Communication Across Contexts: A Listening-Centered Approach
Edition: 3
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 120
Edition: 3
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 120
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Communication Across Contexts: A Listening-Centered Approach is an introductory text designed to give students of all majors a broad skill set in communication. By exploring what it means to take a listening-centered approach to communication, students learn that communicative congruence is not just about getting what you want, but is also about acting in ways that build positive relationships and respect the wants and needs of others. The text prepares students to develop public speaking, interpersonal, and small group communication skills to succeed in college and the workplace.
Since listening is a crucial part of the communication process, this text incorporates listening concepts across each of the following contexts: public speaking, interpersonal, and small group communication.
Communication Across Contexts: A Listening-Centered Approach:
- Frames each chapter with provocative questions that encourage students to explore how listening, in addition to language and nonverbal skills, work together across communication contexts.
- Reinforces the importance of communicative congruence through relevant examples for college students.
- Includes guidelines for managing group meetings and negotiating conflict within groups.
- Streamlines content to the basics, which encourages students to engage with the text and focus on the application of skills. Instructors may add further readings or information to complement the content of the text.
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1 Human Communication
Why Study Human Communication?
What is Communication?
A Listening-Centered Approach to Communication Competence
Communication Competence
Communication Competence Grid
How Does Motivation Build Communication Competence?
Listening Intelligence (LQ)™
How Does Knowledge Build Communication Competence?
Action Model of Communication
Interactional Model of Communication
The SMCR Model
Transactional Model of Communication
How Do Skills Improve Communication Competence?
Metacognitive Listening Choices
Listening and Mutual Respect
Conclusion
References
Chapter 2 Interpersonal Communication
What is Interpersonal Communication?
How Can You Listen With Purpose?
Choosing Our Words—Language in Interpersonal Communication
Beyond Language—Nonverbal Cues in Interpersonal Communication
How Do Listening, Language, and Nonverbal Skills Work Together to Transform Interpersonal Conflict?
Supportive and Defensive Climates Shape Interpersonal Conflicts?
Descriptive Language—Address the Behavior with Attentiveness
Paraphrasing—Summarizing Understanding with Attentiveness
Problem-Solving—Coordinating Together
Clarifying Questions—Coordinating Understanding
Empathy—Expressing Concern and Composure
How Does Metacognitive Listening Improve Communication?
Conclusion
References
Chapter 3 Persuasive Communication
Why Is Persuasive Speaking an Essential Skill for Listening-Centered Communication?
How Can Applying the Canons of Rhetoric Strengthen Your Appeal to Your Audience?
Select Your Topic
Consider Your Audience
How Do You Form Rhetorical Arguments That Support Your Topic?
Establish Credibility Through Research
Find Supporting Research
Use Supporting Research
Arrange Your Persuasive Speech Using a Problem-Solution Model
Craft Persuasive Language to be Listening-Centered
Concrete Language
Figurative Language
Storytelling
Establish Credibility Through Confident
Presentation Skills
Physical Delivery
Presentational Aids
Vocal Delivery
Extemporaneous Delivery
Communication Apprehension
Why Do Ethics Matter in Persuasive Speaking?
Logical Fallacies
Cause-effect fallacies
Generalization fallacies
Relevance fallacies
What Skills are Needed to Give Speech Criticism?
How Does Better Listening Lead to Better Persuasion?
Conclusion
References
Chapter 4 Small Group Communication
What Do You Like About Working in Small Groups?
Key Characteristics of a Small Group
Group Size
Interdependence
Shared Identity and Norms
How Does Appreciative Inquiry Foster Listening-Centered Group Development?
What are the Skills Needed to Facilitate Listening-Centered Groups?
Manage Group Meetings
Agendas
Minutes
How Do You Navigate Small Group Dynamics?
Listening-Centered Decision Making
Grouphate and Groupthink
Grouphate
Groupthink
Group Roles
Task Roles
Relational Roles
Ego-Centered Roles
Leadership Skills
Becoming a Leader
Leadership Styles
Group Conflict
Types of Group Conflict
Conflict Management Styles
Conclusion
References
Glossary
Subject Index
Dr. Timothy McKenna-Buchanan is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies and Assessment Coordinator at Manchester University. He teaches public relations, organizational communication, and communication theory. He earned a Ph.D. from Ohio University, an M.S. from Illinois State University, and a B.S. from Wayne State College. His research has been published in several communication journals.
Dr. Mary Lahman is a Professor of Communication Studies at Manchester University. She teaches courses in communication studies and has contributed to the field through her teaching, scholarship, and service.
Dr. Judd Case is Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Communication Studies at Manchester University. He teaches media literacy, digital storytelling, professional communication, and communication theory. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. His scholarship focuses on media studies, and he has presented research at the Popular Culture Association.
“It was clear and concise. Everything was to the point and easy to depict.”
Student from Manchester College
“Every page of the book was used. Most textbooks are 400+ pages and we only get through 200 maybe. It was nice having a book that just included what we were talking about in class.”
Student from Manchester College
“The textbook is very self-explanatory and gives a lucid illustration of the subject.”
Student from Manchester College
“The textbook was really well written and focused on real-world application.”
Anonymous student
“The content I learned in this course and through this textbook was valuable and will greatly impact my future.”
Anonymous student
“One aspect that was effective was having specific objectives that were specified from the beginning of each chapter for what we had to know.”
Anonymous student
“Listening to others, I have been applying the concepts we have learned in this class to my relationships and I feel like they have benefitted and grown stronger.”
Anonymous student
“Changed my view of communication as just talking but to coming to a better understanding.”
Anonymous student
“Handling conflict in a better way than avoiding, deflecting or just agreeing.”
Anonymous student
“Could barely do small group work without feeling anxious and judged, but learning how to [work in groups] really helped my confidence.”
Anonymous student