Exploring Communication in the Real World

Introduction

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 11:33:36 -0600

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

Chapter 1: Introduction to Communication Studies

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:42:05 -0600

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

Chapter 2: Communication and Perception

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:54:09 -0600

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

Chapter 3: Verbal Communication

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:24:38 -0500

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

Chapter 4: Nonverbal Communication

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:38:33 -0500

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

Chapter 5: Listening

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:50:40 -0500

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

Chapter 6: Culture and Communication

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:56:13 -0500

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

Chapter 7: Internal Communication Processes

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:04:11 -0500

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

Chapter 8: Communication in Relationships

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:07:39 -0500

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

Chapter 9: Small Group Communication

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:15:17 -0500

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

Chapter 10: The Basics of Public Speaking

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:22:31 -0500

This chapter will introduce the fundamentals of public speaking, including its purpose, key components, and the overall process involved in preparing and delivering a speech. You will learn strategies for managing speaking anxiety, understanding what public speaking entails, and getting started with effective speech preparation and delivery.

Time Stamps:

0:00:00 – Chapter 10: The Basics of Public Speaking

0:00:29 – 10.1 Anxiety and Public Speaking

0:18:28 – 10.2 What is Public Speaking?

00:25:01 – 10.3 Understanding the Process of Public Speaking

00:41:13 – 10.4 Getting Started in Public Speaking

Chapter 11: Audience Analysis

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:29:43 -0500

This chapter will explore the role of audience analysis in effective communication, focusing on how understanding an audience shapes message design and delivery. You will learn how to evaluate psychographic and demographic characteristics, consider contextual factors, and apply audience analysis to create more effective and engaging messages.

Time Stamps:

0:00:00 – Chapter 11: Audience Analysis

0:00:36 – 11.1 Psychographic Characteristics

0:12:18 – 11.2 The Importance of Audience Analysis

00:14:43 – 11.3 Demographic Characteristics

00:42:23 – 11.4 Contextual Factors of Audience Analysis

Chapter 12: Developing Topics for Your Speech

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:50:12 -0500

This chapter will guide you through the process of developing a speech topic, including identifying your purpose and refining your ideas. You will learn how to create effective specific purpose and central idea statements, as well as recognize and avoid common problems in crafting them.

Time Stamps:

0:00:00 – Chapter 12: Developing Topics for Your Speech

0:00:01 – 12.1 Getting Started with Your Topic and Purpose

0:04:27 – 12.2 Formulating a Specific Purpose Statement

00:15:10 – 12.3 Formulating a Central Idea Statement

00:21:51 – 12.4 Problems to Avoid with Specific Purpose and Central Idea Statements

Chapter 13: Researching Your Speeches

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:54:51 -0500

This chapter will examine the research process for speeches, including how to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively. You will learn the differences between primary and secondary research, how to conduct research online and on your own, and how to access and use library resources to support your speeches.

Time Stamps:

0:00:00 – Chapter 13: Researching Your Speeches

0:00:01 – 13.1 Primary and Secondary Research

0:05:28 – 13.2 Research on the Internet

00:15:10 – 13.3 Conducting Your Own Research

00:22:43 – 13.4 Accessing Information Through a Library

Chapter 14: Organizing and Outlining Your Speech

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:59:00 -0500

This chapter will explore how to effectively organize and outline a speech, emphasizing the importance of clear structure in communication. You will learn about common patterns of organization, how to use connective statements to enhance flow, and how to create outlines that support clear and coherent speeches.

Time Stamps:

0:00:00 – Chapter 14: Organizing and Outlining Your Speech

0:00:01 – 14.1 Why We Need Organization in Speeches

0:05:56 – 14.2 Patterns of Organization

00:25:19 – 14.3 Connective Statements

00:33:52 – 14.4 Outlining

Chapter 15: Supporting Your Speech Ideas

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:11:04 -0500

This chapter will examine the role of supporting materials in strengthening your speech ideas and enhancing audience understanding. You will learn why supporting materials are necessary, explore different types of supporting materials, and understand how attention factors influence their effective use.

Time Stamps:

0:00:00 – Chapter 15: Supporting Your Speech Ideas

0:00:01 – 15.1 Why Supporting Materials are Needed

0:10:08 – 15.2 Types of Supporting Materials

00:44:31 – 15.3 Attention Factors and Supporting Material

Chapter 16: Introductions and Conclusions

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:17:41 -0500

This chapter will focus on crafting effective introductions and conclusions to enhance the overall impact of your speech. You will learn general guidelines for opening and closing a speech, along with strategies and examples for structuring introductions and conclusions that engage audiences and reinforce key ideas.

Time Stamps:

0:00:00 – Chapter 16: Introductions and Conclusions

0:00:01 – 16.1 General Guidelines for Introductions and Conclusions

0:10:08 – 16.2 Structuring the Introduction and Examples

00:44:31 – 16.3 Structuring the Conclusion and Examples

Chapter 17: Presentation Aids in Speaking

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:36:51 -0500

This chapter will explore the use of presentation aids in public speaking, including what they are and how they enhance message clarity and audience engagement. You will learn about the functions and types of presentation aids, as well as how to effectively use both presentation slides and low-tech tools to support your speech.

Time Stamps:

0:00:00 – Chapter 17: Presentation Aids in Speaking

0:00:26 – 17.1 What Are Presentation Aids?

0:05:40 – 17.2 Functions of Presentation Aids

00:19:16 – 17.3 Types of Presentation Aids

00:37:15 – 17.4 Using Presentation Slides

00:59:48 – 17.5 Low-Tech Presentation Aids

Chapter 18: Informative Speaking

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:41:32 -0500

This chapter will introduce informative speaking, including its purpose and the different types of informative speeches. You will learn how to select appropriate topics and apply key guidelines for preparing clear, accurate, and engaging informative speeches.

Time Stamps:

0:00:00 – Chapter 18: Informative Speaking

0:00:01 – 18.1 What is an Informative Speech?

0:01:00 – 18.2 Types of Informative Speeches

00:09:13 – 18.3 Guidelines for Selecting an Informative Speech Topic

00:13:23 – 18.4 Guidelines for Preparing an Informative Speech

Chapter 19: Persuasive Speaking

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:46:34 -0500

This chapter will explore the principles of persuasive speaking, including the purpose of persuasion and the challenges involved in influencing others. You will learn key definitions and traditional approaches to persuasion, as well as strategies for constructing effective persuasive speeches.

Time Stamps:

0:00:00 – Chapter 19: Persuasive Speaking

0:00:07 – 19.1 Why Persuade?

0:02:40 – 19.2 A Definition of Persuasion

00:12:14 – 19.3 Why is Persuasion Hard?

00:21:14 – 19.4 Traditional Views of Persuasion

00:29:42 – 19.5 Constructing a Persuasive Speech

Chapter 20: Logical Reasoning

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:51:39 -0500

This chapter will examine the role of logical reasoning in communication, focusing on how arguments are constructed and evaluated. You will learn about inductive and deductive reasoning, as well as how to identify and avoid common logical fallacies.

Time Stamps:

0:00:00 – Chapter 20: Logical Reasoning

0:00:01 – 20.1 Inductive Reasoning

0:17:13 – 20.2 Deductive Reasoning

00:22:56 – 20.3 Logical Fallacies

Chapter 21: Special Occasion Speaking

Wed, 06 May 2026 10:20:15 -0500

This chapter will explore the purpose and characteristics of special occasion speaking in a variety of contexts. You will learn about different types of special occasion speeches and how to effectively prepare and deliver them for specific audiences and events.

Time Stamps:

0:00:00 – Chapter 21: Special Occasion Speaking

0:00:06 – 21.1 Understanding Special Occasion Speeches

0:07:19 – 21.2 Types of Special Occasion Speeches

00:37:01 – 21.3 Special Occasion Preparation

Appendix A - F

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:16:36 -0500

Time Stamps:

0:00:00 - Appendix A - Cultural Diversity in Public Speak

0:12:30 – Appendix B - Succeeding as a College Student

1:34:30 – Appendix C - Public Speaking Online

1:45:19 – Appendix D - Humor Appendix

1:51:24 –Appendix E - APA Citation

1:55:56 – Appendix F - References