Business and Professional Communication: A Human-Centered Approach prepares students to succeed in today’s workplace defined by changing technology, a diversifying workforce, and an increase in remote and hybrid work. Authors Curtis Newbold and Jessie Lynn Richards guide students through the principles, practices, and techniques, helping them see that business communication is more than just a series of documents, meetings, and presentations – it’s a human-centered process that requires a holistic understanding of communication across modes and contexts. With accessibility and inclusion leading the way, this text encourages students to be more conscientious, purposeful, and ethical in the way they communicate at work and beyond.

Table of Contents:
Part I: People – Communicating with Coworkers Chapter 1: Understanding People: Communication, Empathy, and the Workplace Culture The World is Changing-So Should the Way We Communicate How Humans Think and Why This Matters at Work Making Empathy and Inclusion a Top Priority Organizational Culture and the Role of Communication Chapter 2: Creating Meaningful Messages: Informing, Persuading, and Sharing Ideas at Work Persuasive Workplace Communication: Assessing Purpose and Goals Understanding Our Available Means Appealing to Our Target Audiences Creating Messages With Representation and Value Making Ethical Choices Part II: Modes – Mastering Communication Methods Chapter 3 Interpersonal Communication: Verbal and Nonverbal Interpersonal Communication in the Workplace Verbal and Nonverbal Interactions in Workplace Environments Listening and Responding to People′s Needs, Concerns, and Ideas Interpersonal Collaboration and Inclusivity Chapter 4 Written Communication Writing as a Process: Prewriting, Writing, and Rewriting Writing Inclusively for Diverse Audiences Staying Organized With Structure in Mind Working Toward Clarity, Simplicity, and Style-In That Order Chapter 5 Visual Communication: Designing Information to be Clearer, More Engaging, and More User-centered Why Visual Communication Is an Imperative Professional Skill Designing Information to Be User Centered Simplifying Content With Callouts and Tables Visualizing Messages With Photos, Colors, Icons, and Charts Branding, Design, and Your Company′s Image Chapter 6 Digital Communication: Emerging Methods for Connecting With People A New Era of Business Communication Accessible Communication and the Role of Technology Toggling Between Synchronous and Asynchronous Communication Your Company′s Website and the Content Within Social Media and Its Value at Work Part III: Contexts – Adapting to Situations Chapter 7: Day-to-day Conversations: Regular Messages between Co-workers Routine Communication The Channels We Choose to Connect Daily With Colleagues Taking a Human-Centered Approach to Day-to-Day Communication Requests, Replies, and Adjustments Saving, Organizing, and Archiving Day-to-Day Messages Chapter 8: Live Audience Deliveries: Presenting to Groups and Crowds Importance of Live Presentations Before You Present: Topic, Audience, Exigence, and Inclusion Preparing Presentations: Purposes, Mediums, Types, and Methods Creating the Presentation: Tools and Tips When It′s Virtual: What Changes and What Doesn′t Chapter 9: Informative Messages: Sharing, Reporting, Updating, and Storing Delivering Information to Share, Update, and Report Meeting Expectations: Informing People So They Know How to Plan Using Alternative Methods for Sharing Information Distributing and Archiving Informative Messages Chapter 10: Requests and Propositions: Getting People on Board with Your Idea How and When We Make Requests and Propose Ideas Anticipating Audience Needs Building Credibility Starts With Research Presenting Your Message to Be Clear and Persuasive Chapter 11: Collaborative Projects: Working in Teams The Importance of Team Communication Building a High-Functioning Team Best Practices for Communicating in Teams Teaming Communication Through Conflict Collaborative Projects Chapter 12: Leadership and Project Management: Guiding Others Toward Success Communication′s Role in Leadership Representing the Company as a Leader Seven Leadership Styles Shaped by Communication Leading Through Action and Language Chapter 13: Client and Customer Interaction: Representing the Business When You Communicate to Outside Stakeholders Speaking to Customers for Different Reasons Promoting Your Business to Potential Customers Using Social Media to Engage With Audiences Chapter 14: Education and Training: Sharing and Building Knowledge at Work Learning, Teaching, and Professional Development: Your Roles and Responsibilities Delivering Learner-Centered Trainings Training People Through Written and Visual Instruction Trainings Designed With Safety in Mind Chapter 15: Career Communication: Researching, Applying, and Interviewing for a Job Searching for a Job in a Changing World Establishing Your Personal Brand and Visual Identity Applying for the Job Interviewing for the Job Appendix A: Document Formatting Guide Appendix B: Data Visualization Guide Appendix C: Technology Guide: File Formats, Color Modes, and Fonts Appendix D: Slide Deck Guide: PowerPoint Tips, Tricks, and Ideas. Appendix F: Research Methods Guide