Exploring Communication in the Real World

Welcome to Exploring Communication in the Real World! Hear directly from author Dr. Christopher Miller and audiobook producer Cassandra Wingert, both speech communication professors, about why they chose to engage with this project and what they hope students learn. 
Time Stamps: 
0:00:00 - Front Matter 
0:02:08 – Welcome and introduction to the textbook by Dr. Christopher Miller 
0:06:14 – Welcome and introduction to the audiobook by Cassandra Wingert 

This chapter introduces the field of communication studies. You will explore how and why humans communicate and examine questions about the origins, purposes, and forms of communication.
Time Stamps: 
0:00:00 - Chapter 1: Introduction to Communication Studies 
0:02:00 – 1.1 Communication: History and Forms 
0:27:26 – 1.2 The Communication Process 
0:54:52 – 1.3 Communication Competence 

This chapter discusses the role of perception in communication. You will learn about the perception process, how we perceive others, how we perceive and present ourselves, and how we can improve our perceptions. 
Time Stamps: 
0:00:00 - Chapter 2: Communication and Perception 
0:01:32 – 2.1 Perception Process 
0:21:57 – 2.2 Perceiving Others 
0:54:38 – 2.3 Communication Principles 
01:33:25 – 2.4 Perceiving and Presenting Self 
02:09:50 – 2.5 Improving Perception 

This chapter explores how language shapes communication, identity, and relationships. You will learn different types of linguistic expressions, the power of language choices, and the importance of clarity, audience awareness, and ethical communication when speaking. 
Time Stamps: 
0:00:0 – 3.1 Functions of Language 
0:29:55 – 3.2 Using Words Effectively and Affectively 
0:52:40 – 3.3 Language, Society, and Culture 
01:18:02 – 3.4 Developing Your Ability to Use Language Effectively in Public Speaking 

This chapter explains the principles, functions, and types of nonverbal communication. You will learn how body language, eye contact, vocal qualities, personal space, touch, and appearance help convey meaning alongside spoken words and how to interpret and use nonverbal communication effectively. 
Time Stamps: 
0:00:0 – 4.1 Principles and Functions of Nonverbal Communication 
0:21:56 – 4.2 Types of Nonverbal Communication 
01:11:44 – 4.3 Nonverbal Communication Competence 
01:46:13 – 4.4 Nonverbal Communication in Context 
02:13:03 – 4.5 The Importance of Delivery 

This chapter will explore the role of listening in communication, including why we listen, how listening works, and how effective listening supports understanding in both interpersonal conversations and public speaking contexts. You will learn strategies for improving listening competence, creating more listenable messages, and providing effective feedback. 
Time Stamps: 
0:00:00 – Chapter 5: Listening 
0:01:25 – 5.1 Understanding How and Why We Listen 
0:28:10 – 5.2 Improving Listening Competence 
01:00:17 – 5.3 Listenable Messages and Effective Feedback 
01:10:56 – 5.4 Listening in Public Speaking Setting 
01:23:51 – 5.5 Value of Public Speaking in Your Life 

This chapter will examine the relationship between culture, identity, and communication, including the foundations of cultural identity and the ways different cultural identities shape how people interact. You will learn about key aspects of intercultural communication and develop strategies for building intercultural communication competence in diverse contexts. 
Time Stamps: 
0:00:00 – Chapter 6: Culture and Communication
0:01:03 – 6.1 Foundations of Culture and Identity 
0:25:19 – 6.2 Exploring Specific Cultural Identities 
01:03:13 – 6.3 Intercultural Communication 
01:26:06 – 6.4 Intercultural Communication Competence 

This chapter will explore internal communication processes within interpersonal relationships, including key principles that shape how people interact and understand one another. You will learn how conflict, emotions, and self-disclosure influence interpersonal communication and develop strategies for communicating more effectively in personal and professional contexts. 
Time Stamps: 
0:00:00 – Chapter 7: Internal Communication Processes 
0:01:03 – 7.1 Principles of Interpersonal Communication 
0:25:11 – 7.2 Conflict and Interpersonal Communication 
01:12:12 – 7.3 Emotions and Interpersonal Communication 
01:35:21 – 7.4 Self-Disclosure and Interpersonal Communication 

This chapter will explore internal communication processes within interpersonal relationships, including key principles that shape how people interact and understand one another. You will learn how conflict, emotions, and self-disclosure influence interpersonal communication and develop strategies for communicating more effectively in personal and professional contexts. 
Time Stamps: 
0:00:00 – Chapter 8: Communication in Relationships 
0:01:00 – 8.1 Foundations of Relationships 
0:19:55 – 8.2 Communication and Friends 
00:53:04 – 8.3 Communication and Families 
01:08:42 – 8.4 Romantic Relationships 
01:22:29 – 8.5 Relationships at Work 
01:37:55 – 8.6 The Dark Side of Relationships 

This chapter will examine the fundamentals of small group communication, including how groups form, develop, and function over time. You will learn about group dynamics, member roles, problem-solving and decision-making processes, and effective leadership strategies for working in small groups. 
Time Stamps: 
0:00:00 – Chapter 9: Small Group Communication 
0:01:28 – 9.1 Understanding Small Groups 
0:36:10 – 9.2 Small Group Development 
00:48:49 – 9.3 Small Group Dynamics 
01:25:16 – 9.4 Group Member Roles 
02:02:48 – 9.5 Problem Solving and Decision Making in Group 
02:59:26 – 9.6 Leadership and Small Group Communication