The fourth edition of "Human Communication" is an engaging reflection of the contemporary field of communication studies. The authors' writing mantra ('Make It Smart; Keep It Real') leads to a text that strikes a practical balance of definitive content and everyday application. To 'make it smart', the authors read hundreds of articles from mainstream communication journals. To 'keep it real', the authors synthesized their findings so that they resonate with the challenges and goals of today's typical basic course. Always the goal is to highlight the relevancy of communication to college students by engaging the readers. Every chapter features skill-building, critical thinking, innovative pedagogy, 21st century examples, and lively writing that is respectful of the student reader.

Table of Contents

Part One: Fundamentals of Communication Studies 1. Introduction to Human Communication 2. Perception, Self and Communication 3. Language and Meaning 4. Nonverbal Communication 5. Listening and Critical Thinking Part Two: Communication Contexts 6. Interpersonal Communication 7. Intercultural Communication 8. Workplace Communication 9. The Dynamics of Small Group Communication Part Three: Fundamentals of Public Speaking: Preparation and Delivery 10. Topic Selection and Audience Analysis 11. Source Credibility and Using Evidence 12. Organizing Your Presentation 13. Delivery and Visual Resources 14. Informative Presentations 15. Persuasive Presentations Online Unit: Mediated Communication and Media Literacy: This section is found on the book's Online Learning Center Web site at www.mhhe.com/pearson4e

Author Biography

Judy C. Pearson was Associate Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and Professor of Communication at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota, and Director of the Northern Virginia Center for Virginia Tech in Falls Church, Virginia. She has co-authored over 30 text and trade books and more than 100 scholarly articles and chapters in edited books. Judy has served as the President of the Central States Communication Association, the World Communication Association, and the National Communication Association. She met Paul E. Nelson at a basic course directors meeting, married him, and the couple has six children. The two have been producing basic course books together ever since. Paul E. Nelson was Director of the Honors College at the University of Missouri, Departmental Executive Officer at Iowa State University, Dean of the College of Communication at Ohio University, and Chair of the Political Science Department and Head of the Department of Communication at North Dakota State University. He has co-authored many textbooks with his spouse and colleague, Dr. Judy C. Pearson. Scott Titsworth is an Associate Professor and Interim Dean for the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University. Scott is co-author of four textbooks and a nationally respected scholar in the field of instructional communication and communication education. In addition to his current administrative responsibilities, Scott has worked as a basic course administrator for his entire career and has been active with the first year student program at Ohio University. Lynn M. Harter is the Steven and Barbara Schoonover Professor of Health Communication in the School of Communication Studies at Ohio University. Guided by narrative sensibilities, her work focuses on how people develop resiliency in the midst of profound vulnerability. She has produced a documentary on pediatric cancer care now distributed through PBS affiliates in the U.S., and has published over 50 articles and book chapters in interdisciplinary outlets. She lives in Athens, Ohio, with her husband, Scott, daughter, Emma Grace, and two basset hounds, Ned and Cleo.