Business and Professional Communication engages the reader with the most current strategies needed to effectively manage workplace communication challenges.   Noted as a complete text matching the unique demands of the workplace environment to student competencies, Business and Professional Communication surpasses the coverage of traditional communication books by addressing the recent surveys of expected workplace competencies: exhibiting leadership; managing organizational culture; listening, interpersonal communication style differences, and conflict; dealing with difficult people; improving diversity and intercultural communication; business writing; interviewing; selling; and negotiating successfully. Business and Professional Communication not only prepares the reader for relevant, informative, and persuasive public presentations in the workplace, but also prepares them for managing cultural diversity, sales, customer-service, audits, briefings/reports, team-building, using social media and technology, and other communication proficiencies vital for success in the modern workplace.

Table of Contents:
    Preface UNIT I            Foundations of Business and Professional Communication   CHAPTER       1          Introducing Business and Professional Communication 1 Communication Gaps in the Workplace What General Communication Competencies Are Needed in Organizations? Communication Competencies Expected in Organizations Definition and Model of Business and Professional Communication Assumptions About Communication: A Word on Axioms Business and Professional Communication in Four Contexts In Perspective Discussion Questions Exercises References   CHAPTER       2          Managing Leadership Communication in Organizational Cultures Organizational Culture as a Context for Communication Features of Organizational Culture Leadership in Organizational Cultures: Structures and Styles In Perspective Discussion Questions Exercises References   UNIT II          Interpersonal Communication in Business and Professional Communication   CHAPTER       3          Managing Interpersonal Communication in the Workplace Interpersonal Communication Principles in the Workplace Social Equity Theory Managing Interpersonal Communication Skills Managing Social Networking as Interpersonal Communication In Perspective Discussion Questions Exercises References   CHAPTER       4          Managing Listening Communication in the Workplace The Significant of Listening in Organizations Concepts That Explain Listening Deficits Avoid Communication Omission How to Improve Listening Skills Active Listening In Perspective Discussion Questions Exercises References   CHAPTER       5        Managing Nonverbal Communication in the Workplace Defining Nonverbal Communication Importance of Nonverbal Communication in the Workplace Functions and Rules of Nonverbal Communication Elements of Nonverbal Communication Using Nonverbal Communication in the Workplace In Perspective Discussion Questions Exercises References   CHAPTER       6          Managing Communication Conflict in the Workplace Conflict in the Workplace Communication Skills in Managing Conflict Communication Skills in Managing Negotiation In Perspective Discussion Questions Exercises References   CHAPTER       7          Managing Intercultural Communication in the Workplace Definition and Model of Intercultural Communication Understanding Cultural Diversity Importance of Managing Cultural Diversity Intercultural Communication Strategies for Promoting Unity In Perspective Discussion Questions Exercises References   Unit III            Small Groups and Teams in Business and Professional Communication   CHAPTER       8       Managing Group Communication and Workplace Teams Defining Small-Group Communication Group Outcomes Communication Networks in Small Groups Leadership in Teams and Small Groups Conducting Results-Oriented Group Communication Strategies for Conducting Large Group Meetings Strategies for Team Building in the Workplace Definition and Model of Teams   How to Facilitate High Functioning Workplace Teams What Makes a Successful Team? Outcomes of Successful Teams In Perspective Discussion Questions Exercises References   CHAPTER       9          Managing Interviews in the Workplace Importance of Interviewing Types of Interviews Structuring Effective Interviews Interview Questions In Perspective Discussion Questions Exercises References   UNIT IV         Public Presentations in Business and Professional Communication    CHAPTER       10        Managing Public Presentations in the Workplace Importance of Making Public Presentations Building Credibility Building Confidence Consulting for Audience Analysis In Perspective Discussion Questions Exercises References   CHAPTER       11        Managing Presentational Skills in the Workplace Elements of Language Style Elements of Delivery Methods of Delivery Presentation Technology and Communication Ethics and Presentations In Perspective Discussion Questions Exercises References   CHAPTER       12        Managing Informative Presentations in the Workplace Developing Informative Presentations Principles for Topic Selection In Perspective Discussion Questions Exercises References   CHAPTER       13        Managing Persuasive Presentations in the Workplace Persuasion Changes or Reinforces Attitudes, Values, Beliefs, and Behaviors Beginning Theories Underlying Persuasion Developing Persuasive Presentations In Perspective Discussion Questions Exercises References   CHAPTER       14        Managing Customers and Client Communication and Sales Definition and Model of Customer Service Communicating to Enhance Customer Service Changing the Organizational Culture to Enhance Customer Service Managing Sales Presentations in the Workplace Principles of Sales Communication Strategies for Effective Sales Communication In Perspective Discussion Questions Exercises References   What Can You Do with a Communication Major ?   Appendix A:  Communication Style in the Workplace Appendix B:  Changes in Organizational Cultures Appendix C: Communication Networks in the Workplace Appendix D: Written Communication in the Workplace: Reports, Proposals, Resumes, Letters, and Email Etiquette Appendix E:  Speech Evaluation Forms   Glossary Index Photo Credits