Understanding Human Communication

by Adler, Ronald B.; Rodman, George

• ISBN13: 9780195178333
• ISBN10: 0195178335
• Edition: 9th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-04-15
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Now in its ninth edition, this classic text by Ronald B. Adler and George Rodman retains the enduring features that have made it the best-selling introductory human communication text on the market: an engaging and reader-friendly writing style; an inviting visual design with marginalquotations, cartoons, photographs, newspaper clippings, and supplemental readings on 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 pedagogythat have characterized previous editions, this ninth edition features new material on technology in communication, personal listening styles, deceptive communication, informative speaking, and an expanded section on Cumulative Effects Theory in the Media Appendix.

Table of Contents

PART ONE: ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION
Human Communication: What and Why	2	(30)
Communication Defined	4	(2)
Communication Is Human	4	(1)
Communication Is a Process	4	(2)
Communication Is Symbolic	6	(1)
Types of Communication	6	(3)
Intrapersonal Communication	6	(1)
Dyadic/Interpersonal Communication	7	(1)
Small Group Communication	8	(1)
Public Communication	8	(1)
Mass Communication	8	(1)
Functions of Communication	9	(3)
Physical Needs	9	(1)
Identity Needs	10	(1)
Social Needs	11	(1)
Practical Needs	11	(1)
Modeling Communication	12	(6)
A Linear Model	12	(3)
A Transactional Model	15	(3)
Communication Competence: What Makes an Effective Communicator?	18	(6)
Communication Competence Defined	18	(3)
Characteristics of Competent Communicators	21	(3)
Clarifying Misconceptions About Communication	24	(4)
Communication Does Not Always Require Complete Understanding	24	(2)
Communication Is Not Always a Good Thing	26	(1)
No Single Person or Event Causes Another's Reaction	26	(1)
Communication Will Not Solve All Problems	26	(1)
Meanings Rest in People, Not Words	26	(1)
Communication Is Not Simple	26	(1)
More Communication Is Not Always Better	27	(1)
Summary	28	(1)
Key Terms	28	(1)
Activities	29	(1)
For Further Exploration	30	(2)
Perception, the Self, and Communication	32	(42)
Perceiving Others	34	(14)
Narratives and Perception	34	(2)
Common Perceptual Tendencies	36	(3)
Situational Factors Influencing Perception	39	(2)
Perception and Culture	41	(2)
Empathy and Perception	43	(5)
Perceiving the Self	48	(10)
Self-Concept Defined	48	(1)
Communication and Development of the Self	49	(3)
Culture and the Self-Concept	52	(2)
The Self-Concept, Personality, and Communication	54	(1)
The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy	55	(3)
Identity Management: Communication as Impression Management	58	(11)
Public and Private Selves	58	(1)
Characteristics of Identity Management	59	(4)
Why Manage Impressions?	63	(1)
How Do We Manage Impressions?	63	(2)
Impression Management and Honesty	65	(4)
Summary	69	(1)
Key Terms	69	(1)
Activities	70	(1)
For Further Exploration	71	(3)
Language	74	(40)
The Nature of Language	76	(5)
Language Is Symbolic	76	(1)
Meanings Are in People, Not Words	77	(1)
Language Is Rule-Governed	78	(3)
The Power of Language	81	(7)
Language Shapes Attitudes	81	(4)
Language Reflects Attitudes	85	(3)
Troublesome Language	88	(10)
The Language of Misunderstandings	88	(6)
Disruptive Language	94	(2)
Evasive Language	96	(2)
Gender and Language	98	(5)
Content	99	(1)
Reasons for Communicating	99	(1)
Conversational Style	100	(1)
Nongender Variables	101	(2)
Culture and Language	103	(7)
Verbal Communication Styles	103	(3)
Language and Worldview	106	(3)
Language Use in North American Culture	109	(1)
Summary	110	(1)
Key Terms	111	(1)
Activities	111	(1)
For Further Exploration	112	(2)
Listening	114	(38)
Misconceptions about Listening	116	(3)
Listening and Hearing Are Not the Same Thing	116	(2)
Listening Is Not a Natural Process	118	(1)
Listening Requires Effort	119	(1)
All Listeners Do Not Receive the Same Message	119	(1)
Overcoming Challenges to Effective Listening	119	(7)
Faulty Listening Behaviors	119	(2)
Reasons For Poor Listening	121	(5)
Personal Listening Styles	126	(1)
Content-Oriented	126	(1)
People-Oriented	126	(1)
Action-Oriented	126	(1)
Time-Oriented	127	(1)
Informational Listening	127	(7)
Don't Argue or Judge Prematurely	128	(1)
Separate the Message from the Speaker	129	(1)
Be Opportunistic	129	(1)
Look for Key Ideas	130	(1)
Ask Questions	130	(1)
Paraphrase	131	(2)
Take Notes	133	(1)
Critical Listening	134	(3)
Listen for Information Before Evaluating	135	(1)
Evaluate the Speaker's Credibility	135	(1)
Examine the Speaker's Evidence and Reasoning	135	(1)
Examine Emotional Appeals	136	(1)
Empathic Listening	137	(10)
Advising	138	(1)
Judging	138	(1)
Analyzing	139	(1)
Questioning	140	(2)
Supporting	142	(1)
Prompting	143	(1)
Paraphrasing	143	(3)
When and How to Help?	146	(1)
Summary	147	(1)
Key Terms	148	(1)
Activities	148	(1)
For Further Exploration	149	(3)
Nonverbal Communication	152	(34)
Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication	154	(6)
Nonverbal Communication Exists	155	(1)
Nonverbal Behavior Has Communicative Value	155	(1)
Nonverbal Communication Is Primarily Relational	156	(1)
Nonverbal Communication Is Ambiguous	157	(2)
Nonverbal Communication Is Different from Verbal Communication	159	(1)
Nonverbal Skills Are Important	159	(1)
Influences on Nonverbal Communication	160	(3)
Culture	160	(1)
Gender	161	(2)
Functions of Nonverbal Communication	163	(4)
Repeating	163	(1)
Substituting	163	(1)
Complementing	163	(1)
Accenting	164	(1)
Regulating	164	(1)
Contradicting	164	(1)
Deceiving	165	(2)
Types of Nonverbal Communication	167	(13)
Posture and Gesture	168	(1)
Face and Eyes	168	(2)
Voice	170	(1)
Touch	171	(2)
Physical Attractiveness	173	(1)
Clothing	174	(2)
Distance	176	(2)
Time	178	(1)
Territoriality	178	(1)
Environment	179	(1)
Summary	180	(1)
Key Terms	181	(1)
Activities	181	(2)
For Further Exploration	183	(3)
PART TWO: INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Understanding Interpersonal Relationships	186	(40)
Characteristics of Interpersonal Relationships	188	(5)
What Makes Communication Interpersonal?	188	(1)
Interpersonal Communication and the Internet	189	(1)
Content and Relational Messages	190	(2)
Metacommunication	192	(1)
Intimacy in Interpersonal Relationships	193	(4)
Dimensions of Intimacy	193	(1)
Male and Female Intimacy Styles	194	(1)
Cultural Influences on Intimacy	195	(2)
Relational Development and Maintenance	197	(9)
A Developmental Perspective	197	(4)
A Dialectical Perspective	201	(4)
Characteristics of Relational Development and Maintenance	205	(1)
Self-Disclosure in Interpersonal Relationships	206	(14)
Models of Self-Disclosure	207	(3)
Characteristics of Effective Self-Disclosure	210	(3)
Guidelines for Appropriate Self-Disclosure	213	(1)
Alternatives to Self-Disclosure	214	(6)
Summary	220	(1)
Key Terms	220	(1)
Activities	221	(1)
For Further Exploration	222	(4)
Improving Interpersonal Relationships	226	(34)
Communication Climates in Interpersonal Relationships	228	(7)
Confirming and Disconfirming Messages	228	(3)
How Communication Climates Develop	231	(1)
Creating Positive Communication Climates	232	(3)
Managing Interpersonal Conflict	235	(19)
The Nature of Conflict	235	(1)
Styles of Expressing Conflict	236	(3)
Characteristics of an Assertive Message	239	(4)
Gender and Conflict Style	243	(2)
Cultural Influences on Conflict	245	(2)
Methods of Conflict Resolution	247	(3)
Steps in Win-Win Problem Solving	250	(4)
Summary	254	(1)
Key Terms	254	(1)
Activities	255	(1)
For Further Exploration	255	(5)
PART THREE: COMMUNICATION IN GROUPS
The Nature of Groups	260	(28)
What Is a Group?	262	(3)
Interaction	262	(1)
Interdependence	263	(1)
Time	264	(1)
Size	264	(1)
Goals	265	(1)
Goals of Groups and Their Members	265	(2)
Individual Goals	265	(1)
Group Goals	266	(1)
Types of Groups	267	(2)
Learning Groups	267	(1)
Problem-Solving Groups	267	(2)
Social Groups	269	(1)
Growth Groups	269	(1)
Characteristics of Groups	269	(12)
Rules and Norms	270	(2)
Roles	272	(5)
Patterns of Interaction	277	(2)
Decision-Making Methods	279	(2)
Cultural Influences on Group Communication	281	(4)
Individualism versus Collectivism	282	(1)
Power Distance	283	(1)
Uncertainty Avoidance	284	(1)
Task versus Social Orientation	284	(1)
Short- versus Long-Term Orientation	285	(1)
Summary	285	(1)
Key Terms	285	(1)
Activities	286	(1)
For Further Exploration	286	(2)
Solving Problems in Groups	288	(38)
Problem Solving in Groups: When and Why	290	(4)
Advantages of Group Problem Solving	290	(2)
When to Use Groups for Problem Solving	292	(2)
Group Problem-Solving Formats	294	(3)
Types of Problem-Solving Groups	294	(2)
Computer-Mediated Groups	296	(1)
Approaches and Stages in Problem Solving	297	(8)
A Structured Problem-Solving Approach	297	(6)
Developmental Stages in Problem-Solving Groups	303	(2)
Maintaining Positive Relationships	305	(3)
Basic Skills	305	(1)
Building Cohesiveness	305	(3)
Leadership and Power in Groups	308	(8)
Power in Groups	308	(3)
What Makes Leaders Effective?	311	(5)
Overcoming Dangers in Group Discussion	316	(3)
Information Underload and Overload	316	(1)
Unequal Participation	316	(2)
Pressure to Conform	318	(1)
Summary	319	(1)
Key Terms	320	(1)
Activities	320	(1)
For Further Exploration	321	(5)
PART FOUR: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
Choosing and Developing a Topic	326	(26)
Choosing a Topic	329	(1)
Look for a Topic Early	329	(1)
Choose a Topic That Interests You	329	(1)
Defining Purpose	329	(4)
General Purpose	330	(1)
Specific Purpose	330	(2)
The Thesis Statement	332	(1)
Analyzing the Speaking Situation	333	(7)
The Listener: Audience Analysis	333	(5)
The Occasion	338	(2)
Gathering Information	340	(6)
Internet Research	340	(3)
Library Research	343	(1)
Interviewing	344	(1)
Personal Observation	344	(1)
Survey Research	345	(1)
Sample Speech	346	(2)
Summary	348	(1)
Key Terms	349	(1)
Activities	349	(1)
For Further Exploration	350	(2)
Organization and Support	352	(34)
Structuring the Speech	354	(1)
Working Outline	354	(1)
Formal Outline	354	(1)
Speaking Notes	355	(1)
Principles of Outlining	355	(3)
Standard Symbols	356	(1)
Standard Format	356	(1)
The Rule of Division	356	(2)
The Rule of Parallel Wording	358	(1)
Organizing Your Points in a Logical Order	358	(4)
Using Transitions	362	(1)
Beginning and Ending the Speech	362	(5)
The Introduction	362	(4)
The Conclusion	366	(1)
Supporting Material	367	(6)
Functions of Supporting Material	367	(2)
Types of Supporting Material	369	(3)
Styles of Support: Narration and Citation	372	(1)
Using Visual Aids	373	(6)
Types of Visual Aids	373	(2)
Media for the Presentation of Visual Aids	375	(3)
Rules for Using Visual Aids	378	(1)
Sample Speech	379	(4)
Summary	383	(1)
Key Terms	383	(1)
Activities	383	(1)
For Further Exploration	384	(2)
Presenting Your Message	386	(18)
Dealing with Stage Fright	388	(3)
Facilitative and Debilitative Stage Fright	388	(1)
Sources of Debilitative Stage Fright	388	(2)
Overcoming Debilitative Stage Fright	390	(1)
Types of Delivery	391	(3)
Extemporaneous	391	(1)
Impromptu	392	(1)
Manuscript	393	(1)
Memorized	394	(1)
Practicing the Speech	394	(1)
Guidelines for Delivery	395	(5)
Visual Aspects of Delivery	395	(2)
Auditory Aspects of Delivery	397	(3)
Offering Constructive Criticism	400	(1)
Summary	401	(1)
Key Terms	401	(1)
Activities	401	(1)
For Further Exploration	402	(2)
Informative Speaking	404	(22)
Types of Informative Speaking	407	(1)
By Content	407	(1)
By Purpose	407	(1)
Informative Versus Persuasive Topics	408	(1)
An Informative Topic Tends to Be Noncontroversial	408	(1)
The Informative Speaker Does Not Intend to Change Audience Attitudes	408	(1)
Techniques of Informative Speaking	409	(8)
Define a Specific Informative Purpose	409	(1)
Create Information Hunger	410	(1)
Make It Easy to Listen	411	(1)
Emphasize Important Points	411	(1)
Use a Clear Organization and Structure	412	(2)
Use Supporting Material Effectively	414	(1)
Use Clear, Simple Language	414	(1)
Generate Audience Involvement	415	(2)
Sample Speech	417	(7)
Summary	424	(1)
Key Terms	424	(1)
Activities	424	(1)
For Further Exploration	425	(1)
Persuasive Speaking	426	(31)
Characteristics of Persuasion	428	(4)
Persuasion Is Not Coercive	428	(1)
Persuasion Is Usually Incremental	428	(2)
Persuasion Is Interactive	430	(1)
Persuasion Can Be Ethical	430	(2)
Categorizing Types of Persuasion	432	(4)
By Types of Proposition	432	(1)
By Desired Outcome	433	(1)
By Directness of Approach	434	(2)
Creating the Persuasive Message	436	(6)
Set a Clear, Persuasive Purpose	436	(1)
Structure the Message Carefully	437	(2)
Use Solid Evidence	439	(2)
Avoid Fallacies	441	(1)
Adapting to the Audience	442	(3)
Establish Common Ground	443	(1)
Organize According to the Expected Response	443	(1)
Neutralize Potential Hostility	444	(1)
Building Credibility as a Speaker	445	(2)
Competence	445	(1)
Character	446	(1)
Charisma	446	(1)
Sample Speech	447	(4)
Summary	451	(1)
Key Terms	452	(1)
Activities	452	(1)
For Further Exploration	453	(4)
APPENDIX
INTERVIEWING	457	(24)
The Nature of Interviewing	458	(2)
Interviewing Defined	458	(2)
How Interviewing Differs from Conversation	460	(1)
Planning the Interview	460	(7)
The Interviewer's Role	460	(6)
The Interviewee's Role	466	(1)
Conducting the Interview	467	(3)
Stages of an Interview	467	(1)
The Interviewer's Responsibilities	468	(1)
The Interviewee's Responsibilities	469	(1)
The Selection Interview	470	(5)
Employment Strategies	470	(1)
Tips for the Interviewee	471	(4)
The Information Gathering Interview	475	(2)
Prepare for the Interview	476	(1)
Choose the Right Interviewee	476	(1)
Informational Interviewing Tips	476	(1)
Other Interview Types	477	(3)
The Persuasive Interview	477	(2)
The Counseling Interview	479	(1)
The Survey Interview	479	(1)
Summary	480	(1)
Key Terms	480	(1)
Notes	481	(20)
Glossary	501	(10)
Credits	511	(4)
Index	515