Communication: Making Connections

All chapters conclude with "Summary," "Key Terms," "Discussion Starters," and "Notes." I. MAKING CONNECTIONS THROUGH COMMUNICATION. 1. Connecting Process and Principles. What Is Communication? Why Should We Study Communication? Principles of Communication. Essential Components of Communication. Types of Communication. Misconceptions about Communication. Improving Communication Competence. 2. Connecting Perceptions and Communication. Understanding Perception. The Perception Process. Perceptional Differences. Improving Perception Competencies. 3. Connecting Self and Communication. Self-Concept and Its Connection to Communication. Improving the Self Concept. 4. Connecting Language and Communication. The Importance of Language. The Elements of Language. Language-Based Barriers to Communication. How to Use Language More Effectively. 5. Connecting Nonverbal Communication. Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication. Types of Nonverbal Communication. Functions of Nonverbal Communication. Interpreting Nonverbal Communication. 6. Connecting Listening to the Communication Process. The Importance of Effective Listening. Listening and Hearing: Is There a Difference? Stages of Effective Listening. The Functions of Listening. Barriers to Effective Listening. Critical Listening and Critical Thinking: Analyzing and Evaluating Messages. Improving Listening Competence. Listening and Technology. II. CONNECTING IN THE PUBLIC CONTEXT. 7. Selecting a Topic and Relating to the Audience. Selecting a Speech Topic. Determining the General Purpose, Specific Purpose, and Thesis of a Speech. Relating to the Audience. 8. Gathering and Using Information. Gathering Information. Suggestions for Doing Research. Using Research to Support and Clarify Ideas. 9. Organizing and Outlining Your Speech. Organizing the Body of Your Speech. Organizing the Introduction of Your Speech. Organizing the Conclusion of Your Speech. Outlining Your Speech. 10. Managing Anxiety and Delivering Your Speech. Qualities of Effective Speakers. Managing Speech Anxiety. Methods of Delivery. Vocal and Physical Aspects of Delivery. Visual or Presentational Aids. Polishing Your Delivery. 11. Informative Speaking. Information and Power. Distinctions between Informative and Persuasive Speaking. Topics for Informative Speeches. Preparing and Developing an Informative Speech. Evaluating the Informative Speech. A Sample Informative Speech With Commentary. 12. Persuasive Speaking. The Goal of Persuasive Speaking. Topics for Persuasive Speeches. Persuasive Claims. Establishing Credibility. Becoming Effective Consumers of Persuasion. Preparing and Developing a Persuasive Speech. Fallacies in Argument Development. Evaluating the Persuasive Speech. A Sample Persuasive Speech with Commentary. III. CONNECTING IN RELATIONAL CONTEXTS. 13. Interpersonal Communication. Interpersonal Communication. The Motivation to Communicate and Form Relationships. Relationships: Getting to Know Others and Getting to Know Ourselves. Self-Disclosure in Relationships. 14. Developing Relationships. Forming and Dissolving Relationships. Interpersonal Conflict. Improving Communication in Relationships. 15. Group and Team Communication. Small Group Communication: Making the Connection. What Is a Group? Group Formation: Why Do People Join Groups? Purposes of Small Group Communication. Project or Work Teams. Characteristics of Small Groups. Gender Differences in Group Communication. Ethical Behavior. Technology and Groups. 16. Participating in Groups and Teams. Team Building Leadership. Member Participation. Conducting a Meeting. Problem Solving and Decision Making. Managing Group Conflict. Evaluating Small Group Performance. Appendix: Employment Interviewing: Preparing for Your Future. Preparing for Job Hunting. Career Research on the Internet. Choosing a Career. Qualities Employers Seek. Preparation for an Interview. The Interview. Factors Leading to Rejection. Factors Leading to Job Offers.Seiler, William J. is the author of 'Communication: Making Connections' with ISBN 9780205335428 and ISBN 020533542X.