Fundamentals of Human Communication presents the basic theoretical and practical concepts of the human communication process. DeFleur uses a multidisciplinary approach, with a balance of innovative and traditional perspectives to give students the tools to communicate effectively in the workplace and in everyday situations

Table of Contents:
Part One Basics of Communication Chapter 1 The Communication Process: An Overview The Significance of Communication in Human Life Defining Communication 6 Communication as Linear Process: An Analytic Model Interactive Communication: A Simultaneous Transactions Model Accuracy in Communication Chapter 2 Verbal Communication: Using Speech and Language The Animal Kingdom: Communicating without Language The Human Experience: The Development of Speech and Language The Basic Nature of Language Chapter 3 Nonverbal Communication: Communicating Without Language The Relationship Between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication “Things” That Communicate Actions That Communicate Communication as an Integrated Process Chapter 4 The Importance of Listening The Listening Process The Listening Encounter Misconceptions That Impair Listening A Seven-Feature Plan for Strategic Listening Part Two Communicating in Distinctive Contexts Chapter 5 Communicating Interpersonally Communicating in an Interpersonal Context Engagement: The Initial Encounter Management: Moving Toward and Maintaining Intimacy Disengagement: Communicating When Relationships Erode Chapter 6 Communicating in Small Groups The Nature of Human Groups Stages in Group Development Informal Communication in Small, Intimate Groups Communicating in Task-Oriented Discussion Groups Communicating in Formal Decision-Making Groups Group Cohesion and Disorganization Chapter 7 Communicating in Organizations The Nature and Functions of Organizations Max Weber’s Classical Theory of Bureaucracy Management’s Designs for Organizational Communication The Flow of Messages in Large Organizations Chapter 8 Communicating between Cultures The Nature of Culture The Influence of Culture on Communication Features of Culture that Make a Difference Unique Styles of Communication Common in Specialized Cultures Communicating Successfully in Intercultural Contexts Part Three Managing Personal Communication Processes Chapter 9 Presenting Yourself Effectively The Impressions You Make in Initial Encounters Presenting Yourself in Encounters That Really Matter Deciding What to Say Changing Negative Impressions Chapter 10 Overcoming Communication Apprehension Communication Apprehension as a Common Reaction Causes of Communication Apprehension Consequences of High and Low Communication Apprehension Dealing with Stage Fright Reducing Communication Apprehension Chapter 11 Influencing Others The Importance of Persuasion in Everyday Life Person-to-Person Persuasion Alternative Methods for Achieving Influence Understanding Resistance and Yielding Traditional Communication Strategies for Influencing People Chapter 12 Coping with Conflict The Major Characteristics of Conflict Common Causes of Conflict Personal Styles of Coping with Conflict Successful Conflict Negotiation Part Four Understanding Communication Media Chapter 13 Using Media to Communicate Interpersonally Face-to-Face versus Mediated Communication Communicating Using Traditional Written Media Communicating by Telephone and Related Media Communicating by Computer Teleconferencing Chapter 14 Understanding Mass Communication Social and Cultural Factors That Have Shaped Our Media Mass Communication as a Process The Great Debate over the Influence of Mass Communication The Power of the Media: Alternative Interpretations Chapter 15 Understanding Communication Research The Postulates of the Scientific Research Perspective Research Designs as Strategies for Controlled Observation Focus Groups Observing by Measuring Variables Ethical Issues in Communication Research