Understanding Human Communication

Understanding Human Communication addresses students' perception that they already know how to communicate--an issue faced by every faculty member. By artfully weaving cutting-edge academic research and theory into the clear, down-to-earth, and student-friendly narrative, the authors help students understand the complexity and depth of human communication and public speaking. The series of concepts builds logically through the chapter sequence, enabling students to further deepen their communication skills as they progress through the book. By accessing the text's integrated digital resources--contemporary and brief video clips; tutorials; and self-assessments---students will be able to see concepts applied in real scenarios, making their learning more meaningful.

This trusted text is now available with Oxford Insight courseware. Oxford Insight pairs best-in-class OUP content with curated media resources, activities, and gradable assessment, in a guided learning environment that delivers performance analytics, drives student engagement, and improves student outcomes.

Ronald B. Adler is Professor of Communication, Emeritus, at Santa Barbara City College.

George Rodman is Professor in the Department of Television, Radio and Emerging Media at Brooklyn College, City University of New York.

Athena du Pré is Distinguished University Professor of Communication at the University of West Florida.

Barbara Cook Overton has a doctorate in health communication from Louisiana State University and a Master of Fine Arts in media production from the University of New Orleans.

CONTENTS

Preface
Acknowledgements
About the Authors

Part 1: Fundamentals of Human Communication

Chapter 1: Communication: What and Why
1.1 Characteristics of Communication
Defining Communication
Transactional Model of Communication
1.2 Types of Communication
Intrapersonal Communication
Dyadic Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Small-Group Communication
Organizational Communication
Public Communication
Mass Communication
Social Media Communication
1.3 Communication Competence
There's No “Ideal” Way to Communicate
Competence Is Situational
Competence Is Relational
Competent Communicators Are Empathic
Competence Can Be Learned
Competence Requires Effort
Competent Communicators Self-Monitor
Competent Communicators Are Committed
1.4 Misconceptions About Communication
Myth: Communication Requires Complete Understanding
Myth: Communication Can Solve All Problems
Myth: Communication Is Good
Myth: Meanings Are in Words
Myth: Communication Is Simple
Myth: More Communication Is Always Better
MAKING THE GRADE
KEY TERMS
PUBLIC SPEAKING PRACTICE
ACTIVITIES
Features
Communication Strategies: Maintaining a Healthy Relationship with Social Media
Understanding Your Communication: What Type of Communicator Are You?
Figures
Figure 1.1 Transactional Model of Communication

Chapter 2: Communicating with Social Media
2.1 The Roles of Social and Mass Media
Characteristics of Social Media
Social Media Uses and Gratifications
Masspersonal Communication
2.2 Mediated Versus Face-to-Face Communication
Message Richness
Synchronicity
Permanence
2.3 Benefits and Drawbacks of Social Media
Benefits of Social Media
Drawbacks of Social Media
2.4 Influences on Mediated Communication
Gender
Age
2.5 Communicating Competently with Social Media
Maintaining Positive Relationships
Protecting Yourself
MAKING THE GRADE
KEY TERMS
PUBLIC SPEAKING PRACTICE
ACTIVITIES
Features
Understanding Your Communication: What Type of Social Media Communicator Are You?
Communication Strategies: Using LinkedIn for Career Success
Communication Strategies: Evaluating (Mis)information
Table and Figure
Table 2.1 Common Types of Social Media Content
Figure 2.1 Overlapping Boundaries Between Different Types of Media

Chapter 3: The Self, Perception, and Communication
3.1 Communication and the Self
Self-Concept
Self-Esteem
Personality
Reflected Appraisal
Social Comparison
Self-Fulfilling Prophecies
3.2 Perceiving Others
Selection
Organization
Interpretation
3.3 Problematic Perceptual Tendencies
Categorizing People
Clinging to First Impressions
Paying More Attention to Negative Impressions than to Positive Ones
Judging Yourself More Charitably than You Judge Others
Overgeneralizing
Gravitating to the Familiar
3.4 Perceptual Skill Builders
Emotional Intelligence
Perception Checking
3.5 Communication and Identity Management
Public and Private Selves
Facework
Why Manage Identities?
Identity Management and Honesty
Characteristics of Identity Management
MAKING THE GRADE
KEY TERMS
PUBLIC SPEAKING PRACTICE
ACTIVITIES
Features
Communication Strategies: Keeping It Real on Social Media
Communication Strategies: Ways to Reverse Self-Defeating Thinking
Communication Strategies: Focus on Individuality Rather than Stereotypes
Understanding Your Communication: How Emotionally Intelligent Are You?
Communication Strategies: Should You Humblebrag in Job Interviews?
Communication Strategies: Work Lessons from Undercover Boss
Figure
Figure 3.1 The Figure-Ground Principle

Chapter 4: Communication and Culture
4.1 Understanding Cultures and Cocultures
Salience
In-Group and Out-Group
4.2 How Cultural Values and Norms Shape Communication
Individualism and Collectivism
High and Low Cultural Context
Uncertainty Avoidance
Power Distance
Talk and Silence
4.3 Cocultures' Influence on Communication
Intersectionality Theory
Race and Ethnicity
Sex and Gender
Religion
Disability
Political Viewpoints
Age/Generation
4.4 Becoming an Effective Intercultural Communicator
Contact with a Diverse Array of People
Tolerance for Ambiguity
Open-Mindedness
Knowledge and Skill
Patience and Perseverance
MAKING THE GRADE
KEY TERMS
PUBLIC SPEAKING PRACTICE
ACTIVITIES
Features
Understanding Your Communication: How Much Do You Know About Other Cultures?
Communication Strategies: Talking About Race
Communication Strategies: Communicating Respectfully About Gender
Communication Strategies: Discussing Politics Responsibly on Social Media
Communication Strategies: Coping with Culture Shock
Tables
Table 4.1 Individualistic Versus Collectivistic Cultures
Table 4.2 High- and Low-Context Communication
Table 4.3 Differences Between Low and High Uncertainty Avoidance
Table 4.4 Differences Between Low and High Power Distance
Part 2: Communication Elements

Chapter 5: Language
5.1 The Nature of Language
Language Is Symbolic
Words Have Varying Interpretations
Meaning Is Negotiated
Language Is Governed by Rules
5.2 The Power of Language
Gender References
Names
Accents
Assertive and Collaborative Language
5.3 Language and Misunderstandings
Abstract Language
Equivocal Language
Relative Words
Slang
Jargon
Euphemisms
5.4 Troublesome Language
Confusion About Facts, Inferences, and Opinions
Lies and Evasions
Emotive Language
Microaggressions
MAKING THE GRADE
KEY TERMS
PUBLIC SPEAKING PRACTICE
ACTIVITIES
Features
Understanding Your Communication: How Do You Use Language?
Communication Strategies: Balancing Assertive and Collaborative Language
Communication Strategies: Expressing Yourself Clearly
Communication Strategies: Distinguishing Between Facts and Opinions
Communication Strategies: Engaging in Microresistance
Figure
Figure 5.1 Triangle of Meaning

Chapter 6: Listening
6.1 The Value of Listening
6.2 Misconceptions About Listening
Myth: Listening and Hearing Are the Same Thing
Myth: Listening Is a Natural Process
Myth: All Listeners Receive the Same Message
Myth: People Have One Listening “Style”
Myth: Women are More Supportive Listeners Than Men
Myth: The Majority of Listening Happens Offline
6.3 Overcoming Challenges to Effective Listening
Message Overload
Noise
Cultural Differences
6.4 Faulty Listening Habits
Pretending to Listen
Tuning In and Out
Missing the Underlying Point
Dividing Attention
Being Self-Centered
Talking More than Listening
Avoiding the Issue
Being Defensive
6.5 Listening to Connect and Support
Allow Enough Time
Be Sensitive to Personal and Situational Factors
Ask Questions
Listen for Unexpressed Thoughts and Feelings
Encourage Further Comments
Reflect Back the Speaker's Thoughts
Consider the Pros and Cons When Analyzing
Reserve Judgment, Except in Rare Cases
Think Twice Before Offering Advice or Solutions
Offer Comfort, If Appropriate
6.6 Listening to Learn, Analyze, and Critique
Task-Oriented Listening
Analytical Listening
Critical Listening
MAKING THE GRADE
KEY TERMS
PUBLIC SPEAKING PRACTICE
ACTIVITIES
Features
Understanding Your Communication: What Are Your Listening Strengths?
Communication Strategies: Listening in a Virtual Space
Communication Strategies: Active Listening
Communication Strategies: When Is a Question Not a Question?

Chapter 7: Nonverbal Communication
7.1 Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication Is Unavoidable
Nonverbal Communication Is Ambiguous
Nonverbal Cues Convey Emotion
Nonverbal Cues Help Manage Identities
Nonverbal Cues Affect Relationships
7.2 Functions of Nonverbal Communication
Substituting
Complementing
Accenting
Regulating
Contradicting
Deceiving
7.3 Types of Nonverbal Communication
Body Movements
Voice
Appearance
Touch
Space
Time
7.4 Influences on Nonverbal Communication
Culture
Gender
MAKING THE GRADE
KEY TERMS
PUBLIC SPEAKING PRACTICE
ACTIVITIES
Features
Communication Strategies: Making the Most of Nonverbal Communication at Work
Understanding Your Communication: How Worldly Are Your Nonverbal Communication Skills?
Communication Strategies: Deception Detection Hacks

Part 3: Interpersonal Communication

Chapter 8: Understanding Interpersonal Communication
8.1 Characteristics of Interpersonal Communication
What Makes Communication Interpersonal?
Content and Relational Messages
8.2 Interpersonal Relationship Building
How People Choose Relational Partners
Metacommunication
Self-Disclosure
Interpersonal Communication Online
8.3 Communicating with Friends and Family
Friendships Have Unique Qualities
Friendships Develop with Communication
Friendships Can Build Bridges
Family Relationships
8.4 Communicating with Romantic Partners
Stages of Romantic Relationships
Love Languages
8.5 Relational Dialectics
Connection Versus Autonomy
Openness Versus Privacy
Predictability Versus Novelty
MAKING THE GRADE
KEY TERMS
PUBLIC SPEAKING PRACTICE
ACTIVITIES
Features
Communication Strategies: Questions to Ask Yourself Before Self-Disclosing
Communication Strategies: How to Be a Good Friend
Understanding Your Communication: What Kind of Friendship Do You Have?
Communication Strategies: How to Make Friends with a Wide Range of People
Communication Strategies: Strengthening Family Ties
Communication Strategies: Meeting an Online Date for the First Time
Understanding Your Communication: What Is Your Love Language?
Communication Strategies: Managing Dialectical Tensions
Figures
Figure 8.1 Social Penetration Model
Figure 8.2 The Johari Window
Figure 8.3 Knapp's Stages of Relational Development

Chapter 9: Managing Conflict
9.1 Understanding Interpersonal Conflict
Expressed Struggle
Interdependence
Perceived Incompatible Goals
Perceived Scarce Resources
9.2 Communication Climates
Confirming and Disconfirming Messages
How Communication Climates Develop
9.3 Conflict Communication Styles
Nonassertiveness
Indirect Communication
Passive Aggression
Direct Aggression
Assertiveness
9.4 Negotiation Strategies
Win-Lose
Lose-Lose
Compromise
Win-Win
9. 5 Cultural Approaches to Conflict Communication
Individualism and Collectivism
High and Low Context
Emotional Expressiveness
MAKING THE GRADE
KEY TERMS
PUBLIC SPEAKING PRACTICE
ACTIVITIES
Features
Communication Strategies: Managing Conflict in Online Classes and Teams
Communication Strategies: Rules for Fighting Fair
Understanding Your Communication: What's the Forecast for Your Communication Climate?
Communication Strategies: Dealing with Sexual Harassment
Communication Strategies: Protecting Yourself from an Abusive Partner
Understanding Your Communication: How Assertive Are You?
Communication Strategies: Negotiating with a Bully
Tables
Table 9.1 Distancing Behavior
Table 9.2 Choosing the Most Appropriate Method of Conflict Resolution
Part 4: Communicating in Groups, Teams, and Organizations

Chapter 10: Communicating for Career Success
10.1 Communication Skills Are Essential
10.2 Setting the Stage for Career Success
Developing a Good Reputation
Managing Your Online Identity
Cultivating a Professional Network
10.3 Preparing Job Search Materials
Create a Portfolio of Your Work
Write a Confidence-Inspiring Cover Letter
Construct a High-Quality Resume
Follow Application Instructions
Keep Organized Records of Your Interactions
10.4 Taking Part in a Job Interview
Preparing for an Interview
Participating in a Job Interview
10.5 Adapting to a New Work Environment
Culture in the Workplace
Patterns of Interaction
Communication and Workplace Etiquette
Working Remotely
MAKING THE GRADE
KEY TERMS
PUBLIC SPEAKING PRACTICE
ACTIVITIES
Features
Communication Strategies: Building a Career-Enhancing Network
Communication Strategies: Answering “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?”
Communication Strategies: Creating a Job Interview Presentation
Communication Strategies: Responding to Common Interview Questions
Communication Strategies: Interviewing by Phone or Video
Figures
Figure 10.1 Sample Cover Letter
Figure 10.2 Sample Resume
Figure 10.3 Organizational Communication Networks

Chapter 11: Teamwork and Leadership
11.1 Communicating Well as a Follower
Be Proactive
Seek Feedback
Support Others
If Something Isn't Right, Speak Up
Handle Challenges Calmly
11.2 Communicating in Groups and Teams
What Makes a Group a Team?
Motivational Factors
Rules and Norms in Small Groups
Individual Roles
11.3 Making the Most of Group Interaction
Recognize Stages of Team Development
Enhance Cohesiveness
Manage Meetings Well
Use Meeting Technology Effectively
Use Discussion Formats Strategically
11.4 Group Problem Solving
Advantages of Group Problem Solving
A Structured Problem-Solving Approach
11.5 Communicating Effectively as a Leader
Leadership Can Be Learned
Power Comes in Many Forms
Leadership Approaches Vary
Good Leadership Is Situational
Transformational Leadership
11.6 Leaving a Job Graciously
MAKING THE GRADE
KEY TERMS
PUBLIC SPEAKING PRACTICE
ACTIVITIES
Features
Understanding Your Communication: How Good a Follower Are You?
Communication Strategies: Working with a Difficult Boss
Communication Strategies: Getting Slackers to Do Their Share
Communication Strategies: Dealing with Difficult Team Members
Communication Strategies: Making the Most of a Brainstorming Session
Communication Strategies: Maximizing the Effectiveness of Multicultural Teams
Communication Strategies: Ways to Reach a Group Decision
Communication Strategies: Demonstrating Your Leadership Potential
Understanding Your Communication: What's Your Leadership Style?
Figures
Figure 11.1 Roles That Team Members Play
Figure 11.2 The Managerial Grid

Part 5: Public Communication

Chapter 12: Preparing and Presenting Your Speech
12.1 Getting Started
Choosing Your Topic
Defining Your Purpose
Writing a Purpose Statement
Stating Your Thesis
12.2 Analyzing the Speaking Situation
The Listeners
The Occasion
12.3 Gathering Information
Online Research
Library Research
Interviewing
Survey Research
12.4 Managing Communication Apprehension
Facilitative and Debilitative Communication Apprehension
Sources of Debilitative Communication Apprehension
Overcoming Debilitative Communication Apprehension
12.5 Presenting Your Speech
Choosing an Effective Type of Delivery
Practicing Your Speech
12.6 Guidelines for Delivery
Visual Aspects of Delivery
Auditory Aspects of Delivery
12.7 Sample Speech
MAKING THE GRADE
KEY TERMS
PUBLIC SPEAKING PRACTICE
ACTIVITIES
Features
Communication Strategies: Adapting With Integrity
Communication Strategies: Evaluating Websites
Understanding Your Communication: Speech Anxiety Symptoms
Communication Strategies: Practicing Your Presentation
Figure
Figure 12.1 Attitudes, Beliefs, and Values

Chapter 13: Speech Organization and Support
13.1 Building Your Speech
Your Preliminary Notes
Your Working Outline
Your Formal Outline
Your Speaking Notes
13.2 Principles of Outlining
Standard Symbols
Standard Format
The Rule of Division
The Rule of Parallel Wording
13.3 Organizing Your Outline into a Logical Pattern
Time Patterns
Space Patterns
Topic Patterns
Problem-Solution Patterns
Cause-Effect Patterns
Monroe's Motivated Sequence
13.4 Beginnings, Endings, and Transitions
The Introduction
The Conclusion
Transitions
13.5 Supporting Material
Functions of Supporting Material
Types of Supporting Material
Styles of Support: Narration Versus Citation
Plagiarism Versus Originality
13.6 Sample Speech
Speech Outline
Annotated Bibliography
MAKING THE GRADE
KEY TERMS
PUBLIC SPEAKING PRACTICE
ACTIVITIES
Features
Communication Strategies: Building a Full-Sentence Speech Outline
Communication Strategies: Nontraditional Patterns of Organization
Understanding Your Communication: Main Points and Subpoints
Communication Strategies: Effective Conclusions
Communication Strategies: Organizing Business Presentations
Figures
Figure 13.1 Preliminary Notes
Figure 13.2 Formal Outline
Figure 13.3 Speaking Notes

Chapter 14: Informative Speaking
14.1 Types of Informative Speaking
By Content
By Purpose
14.2 Informative Versus Persuasive Topics
Type of Topic
Speech Purpose
14.3 Techniques of Informative Speaking
Define a Specific Informative Purpose
Create Information Hunger
Make It Easy to Listen
Use Clear, Simple Language
Use a Clear Organization and Structure
14.4 Using Supporting Material Effectively
Emphasizing Important Points
Generating Audience Involvement
Using Visual Aids
Using Presentation Software
Alternative Media for Presenting Graphics
Rules for Using Visual Aids
14.5 Sample Speech
MAKING THE GRADE
KEY TERMS
PUBLIC SPEAKING PRACTICE
ACTIVITIES
Features
Understanding Your Communication: Are You Overloaded?
Communication Strategies: Techniques of Informative Speaking
Communication Strategies: The Pros and Cons of Presentation Software
Figures
Figure 14.1 Diagram
Figure 14.2 Word and Number Chart
Figure 14.3 Pie Chart
Figure 14.4 Adaptation of Pie Chart
Figure 14.5 Misleading Bar Chart
Figure 14.6 Bar Chart with Data Clarified
Figure 14.7 Line Chart
Figure 14.8 Flow Chart: Am I Mansplaining?
Figure 14.9 Bar Chart with Only Positive Options
Figure 14.10 Frog Thoughts
Figure 14.11 Climbing a Mountain
Figure 14.12 Stages of Grief
Figure 14.13 Venn Diagram
Figure 14.14 Cover Pages
Figure 14.15 Word Cloud
Figure 14.16 Actual Frog Thoughts

Chapter 15: Persuasive Speaking
15.1 Characteristics of Persuasion
Persuasion Is Not Coercive
Persuasion Is Usually Incremental
Persuasion Is Interactive
Persuasion Can Be Ethical
15.2 Categorizing Persuasive Attempts
By Type of Proposition
By Desired Outcome
By Directness of Approach
By Type of Appeal: Aristotle's Ethos, Pathos, and Logos
15.3 Creating a Persuasive Message
Set a Clear, Persuasive Purpose
Structure the Message Carefully
Use Solid Evidence
Avoid Fallacies
15.4 Adapting to the Audience
Establish Common Ground
Organize According to the Expected Response
Neutralize Potential Hostility
15.5 Building Credibility as a Speaker
Competence
Character
Charisma
15.6 Sample Speech
MAKING THE GRADE
KEY TERMS
PUBLIC SPEAKING PRACTICE
ACTIVITIES
Features
Communication Strategies: You Versus the Experts
Communication Strategies: Recognizing Cultural Differences in Persuasion
Understanding Your Communication: Persuasive Speech
Communication Strategies: Persuasion in the World of Sales
Figures and Tables
Table 15.1 Unethical Communication Behaviors
Figure 15.1 Latitudes of Acceptance, Rejection, and Noncommitment
Figure 15.2 Aristotle's Rhetorical Triad
Figure 15.3 Sample Structure for a Persuasive Speech
Table 15.2 Other Common Fallacies

Notes
Glossary
Credits
Index