Understanding Human Communication

by Ronald B. Adler; George Rodman

• ISBN13: 9780195219104
• ISBN10: 0195219104
• Edition: 8th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-07-25
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

Summary

Now in its ninth edition, this classic book retains the features that have made it the best-selling introductory human communication text in the field: an engaging and reader-friendly style; an inviting visual design that includes high-interest marginalia on virtually every page; up-to-date information on technology, gender, and cultural diversity; and everyday applications based on solid research and theory. Maintaining the quality of presentation and student-focused pedagogy that have characterized previous editions, Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition, incorporates updated examples and coverage of current communication theory. It continues to equip students with effective communication skills that will make a difference in their everyday lives. Book jacket.

Table of Contents

Preface	xv
Part One: Elements of Communication
Human Communication: What and Why	2	(28)
Communication Defined	2	(2)
Communication Is Human	2	(1)
Communication Is a Process	2	(1)
Communication Is Symbolic	3	(1)
Types of Communication	4	(3)
Intrapersonal Communication	4	(1)
Dyadic/Interpersonal Communication	5	(1)
Small Group Communication	6	(1)
Public Communication	6	(1)
Mass Communication	6	(1)
Functions of Communication	7	(4)
Physical Needs	8	(1)
Identity Needs	8	(1)
Social Needs	9	(1)
Practical Needs	10	(1)
Modeling Communication	11	(6)
A Linear Model	11	(3)
A Transactional Model	14	(3)
Communication Competence: What Makes an Effective Communicator?	17	(5)
Communication Competence Defined	17	(2)
Characteristics of Competent Communicators	19	(3)
Clarifying Misconceptions About Communication	22	(4)
Communication Does Not Always Require Complete Understanding	23	(1)
Communication Is Not Always a Good Thing	24	(1)
No Single Person or Event Causes Another's Reaction	24	(1)
Communication Will Not Solve All Problems	25	(1)
Meanings Rest in People, Not Words	25	(1)
Communication Is Not Simple	25	(1)
More Communication Is Not Always Better	26	(1)
Summary	26	(1)
Resources	27	(3)
Perception, the Self, and Communication	30	(40)
Perceiving Others	32	(15)
Narratives and Perception	32	(2)
Common Perceptual Tendencies	34	(3)
Situational Factors Influencing Perception	37	(2)
Perception and Culture	39	(2)
Empathy and Perception	41	(6)
Perceiving the Self	47	(9)
Self-Concept Defined	47	(1)
Communication and Development of the Self	48	(1)
Culture and the Self-Concept	49	(3)
The Self-Concept, Personality, and Communication	52	(1)
The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy	53	(3)
Identity Management: Communication as Impression Management	56	(9)
Public and Private Selves	56	(2)
Characteristics of Identity Management	58	(3)
Why Manage Impressions?	61	(1)
How Do We Manage Impressions?	62	(2)
Impression Management and Honesty	64	(1)
Summary	65	(1)
Resources	66	(4)
Language	70	(40)
The Nature of Language	72	(4)
Language Is Symbolic	72	(1)
Meanings Are in People, Not Words	73	(1)
Language Is Rule-Governed	74	(2)
The Power of Language	76	(8)
Language Shapes Attitudes	76	(4)
Language Reflects Attitudes	80	(4)
Troublesome Language	84	(12)
The Language of Misunderstandings	84	(7)
Disruptive Language	91	(2)
Evasive Language	93	(3)
Gender and Language	96	(5)
Content	96	(1)
Reasons for Communicating	96	(2)
Conversational Style	98	(1)
Nongender Variables	99	(1)
Sex Roles	99	(2)
Culture and Language	101	(3)
Verbal Communication Styles	101	(3)
Language and World View	104	(3)
Language Use in North American Culture	106	(1)
Summary	107	(1)
Resources	108	(2)
Listening	110	(38)
Clarifying Misconceptions about Listening	113	(3)
Listening and Hearing Are Not the Same Thing	113	(2)
Listening Is Not a Natural Process	115	(1)
Listening Requires Effort	115	(1)
All Listeners Do Not Receive the Same Message	116	(1)
Overcoming Challenges to Effective Listening	116	(7)
Faulty Listening Behaviors	117	(1)
Reasons for Poor Listening	118	(5)
Personal Listening Styles	123	(1)
Content-Oriented	123	(1)
People-Oriented	123	(1)
Action-Oriented	123	(1)
Time-Oriented	124	(1)
Informational Listening	124	(8)
Don't Argue or Judge Prematurely	125	(1)
Separate the Message from the Speaker	125	(1)
Be Opportunistic	125	(1)
Look for Key Ideas	126	(1)
Ask Questions	126	(1)
Paraphrase	127	(3)
Take Notes	130	(2)
Critical Listening	132	(3)
Listen for Information before Evaluating	133	(1)
Evaluate the Speaker's Credibility	133	(1)
Examine the Speaker's Evidence and Reasoning	133	(1)
Examine Emotional Appeals	134	(1)
Empathic Listening	135	(10)
Advising	136	(1)
Judging	137	(1)
Analyzing	137	(1)
Questioning	138	(1)
Supporting	139	(1)
Prompting	140	(1)
Paraphrasing	141	(3)
When and How to Help?	144	(1)
Summary	145	(1)
Resources	146	(2)
Nonverbal Communication	148	(34)
Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication	150	(8)
Nonverbal Communication Exists	151	(1)
Nonverbal Behavior Has Communicative Value	151	(2)
Nonverbal Communication Is Primarily Relational	153	(1)
Nonverbal Communication Is Ambiguous	153	(3)
Much Nonverbal Communication Is Culture-Bound	156	(2)
Differences Between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication	158	(1)
Single versus Multiple Channels	158	(1)
Discrete versus Continuous	158	(1)
Conscious versus Unconscious	158	(1)
Functions of Nonverbal Communication	159	(4)
Repeating	160	(1)
Substituting	160	(1)
Complementing	160	(1)
Accenting	160	(1)
Regulating	160	(1)
Contradicting	161	(1)
Deceiving	161	(2)
Types of Nonverbal Communication	163	(15)
Posture and Gesture	163	(2)
Face and Eyes	165	(2)
Voice	167	(1)
Touch	168	(2)
Physical Attractiveness	170	(1)
Clothing	171	(1)
Distance	172	(2)
Time	174	(1)
Territoriality	175	(1)
Environment	176	(2)
Summary	178	(1)
Resources	178	(4)
Part Two: Interpersonal Communication
Understanding Interpersonal Relationships	182	(40)
Characteristics of Interpersonal Relationships	184	(5)
What Makes Communication Interpersonal?	184	(1)
Content and Relational Messages	185	(1)
Metacommunication	186	(3)
Intimacy in Interpersonal Relationships	189	(5)
Dimensions of Intimacy	189	(1)
Male and Female Intimacy Styles	190	(1)
Cultural Influences on Intimacy	191	(3)
Relational Development and Maintenance	194	(10)
Developmental Models	194	(4)
Dialectical Perspectives	198	(5)
Characteristics of Relational Development and Maintenance	203	(1)
Self-Disclosure in Interpersonal Relationships	204	(13)
The Johari Window Model of Self-Disclosure	207	(1)
Characteristics of Effective Self-Disclosure	208	(3)
Guidelines for Appropriate Self-Disclosure	211	(1)
Alternatives to Self-Disclosure	212	(5)
Summary	217	(1)
Resources	217	(5)
Improving International Relationship	222	(32)
Communication Climates in Interpersonal Relationships	224	(7)
Confirming and Disconfirming Messages	224	(2)
How Communication Climates Develop	226	(1)
Creating Positive Communication Climates	227	(4)
Managing Interpersonal Conflict	231	(19)
The Nature of Conflict	231	(1)
Styles of Expressing Conflict	232	(4)
Characteristics of an Assertive Message	236	(4)
Gender and Conflict Style	240	(1)
Cultural Influences on Conflict	241	(2)
Methods of Conflict Resolution	243	(3)
Steps in Win-Win Problem Solving	246	(3)
Letting Go	249	(1)
Summary	250	(1)
Resources	250	(4)
Part Three: Communication In Groups
The Nature of Groups	254	(28)
What is a Group?	256	(3)
Interaction	256	(1)
Interdependence	257	(1)
Time	258	(1)
Size	258	(1)
Goals	259	(1)
Goals of Groups and Their Members	259	(2)
Individual Goals	260	(1)
Group Goals	260	(1)
Types of Groups	261	(2)
Learning Groups	261	(1)
Growth Groups	262	(1)
Problem Solving Groups	262	(1)
Social Groups	262	(1)
Characteristics of Groups	263	(13)
Rules and Norms	263	(2)
Roles	265	(6)
Patterns of Interaction	271	(2)
Decision-Making Methods	273	(3)
Cultural Influences on Group Communication	276	(4)
Individualism versus Collectivism	276	(2)
Power Distance	278	(1)
Uncertainty Avoidance	278	(1)
Task versus Social Orientation	279	(1)
Short- versus Long-Term Orientation	279	(1)
Summary	280	(1)
Resources	280	(2)
Solving Problems in Group	282	(36)
Problem Solving in Groups: When and Why	284	(4)
Advantage of Group Problem solving	284	(1)
When to Use Groups for Problem Solving	285	(3)
Types of Problem-Solving Formats	288	(3)
Approaches and Stages in Problems Solving	291	(9)
A Structured Problem-Solving Approach	291	(6)
Developmental Stage in Problem-Solving Groups	297	(3)
Maintaining Positive Relationships	300	(3)
Basic Skills	300	(1)
Building Cohesiveness	301	(2)
Leadership and Power in Groups	303	(8)
Power in Groups	307	(1)
What Makes Leaders Effective?	307	(4)
Overcoming Dangers in Group Discussion	311	(3)
Information Underload and Overload	311	(1)
Unequal Participation	312	(1)
Pressure to Conform	313	(1)
Summary	314	(1)
Resources	315	(3)
Part Four: Public Communication
Choosing and Developing a Topic	318	(28)
Choosing A Topic	320	(2)
Look for a Topic Early	321	(1)
Choose a Topic That Interests You	321	(1)
Defining Purpose	322	(4)
General Purpose	322	(1)
Specific Purpose	323	(1)
The Thesis Statement	324	(2)
Analyzing the Speaking Situation	326	(7)
The Listener: Audience Analysis	326	(5)
The Occasion	331	(2)
Gathering Information	333	(7)
Internet Research	333	(3)
Library Research	336	(2)
Interviewing	338	(1)
Personal Observation	338	(1)
Survey Research	338	(2)
Sample Speech	340	(3)
Summary	343	(1)
Resources	344	(2)
Organization and Support	346	(34)
Structuring the Speech	348	(3)
Working Outline	349	(1)
Formal Outline	349	(1)
Speaking Notes	349	(2)
Principles of Outlining	351	(2)
Standard Symbols	351	(1)
Standard Format	352	(1)
The Rule of Division	352	(1)
The Rule of Parallel Wording	352	(1)
Organizing Your Points in a Logical Order	353	(4)
Using Transitions	357	(1)
Beginning and Ending the Speech	357	(6)
The Introduction	357	(4)
The Conclusion	361	(2)
Supporting Material	363	(5)
Functions of Supporting Material	363	(1)
Types of Supporting Material	364	(3)
Styles of Support: Narration and Citation	367	(1)
Using Visual Aids	368	(6)
Types of Visual Aids	368	(2)
Media for the Presentation of Visual Aids	370	(3)
Rules for Using Visual Aids	373	(1)
Sample Speech	374	(4)
Summary	378	(1)
Resources	379	(1)
Presenting Your Message	380	(16)
Dealing With Stage Fright	382	(3)
Facilitative and Debilitative Stage Fright	382	(1)
Sources of Debilitative Stage Fright	383	(1)
Overcoming Debilitative Stage Fright	384	(1)
Types of Delivery	385	(3)
Extemporaneous	385	(1)
Impromptu	385	(1)
Manuscript	386	(1)
Memorized	387	(1)
Practicing the Speech	388	(6)
Guidelines for Delivery	388	(1)
Visual Aspects of Delivery	388	(2)
Auditory Aspects of Delivery	390	(4)
Offering Constructive Criticism	394	(1)
Summary	394	(1)
Resources	395	(1)
Informative Speaking	396	(20)
Types of Informative Speaking	398	(1)
By Content	398	(1)
By Purpose	399	(1)
Informative Versus Persuasive Topics	399	(2)
An Informative Topic Tends to Be Noncontroversial	400	(1)
The Informative Speaker Does Not Intend to Change Audience Attitudes	400	(1)
Techniques of Informative Speaking	401	(10)
Define a Specific Informative Purpose	401	(1)
Create Information Hunger	402	(1)
Make It Easy to Listen	403	(1)
Emphasize Important Points	404	(1)
Use a Clear Organization and Structure	405	(1)
Use Supporting Material Effectively	406	(1)
Use Clear Language	407	(1)
Generate Audience Involvement	408	(3)
Sample Speech	411	(3)
Summary	414	(1)
Resources	415	(1)
Persuasive Speaking	416	(71)
Characteristics of Persuasion	418	(4)
Persuasion Is Not Coercive	418	(1)
Persuasion Is Usually Incremental	418	(2)
Persuasion Is Interactive	420	(1)
Persuasion Can Be Ethical	420	(2)
Categorizing Types of Persuasion	422	(5)
By Type of Proposition	422	(2)
By Desired Outcome	424	(1)
By Directness of Approach	425	(2)
Creating the Persuasive Message	427	(7)
Set a Clear, Persuasive Purpose	427	(1)
Structure the Message Carefully	427	(3)
Use Solid Evidence	430	(2)
Avoid Fallacies	432	(2)
Adapting to the Audience	434	(3)
Establish Common Ground	435	(1)
Organize According to the Expected Response	435	(1)
Adapt to a Hostile Audience	436	(1)
Building Credibility as a Speaker	437	(2)
Competence	437	(1)
Character	438	(1)
Charisma	438	(1)
Sample Speech	439	(3)
Summary	442	(1)
Resources	442	(5)
Appendixes
Appendix I: Interviewing	447	(24)
The Nature of Interviewing	448	(1)
Interviewing Defined	449	(1)
How Interviewing Differs from Conversation	450	(1)
Planning the Interview	450	(1)
The Interviewer's Role	450	(6)
The Interviewee's Role	456	(1)
Conducting the Interview	457	(1)
Stages of an Interview	457	(1)
The Interviewer's Responsibilities	458	(1)
The Interviewee's Responsibilities	459	(1)
The Selection Interview	460	(1)
Employment Strategies	460	(1)
Tips for the Interviewee	461	(4)
The Information-Gathering Interview	465	(1)
Prepare for the Interview	465	(1)
Choose the Right Interviewee	466	(1)
Informational Interviewing Tips	466	(1)
Other Interview Types	467	(1)
The Persuasive Interview	467	(1)
The Counseling Interview	468	(1)
The Survey Interview	469	(1)
Summary	470	(1)
Appendix II: Mediated Communication	471	(16)
Types of Mediated Communication	472	(1)
Mass Communication	472	(1)
Mediated Interpersonal Communication	473	(1)
Converging Communication Media	473	(1)
Theories of Media Effects	474	(1)
Flow Theories	474	(1)
Social Learning Theory	475	(1)
Individual Differences	476	(1)
Cultivation Theory	477	(1)
Agenda Setting	477	(1)
Cumulative Effects Theory	478	(1)
Cultural Studies Approaches	478	(1)
Gender Analysis	479	(1)
Political-Economic Analysis	479	(1)
How We Use Media	480	(1)
Media Consumers as Active Agents	480	(1)
Types of Uses and Gratifications	481	(2)
Different Theories, Different Observations	483	(1)
Summary	484	(3)
Notes	487	(20)
Glossary	507	(10)
Credits	517	(2)
Index	519