
                       Real Communicatior: Real communicator — what job will you hold?
                       Communication Requires a Shared Code
                       Communication Is Linked to Culture
                       Communication Can Be Unintentional
                       Communication Occurs through Various Channels
                       Communication Is Transactional
                       Assessing Communicative Value
           Communicating Competently
                       Competent Communication is Process-Oriented
                       Competent Communication is Appropriate and Effective
                       Competent Communication Involves Ethical Decisions
                       Competent Communication Involves Communication Skills
                       Competent Communication Involves Using Technology
                       Wireless Communications: Email Etiquette: How Not to Communicate with Your Professor
           Modeling Communications
                       The Linear Model
                       The Interaction Model
                       The Competent Communication Model
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: Friends Who Have More or Less than You
            The Study of Communication
                       Communication Across Cultures: The Boko Haram Girls
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

Chapter 2. Communicating in a Digital Age
           Digital Origins
                       Then and Now
                       Ongoing Dynamic Changes
           Qualities of Digital Channels
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: The Distracted Notetaker
                       Synchronicity of Messages
                       Media Richness and Naturalness
                       Message Privacy and Control
                       Communication Across Cultures: Mobile Apps Compete for World Influence
                       Message Privacy and Control
           The Power of the Crowd
                       Information Sharing
                       Social Support
                       Social Causes
                       Real Communicator: Heather Wight
           Overcoming Digital Challenges
                       Digital Disparities
                       Feeding Insecurities and Obsessions
                       Wired for Communication: Who I Am: Selfies as Visual Conversation, Self-Promotion and Identity
                       Cyber Attacks
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

Chapter 3. Perceiving the Self and Others
           Perception: Making Sense of Your World
                       Schemas: Organizing Perceptions
                       Attributions: Interpreting Your Perceptions
                       The Cultural Context
                       Communication Across Cultures: Sports Culture and Women's Soccer
                       Improving Your Perceptions
           Cognitions About Ourselves
                       Self-Concept: Who You Think You Are
                       Self-Esteem: How You Feel About Yourself
                       Self-Efficiacy: Assesing Your Own Abilities
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: Ethics and the Self-Concept
                       Assessing Our Perceptions of Self
                       Real Communicator: Lisa M. Turay, CSJ
           Behavior: Managing Our Identities
                       Self-Presentation
                       Self-Disclosure
                       Managing Feedback
                       Technology: Managing the Self and Perceptions
                       Wired for Communication: Avatars: An Idealized Self-Image
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

Chapter 4. Verbal Communication
           The Nature of Language
                       Language Is Symbolic
                       Thought Informs Language
                       Language Is Ruled by Grammar
           The Functions of Language
                       Using Language as a Means of Control
                       Using Language to Share Information
                       Using Language to Express Feelings
                       Using Language to Express Creativity
                       Using Language as Ritual
           Language and Meaning
                       Words Have Multiple Meanings
                       Abstraction
           Problematic Uses of Language
                       Hateful and Hurtful Language
                       Labeling
                       Biased Language
                       Profanity and Civility
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: Job Application Language
           Language is Bound by Context
                       Situational Context
                       Relational Context
                       Communication Across Cultures: Racist Hats and Drums?
                       Cultural Context
                       Wired for Communication: Speaking in Code
                       Real Communicator: Scott Carper
                       Mediated Contexts
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

Chapter 5. Nonverbal Communication
           The Nature of Nonverbal Communication
                       Nonverbal Behavior Is Communicative
                       Nonverbal Communication Can be Intentional and Unintentional
                       Nonverbal Communication Is Ambiguous
                       People Trust Nonverbal Communication More Than Verbal Communication
           Functions of Nonverbal Communication
                       Reinforcing Verbal Messages
                       Substituting for Verbal Messages
                       Contradicting Verbal Messages
                       Managing Impressions and Regulating Interactions
                       Creating Immediacy
                       Deceiving Others
           Nonverbal Communication Codes
                       Gestures and Body Movements
                       Real Communicator: Octavia Spencer
                       Facial Expressions
                       Eye Behavior
                       Voice
                       Physical Appearance
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: The Job Killer Tat
                       Touch
                       Space and Environment
                       Time
           Influences on Nonverbal Communication
                       Culture and Nonverbal Communication
                       Communication Across Cultures: What Nurses Wear
                       Mediated Nonverbal Communication
                       Wireless Communication: War Games Without Weapons, Sometimes Without Words
                       The Situational Context
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

Chapter 6. Communication and Culture
           Understanding Culture
                       Culture Is Learned
                       Culture Is Expressed Through Communication
                       Intercultural Communication Matters
           Communication and Cultural Variations
                       High- and Low-Context Cultures
                       Real Communicator: Tanya Higuera
                       Collectivist and Individualist Orientations
                       Approaches to Power Distance
                       Flexible and Stable Self-Concepts
                       Time Orientation
                       Value of Emotional Expression
           Understanding Group Affiliations
                       Co-Cultural Communication
                       Social Identity and Intergroup Communication
                       Wireless Communication: Online Gamers: Women are Hard-core, Too
                       Communication Across Cultures: The It Gets Better Project
           Intercultural Communication Challenges
                       Anxiety
                       Ethnocentrism
                       Discrimination
           Improving Intercultural Communication
                       Mindfulness
                       Openness to Other Cultures
                       Effective Intergroup Contact
                       Appropriate Accommodation
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: That Is Not Impossible Meat
                       Practice Using Your Skills
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

Chapter 7. Listening
           The Listening Process
                       Hearing Versus Listening
                      The Components of Listening
                       Real Communicator: Tammy Lin
                       The Listening Process
                       Communication Across Cultures: A Quick Lesson in Deaf Etiquette
                       Listening Fidelity
           Listening to Meet Goals
                       Relational Listening
                       Task-Oriented Listening
                       Analytical Listening
                       Critical Listening
                       Social Listening
           Listening Challenges
                       Negative Attitudes
                       Environmental Factors
                       Biological Factors
           Ineffective Listening
                       Defensive Listening
                       Biased Listening
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: Listening When You’re Sick of Hearing
                       Self-Absorbed Listening
                       Pseudolistening
           Improving Your Listening
                      The Situational Context
                       Wireless Communication: The Quiet Zone
           Listening for Success
                      Effective Listening
                      Effective Listening Saves Time and Money
                      Effective Listening Creates Opportunities
                      Effective Listening Strengthens Relationships
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

Part Two. Interpersonal Communication
Chapter 8. Developing and Maintaining Relationships
           Types of Interpersonal Relationships
                       Family Relationships
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: Money, Family, and Paying the Bills
                       Friendship and Social Relationships
                       Romantic Relationships
                       Online and Mediated Relationships
                       Wireless Communication: Is This Relationship Real?
           Why We Form Relationships
                       Proximity
                       Attractive Qualities
                       Similarity
                       Personal and Social Needs
           Managing Relationship Dynamics
                       Costs and Rewards
                       What About You? Assessing the Costs and Rewards of a Relationship
                       Reducing Uncertainty
                       Dialectical Tensions
           Self-Disclosure and Interpersonal Relationships
                       Social Penetration
                       Managing Privacy
                       Strategic Topic Avoidance
                       Real Communicator: May Hui
           Stages of a Relationship
                       Initiating Stage
                       Exploratory Stage
                       Intensification Stage
                       Stable Stage
                       Declining Stage
                       Repair Stage
                       Termination Stage
                       Communication Across Cultures: Grieving Relationships
                       Reconciliation
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

Chapter 9. Managing Conflict in Relationships
           Understanding Conflict
                       Unproductive Conflict
                       Productive Conflict
           Conflict Triggers
                       Inaccurate Perceptions
                       Perceived Incompatible Goals
                       Relational Transgressions
                       Provocation
           Factors Affecting Conflict
                       Power Dynamics
                       Attitudes Toward Conflict
                       Communication Climate
                       Culture and Conflict
                       Communication Channel
                       Wireless Communication: When Conflict Goes Viral
           Strategies for Managing Conflict
                       Escapist Strategies
                       Competitive Strategies
                       Communication Across Cultures: Yours, Mine, and Both of Ours
                       Cooperative Strategies
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: The Accidental Relationship Counselor
                       What About You? Self-Assessment on Conflict Management Styles
           Reconciliation
                       Apology
                       Forgiveness
                       Real Communicator: Nicole Becker, Psy D.
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

Part Three. Group and Organizational Communication
Chapter 10. Communicating in Groups
           Understanding Groups
                       Characteristics of Groups
                       Types of Groups
                       Wirelessr Communication: Smart Mobs: What Flash Mobs and Political Protests Have in Common
                       Models of Group Development
                       Real Communicator: Bambi Francisco Roizen
                       Size of Groups
                       The Formation of Cliques
                       Social Loafing
                       Group Networks
           Understanding Group Roles
                       Task Roles
                       Social Roles
                       Antigroup Roles
                       Role Conflict
                       Status
           Group Climate
                       Cohesion
                       Communication Across Cultures: The International American Pastime
                       Norms
                       Clarity of Goals
                       Individual Differences
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: Sketchy Behavior
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

Chapter 11. Leadership and Decision Making in Groups
           Understanding Group Leadership
                       Sources of Power
                       Shared Leadership
                       Group Leadership Behavior
                       Communication Across Cultures: Gender Judo
                       Leadership Qualities
                       What About You? What Type of Leader Are You?
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: Leading the Interns
                       Unethical Leadership
                       Culture and Group Leadership
           Decision Making in Groups
                       Groupthink
                       The Problem-Solving Process
           Leadership in Meetings
                       Planning Meetings Effectively
                       Managing Meetings Effectively
                       Real Communicator: Aaron Tolson
                       Using Meeting Technology Effectively
                       Wireless Communication: Robots are here to stay
           Evaluating Group Performance
                       Informational Considerations
                       Procedural Effectiveness
                       Interpersonal Performance
                       Individual Performance
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

Chapter 12. Communicating in Organizations
           Approaches to Managing Organizations
                       Classical Management Approach
                       Human Relations Approach
                       Human Resources Approach
                       The Systems Approach
           Communicating Organizational Culture
                       Organizational Storytelling
                       Learning About Organizational Culture
                       Real Communicator: Cathy Black
           Relational Contexts in Organizations
                       Supervisor-Supervisee Relationships
                       Mentor–Mentee Relationships
                       Peer Relationships
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: More Than Friends at Work
           Organizational Challenges
                       Workplace Conflict
                       Using Technology
                       Wired for Communication: Working Here, There, and Everywhere
                       Globalization
                       Communication Across Cultures: Work–Life Balance: Around the Globe and Around the Block
                       Work–Life Balance
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

Part Four. Public Speaking
Chapter 13. Preparing and Researching Presentations
           The Power of Public Speaking
           Clarify the General Purpose of Your Speech
                       Informative Speeches
                       Persuasive Speeches
                       Special-Occasion Speeches
           Analyze Your Audience
                       Considering Audience Expectations and Situational Factors
                       Considering Audience Demographics and Psychographics Anticipating Your Audience’s Response
                       Anticipating Your Audience's Response
           Choose Your Topic
                       Real Communicator: Matt Schermerhorn
                       Finding a Topic That Intrigues You
                       Brainstorming and Clustering
                       Narrowing Your Topic
                       Determining the Specific Purpose of Your Speech
                       Developing a Thesis Statement
           Research the Topic
                       Types of Information to Consider
                       Communication Across Cultures: Human Trafficking: Art, Survival, and Advocacy
                       Finding Supporting Material
                       Wireless Communication: The Library in the Sky
                       Evaluating Supporting Material
           Ethical Speaking: Take Responsibility for Your Speech
                       Recognizing Plagiarism
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: Didn’t I Already Say That?
                       Taking Accurate Notes
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

Chapter 14. Organizing, Writing and Outlining Presentations
           Organizing Your Speech Points
                       Identifying Your Main Points
                       Supporting Your Main Points
                       Arranging Your Points
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: The Ethics of Using Research
                       Connecting Your Points
                       Communication Across Cultures: Evidence, Popular Culture, and the “CSI Effect”
           Using Language That Works
                       Respect Your Audience
                       Keep It Simple
                       Use Vivid Language
                       Incorporate Repetition, Allusion, and Comparisons
           Crafting a Strong Introduction
                       Capture Your Audience’s Attention
                       Introduce Your Purpose and Thesis
                       Preview Your Main Points
                       Connect with Your Audience
           Crafting a Strong Conclusion
                       Signal the End
                       Reinforce Your Topic, Purpose, and Main Points
                       Make an Impact
                       Real Communicator: Mark Weinfeld
                       Challenge the Audience to Respond
           Outlining Your Speech
                       Essentials of Outlining
                       Wireless Communication: Bullets on the Brain
                       Styles of Outlines
                       From Preparation Outline to Speaking Outline
                       What About You? Assessing Your Outlining Skills
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

Chapter 15. Delivering Presentations
           Understand and Address Anxiety
                       Identify Anxiety Triggers
                       Relax and Prepare Mentally
                       Build Your Confidence
                       Wireless Communication: Face Your Public Speaking Fears in Virtual Reality
           Methods of Delivery
                       Speaking from Manuscript
                       Speaking from Memory
                       Speaking Spontaneously
                       Speaking Extemporaneously
           Guidelines for Effective Delivery
                       Effective Vocal Delivery
                       Effective Visual Delivery
                       Communication Across Cultures: You Sound Like You’re From . . .
                       Connecting with Your Audience
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: Judging Speeches
                       Additional Guidelines for Online Speech Delivery
                       Real Communicator: Tonya Graves
           Effective Presentation Aids
                       The Function of Presentation Aids
                       Types of Presentation Aids
           Practicing Your Speech
                       Remember Your Speaking Outline
                       Practice Using Presentation Aids
                       Simulate the Situation
                       Practice Your Delivery
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

Chapter 16. Informative Speaking
           The Goals of Informative Speaking
                       Meeting the Audience’s Informational Needs
                       Informing, Not Persuading
                       Speaking Appropriately and Ethically
           Topics for Informative Presentations
                       People
                       Places
                       Communication Across Cultures: Let’s Talk About Sex
                       Events
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: Ulterior Motives
                       Processes
                       Concepts
                       Issues
                       Plans and Policies
           Approaches to Conveying Information
                       Description
                       Demonstration
                       Wireless Communication: Talk Amongst Yourselves
                       Definition
                       Explanation
           Guidelines for Informative Speeches
                       Create Information Hunger
                       Satisfy Audience Hunger
                       Real Communicator: K. C. Ellis
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

Chapter 17. Persuasive Speaking
           The Goals of Persuasive Speaking
                       Developing a Persuasive Topic and Thesis
                       Propositions of Fact
                       Propositions of Value
                       Propositions of Policy
           Understanding Your Audience
                       Your Audience’s Existing Attitudes
                       Your Audience’s Readiness to Change
                       Your Audience’s Needs
                       Your Audience’s Motivation and Interest
                       Wireless Communication: Interactive Advertising: Persuasion for a Generation Z Audience
           Strategies for Persuasive Speaking
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: Sensitivity or Free Speech?
                       Logos
                       Communication Across Cultures: Persuading Across Borders
                       Pathos
           Avoiding Logical Fallacies
                       Bandwagoning
                       Reduction to the Absurd
                       Red Herring
                       Personal Attack
                       Hasty Generalizations
                       Begging the Question
                       Either–or Fallacy
                       Appeal to Tradition
                       The Slippery Slope
                       The Naturalistic Fallacy
                       Real Communicator: Katie McGill
           Organizing Patterns in Persuasive Speaking
                       Problem–Solution Pattern
                       Refutational Organizational Pattern
                       Comparative Advantage Pattern
                       Monroe’s Motivated Sequence
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

Appendix A. Competent Interviewing
           The Nature of Interviews
           Types of Interviews
                       Information-Gathering Interviews
                       Persuasive Interviews
                       Selection Interviews
                       Performance Appraisal Interviews
                       Exit Interviews
           Interview Format
                       The Opening
                       The Questions
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: Surveys: Interviewing at Large
                       The Conclusion
                       Real Communicator: Cynthia Guadalupe Inda
           Roles and Responsibilities in Interviews
                       Interviewer Responsibilities
                       Interviewee Responsibilities
                       Shared Responsibilities
           The Job Interview
                       Communication Across Cultures: Cultural Competence in Social Work
                       Getting the Interview
                       Wireless Communication: Pre-Presenting Yourself: Your Online
                       Conducting the Interview
                       Following Up After the Interview
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

Appendix B. Mass and Mediated Communication
           The Nature of Mass Media
                       Types of Mass Communication
                       The Pervasiveness of Media
           Understanding Mass Media Messages
                       The Business of Media
                       Wireless Communication: New Life Through Digital Media
                       Free Speech and Media Bias
                       Communication Across Cultures: The Sesame Effect
           Effects of Mass Media
                       Selectivity and the Active Audience
                       Influences on Attitudes and Behaviors
           Mass Communication in a Digital Age
                       Mass Self-Communication
                       Evaluating Communication Ethics: Marketing for a Better Band
                       Media Personalization
                       Ineffective Participation
           Competent Media Consumers
                       Monitor Your Media Use and Exposure
                       Consider the Source of Media Messages
                       Be Aware of Media Effects
                       Understand the Grammar of Media
                       Real Communicator: Molly Ludwig
                       Actively Evaluate Media Messages
           REAL REFERENCE: A Study Tool

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