Communication Across Contexts: A Listening-centered Approach

Communication Across Contexts: A Listening-Centered Approach is an introductory text designed to give students of all majors a broad skill set in communication. By exploring what it means to take a listening-centered approach to communication, students learn that communicative congruence is not just about getting what you want, but is also about acting in ways that build positive relationships and respect the wants and needs of others. The text prepares students to develop public speaking, interpersonal, and small group communication skills to succeed in college and the workplace.    

Since listening is a crucial part of the communication process, this text incorporates listening concepts across each of the following contexts: public speaking, interpersonal, and small group communication.

Communication Across Contexts: A Listening-Centered Approach:

• Frames each chapter with provocative questions that encourage students to explore how listening, in addition to language and nonverbal skills, work together across communication contexts.   
• Reinforces the importance of communicative congruence through relevant examples for college students. 
• Includes guidelines for managing group meetings and negotiating conflict within groups. 
• Streamlines content to the basics, which encourages students to engage with the text and focus on the application of skills. Instructors may add further readings or information to complement the content of the text.