This volume represents a broad sweep of the communication field for the student who is just meeting the discipline. By definition a book in the digital universe is somewhat outdated even before it is published. As in many academic fields, every day brings new thinking and research in communication that can’t possibly be captured on paper bound into a volume. But what changes much more slowly are the sub-disciplines of a field, the ways that we divide an area of study into many pieces so that we can investigate them more easily.
The authors of the individual chapters are all experts, in many cases, nationally known research professionals who represent all of the major sub-disciplines in the field of communication. My hope is that these readings will stimulate you and help you to decide if a major in the field is a good fit for you. Most universities offer entire courses centered on the major ideas of each chapter.
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About the Author
Foreword
CHAPTER 1 Communication: A Broad Introduction
PART 1: WHY STUDY COMMUNICATION?
Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
What Is the Impact of Communication Study beyond Skills?
Summary
Notes
PART 2: WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?
Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
What Is the Nature of Communication Theory?
How Is Communication Defined?
How Have the Conceptions of Communication Evolved?
What Are the Models of Communication?
What Do the Terms Mean?
Summary
Notes
References
CHAPTER 2 Creating Your Message
Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
What Two Decision Strategies Aid in Constructing My Message?
How Do I Construct the Body of the Message?
What Goes into a Compelling Introduction?
How Do I Conclude the Speech?
How Do I Use Connectives to Bridge Main Ideas?
Summary
Notes
CHAPTER 3 Delivering Your Message
Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
What Method of Delivery Is Most Appropriate?
What Strategies Make Up Effective Delivery?
How Do I Speak to Create Understanding?
How Does My Physical Delivery Affect Understanding?
How Can Presentational Aids Affect Delivery?
Summary
Notes
CHAPTER 4 Communication and the Self
Objectives
Key Terms
Overview
Definition of Self
The Impact of Individual Differences on Social Interaction
A Comparison of Trait and State Approaches to Research
Communication Apprehension and Willingness to Communicate
Aggressive Behavior
Constructive Aggressive Behavior
Summary
Applications
Discussion Questions
Activities
References
CHAPTER 5 Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
Verbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Types of Nonverbal Communication
Verbal and Nonverbal Communication in the Digital Age
Developing Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Competence
Summary and Resources
Critical Thinking and Discussion Questions
CHAPTER 6 Communication and Culture
Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
Culture and Communication
Cultural Identity and Communication
Cultural Membership and Interpersonal Communication
Developing Intercultural Communication Competence
Summary and Resources
Critical Thinking and Discussion Questions
CHAPTER 7 Interpersonal Communication
PART 1: INITIATING RELATIONSHIPS
Objectives
Key Terms
Overview
The Role of Communication in Relationship Development
Relationship Defined
Defining Interpersonal Attraction
Interpersonal Communication Theories: How We Initiate Relationships
Summary
Applications
Discussion Questions
References
PART 2: CASE STUDY: A PLACE FOR CONNECTING AND DISCLOSING: FACEBOOK AND FRIENDSHIPS AT THE DAWN OF COLLEGE LIFE
Key Terms
For Further Thought and Reflection
References
CHAPTER 8 Group Communication
Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
What Is the Nature of Small Groups?
What Are the Types of Groups?
What Are the Benefits of Groups?
What Are the Drawbacks of Groups?
Group Development: How Do Collections of People Turn into Groups?
Group Culture: Why Are All Groups Different?
What Should My Role Be in Small Groups?
Summary
Notes
CHAPTER 9 Organizational Communication
Objectives
Key Terms
Defining Organizational Culture
Factors Associated with an Organization’s Culture
Organizational Socialization
Organizational Cultures as Enabling and Constraining
Summary
Questions for Discussion and Review
References
CHAPTER 10 Communication with New Media
Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
Mediated Channels
Print and Text-Based Media
Telephonic Media
Video-Based Media
Computer Media
Mobile Media
Media Convergence
Summary
Discussion Questions
CHAPTER 11 The Internet versus Traditional Media
Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
Weaving “the Net”
Consequences to Other Mass Media
One-to-Many, Many-to-Many
Controversy and Concerns
Social Aspect of the Internet
Careers in the Field
Summary
Discussion Questions
References
Notes
CHAPTER 12 Journalism in the Digital Age
Objectives
Why Journalism?
Bell, California: An Example
What Is News?
News Platforms
Mobile News Platforms
The Role of Reporter in the Digital Age
Content-Beyond Bells and Whistles
Investigative Reporting
Other Categories of News
Conclusion: Your Future in Journalism
References
CHAPTER 13 Advertising
Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
Advertising before the 21st Century
A Culture of Consumerism
The Many Faces of Advertising
Monitoring Advertising Information
The Future of Advertising: Keeping Current
Careers in the Field
Summary
Discussion Questions
Notes
CHAPTER 14 Public Relations
Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
Early Public Relations: A Historical Overview
Modern Public Relations: Models, Concepts, and Program Basics
The Roles and Functions of Public Relations in Today’s Global Marketplace
Skills and Tactics of the PR Professional
Careers in the Field
Summary
Discussion Questions
Notes
BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION INC
Roger
Desmond
Dr. Roger Desmond is Professor of Communication at the University of Hartford. He teaches a variety of courses in journalism as well as the basic course for all communication majors. He grew up in Los Gatos, California and received his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. He has published research articles and book chapters on media and children for more than thirty years. He was awarded the Roy E. Larsen Award for excellence in teaching in the spring of 2015.