Lively, clear, and geared to students' needs, Communication: Making Connections directs students on the path to become more skilled, educated, and competent communicators in their everyday lives.   Centered on the authors' belief that communication is about connecting, linking, sharing, participating, bonding, coupling, and joining with others, this text introduces students to the skills and theory of communication. It combines student-oriented case studies, exercises, examples, and the authors' conversational style to draw students into the text and motivate them to learn and understand the basic principles of communication. An integrated emphasis on technology–both in the text itself and in the supplements package–helps students learn about its relationship to communication.   This affordable Books à la Carte Plus Edition features the exact same content from our traditional textbook in a convenient, notebook-ready loose-leaf format – allowing students to take only what they need to class. As a bonus, the Books à la Carte Plus Edition is accompanied by a full-color, laminated Study Card that’s a perfect tool to help students prepare for exams, plus an access code to the MyLab for this course.

Table of Contents:
All chapters conclude with “Summary,” “Key Terms,” “Discussion Starters,” and “Notes.” I. MAKING CONNECTIONS THROUGH COMMUNICATION. 1. Connecting Process and Principles. Communication in the Workplace. 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. Perception and Communication. Understanding Perception. The Nature of Perception. Perceptual Differences. Improving Perception Competencies and Perception Checking. 3. Connecting Self and Communication. Understanding Self-Concept. Communication and Self-Concept. Enhancing Self-Concept. 4. Connecting Language and Communication. The Importance of Language. The Elements of Language. Language-Based Barriers to Communication. How to Use Language Effectively. 5. Connecting Through Nonverbal Communication. What Is Nonverbal Communication? Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication. Functions of Nonverbal Communication. Types of Nonverbal Communication. Interpreting and Improving Nonverbal Communication. 6. Connecting Listening and Thinking in the Communication Process. The Importance of Effective Listening. Listening and Hearing: Is There a Difference? The 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. Organize the Body of Your Speech. Organize the Introduction of Your Speech. Organize the Conclusion of Your Speech. Outline 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. 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. 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. III. CONNECTING IN RELATIONAL CONTEXTS. 13. Interpersonal Communication. Interpersonal Communication and 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 Competence in Relationships 15. Group and Team Communication. Small Group Communication: Making the Connection. What Is a Group? Group Formation: Why Do People Join Groups? Types and Purposes of Small Groups Project or Work Teams. Characteristics of Small Groups. Gender Differences in Group Communication. Ethical Behavior in Group Communication. Technology and Groups. Disadvantages of Small Groups 16. Participating in Groups and Teams. Team Building. Leadership. Conducting a Meeting. Member Participation. Problem Solving and Decision Making. Managing Group Conflict. Evaluating Small Group Performance. Appendix: Employment Interviewing: Preparing for Your Future. Preparing for Your Career. 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.