Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part 1: Fundamentals of communication studies -- Introduction to human communication -- Perception, self, and communication -- Language and meaning -- Nonverbal communication -- Listening and critical thinking -- Part 2: Communication contexts -- Interpersonal communication -- Intercultural communication -- Small-Group communication -- Workplace communication -- Part 3: Fundamentals of public speaking -- Topic selection and audience analysis -- Being credible and using evidence -- Organizing your presentation -- Delivery and visual resources -- Informative presentations -- Persuasive presentations.

"Your life is punctuated with critical moments in which communication plays an important role. Whether you are talking to a potential employer during a job interview, a loved one about an important issue facing your family, or an instruc-tor about an assignment, what you say and how you say it can dramatically shape the outcome of an interaction. Our goal in writing Human Communication is to help you feel confident in any situation. We want you to have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to be a successful communicator. We want you to be ready to - Communicate effectively in novel and uncertain situations - Assess who you are talking to and establish common ground - Listen effectively and respond appropriately"--