Thinking Through Communication

A balanced introduction to basic theories and principles of communication

Thinking Through Communication covers a full range of topics—from the history of communication study to the methods used by current communications scholars to understand human interaction.  The text explores communication in a variety of traditional contexts: interpersonal, group, organizational, public, intercultural, and computer-mediated.

Written in a clear, lively style, this text helps both majors and non-majors develop a better understanding of communication as a field of study. 

Learning Goals

Upon completing this book, readers will be able to:

• Understand basic communications theories and principles
• Explore the effects of new media on communication
• Understand the relationship between gender and communication

Part I: Introduction to Communication

Chapter 1: The Communication Tradition   
Chapter 2: Definitions, Models, and Perspectives   
 

Part II: Listening and Language

Chapter 3: Decoding Messages: Listening and Perception   
Chapter 4: Encoding Messages: Spoken Language   
Chapter 5: Encoding Messages: Nonverbal Communication   
 

Part III: Communication Contexts

Chapter 6: Interpersonal Communication   
Chapter 7: Group Communication   
Chapter 8: Organizational Communication   
Chapter 9: Public Communication   
Chapter 10: Preparing and Presenting Public Speeches   

Chapter 11: Communication and the Media   
Chapter 12: Intercultural Communication   
Chapter 13: Methods of Discovery   

 2) Full Table of Contents

Part I: Introduction to Communication

Chapter 1: The Communication Tradition   
A Brief History of Communication Study   
Communication Today: Contemporary Departments of Rhetoric and Communication Theory   

Chapter 2: Definitions, Models, and Perspectives   
Defining Communication   
How Models Help Us Understand Communication   
It All Depends on Your Point of View: Four Perspectives   
What to Look for When You Look at Communication   

Part II: Listening and Language

Chapter 3: Decoding Messages: Listening and Perception   
What Is Listening?   
The Listening Process   
Designing Messages That Are Easy to Listen To   

Chapter 4: Encoding Messages: Spoken Language   
What Is Language?   
The Subsystems of Language   
Pragmatic Styles and Structures   
Language and Social Identity   
Language Choices and Pragmatic Effects  

Chapter 5: Encoding Messages: Nonverbal Communication   
What Is Nonverbal Communication?   
The Nonverbal Codes   
Increasing Nonverbal Skills   

Part III: Communication Contexts

Chapter 6: Interpersonal Communication   
What Is Interpersonal Communication?   
Managing Interpersonal Communication   
Relational Development: Stages in Intimate Dyads   
Increasing Relational Skills   
New Media, New Relationships   
Becoming a More Responsible Communicator   

Chapter 7: Group Communication   
What Is a Group?   
Managing Group Communication   
Group Development: Phases in Problem-Solving Groups   
Strengthening Group Discussion Skills   
Communicating in Virtual Groups   
Becoming a More Responsible Communicator   

Chapter 8: Organizational Communication   
What Is an Organization?   
Managing Organizational Communication   
Increasing Organizational Skills   
Using Organizational Technology   
Becoming a More Responsible Communicator   

Chapter 9: Public Communication   
What Is Public Communication?   
Why Is Public Communication Important?   
Evaluating Public Communication   
Strengthening Critical Reception Skills   
Becoming a More Responsible Communicator   

Chapter 10: Preparing and Presenting Public Speeches   
What Is a Public Speech?   
Planning the Public Speech   
Managing Delivery   
Increasing Public Speaking Skills   
Becoming a More Responsible Communicator   

Chapter 11: Communication and the Media   
The Traditional Mass Media   
New Media: Going Global and Mobile   
Convergence: The Intersection of New Media and Old   
Becoming a More Responsible Communicator   

Chapter 12: Intercultural Communication   
What Is Culture?   
Barriers to Intercultural Communication   
Adapting to New Cultures  
Becoming a More Open Communicator   

Chapter 13: Methods of Discovery   
How Is Communication Research Done?   
Five Contemporary Research Methods   
Learning More about Communication