Understanding human communication / Ronald B. Adler, George Rodman.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Now in its tenth edition, Understanding Human Communication continues to build on the widely successful approach--a sophisticated balance of theory and skills--that has captivated more than a half million students and their professors. The best-selling introductory communication book in the field, this classic text has been enriched and streamlined to reflect the latest research developments and to meet the evolving needs of students. It begins with an introduction to the basic elements of communication, providing students with a solid understanding of perception, language, listening, and nonverbal communication. Next, the book guides them through lively sections on interpersonal communication, small group communication, and public address.

Esteemed authors Ronald B. Adler and George Rodman speak to students in language that is both engaging and accessible, offering numerous examples that clearly illustrate concepts in real-life scenarios. Throughout, they draw from the latest media, culture, technology, and scholarship to create a distinctive pedagogy that gives students the tools they need to master--and enjoy--this intriguing and relevant subject.

With its striking visual presentation, comprehensive classroom supplements, and dedicated student-focused pedagogy, Understanding Human Communication continues to enliven classrooms and equip students with effective communication skills that will make a difference in their everyday lives.

New to the tenth edition:

* "Media Room" boxes analyze examples from popular films and television shows, in order to illustrate important communication concepts, from drama (Grey's Anatomy) to comedy (Little Miss Sunshine) to documentary (An Inconvenient Truth).

* "Understanding Diversity" and "Understanding Technology" boxes incorporate new, incisive examples that convey key ideas.

* New and updated coverage of culture and technology is integrated throughout.

* Thought-provoking Case Studies now wrap up each unit, presenting real-life communication challenges that students might encounter on the job, in school, and in personal relationships.

* All-new Sample Speeches include full outlines and commentary from students and the authors.

* The Interviewing Appendix now addresses the needs of students entering the workforce, featuring pre-interview strategies, examples of questions that potential employers may and may not legally ask, and behavioral interviews.

The text is accompanied by a Student Success Manual, an Instructor's Manual and Test Bank, a comprehensive companion website at www.oup.com/us/uhc10, and Now Playing, a vibrant resource (available both online and in print) that examines contemporary films through the lens of communication principles.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Each Chapter ends with a Summary, Key Terms, Activities, and For Further Exploration
• Part 1 Elements of Communication
• Chapter 1 Human Communication: What and Why
• Communication Defined
• Communication Is a Process
• Communication Is Symbolic
• Types of Communication
• Intrapersonal Communication
• Dyadic/Interpersonal Communication
• Small Group Communication
• Public Communication
• Mass Communication
• Functions of Communication
• Physical Needs
• Identity Needs
• Social Needs
• Practical Needs
• Modeling Communication
• A Linear Model
• A Transactional Model
• Communication Competence: What Makes an Effective Communicator?
• Communication Competence Defined
• Characteristics of Competent Communicators
• Intercultural Communication Competence
• Competence in Mediated Communication
• Clarifying Misconceptions About Communication
• Communication Does Not Always Require Complete Understanding
• Communication Isn't Always a Good Thing
• No Single Person or Event Causes Another's Reaction
• Communication Will Not Solve All Problems
• Meanings Rest in People, Not Words
• Communication Is Not Simple
• More Communication Is Not Always Better
• Chapter 2 The Self, Perception, and Communication
• Communication and the Self
• Self-Concept Defined
• Communication and the Development of the Self
• Culture and the Self-Concept
• The Self-Concept and Communication with Others
• The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
• Perceiving Others
• Steps in the Perception Process
• Narratives and Perception
• Common Perceptual Tendencies
• Perception and Culture
• Empathy and Perception
• Communication and Identity Management
• Public and Private Selves
• Characteristics of Identity Management
• Why Manage Impressions?
• How Do We Manage Impressions?
• Impression Management and Honesty
• Chapter 3 Language
• The Nature of Language
• Language Is Symbolic
• Meanings Are in People, Not Words
• Language Is Rule-Governed
• The Power of Language
• Language Shapes Attitudes
• Language Reflects Attitudes
• Troublesome Language
• The Language of Misunderstandings
• Disruptive Language
• Evasive Language
• Gender and Language
• Content
• Reasons for Communicating
• Conversational Style
• Nongender Variables
• Culture and Language
• Verbal Communication Styles
• Language and Worldview
• Chapter 4 Listening
• Misconceptions About Listening
• Listening and Hearing are Not the Same Thing
• Listening Is Not a Natural Process
• Mindful Listening Requires Effort
• All Listeners Do Not Receive the Same Message
• Overcoming Challenges to Effective Listening
• Faulty Listening Behaviors
• Reasons for Poor Listening
• Personal Listening Styles
• Content-Oriented
• People-Oriented
• Action-Oriented
• Time-Oriented
• Informational Listening
• Don't Argue or Judge Prematurely
• Separate the Message from the Speaker
• Be Opportunistic
• Look for Key Ideas
• Ask Questions
• Paraphrase
• Take Notes
• Critical Listening
• Listen for Information Before Evaluating
• Evaluate the Speaker's Credibility
• Examine the Speaker

Author notes provided by Syndetics