More Than Words ─ An Introduction to Communication

This new edition of the best-selling text has been fully revised and updated to take into account new developments in communication and media studies. More Than Words provides an introduction to both communication theory and practice. The authors cover essential elements of communication, including communication between individuals and groups, in organizations and through mass media and new technologies.
The fourth edition features:

new case studies and assignments
an updated series of key questions helping students to understand central concepts in communication studies
expanded sections on mass media and on practical communication and media skills
guidance on listening skills, interpersonal and social skills, writing skills, leaflet design, and planning, scripting, and producing audio and video material.
More Than Words is illustrated with new models and photographs and has checklist summaries for easy revision purposes. Clear and practical, it is an essential text for students of communication studies.

Richard Dimbleby is a former Principal of Bournemouth and Poole College and now works as a writer, trainer and consultant.

Graeme Burton is a freelance author and part-time lecturer at the University of Teesside. He has written several books on communication and the media, most recently Media and Society: Critical Perspectives (2004) and with Richard Dimbleby, Between Ourselves: An Introduction to Interpersonal Communication (3rd Edition, 2006).

Part 1: What is Communication? 1. How do we Experience Communication? 2. Why do we Communicate? 3. What Happens when we Communicate? Part 2: Interpersonal Communication 1. Means of Contact 2. Dealing with Others 3. Perception – Of Ourselves and Others 4. Barriers to Communication 5. Interpersonal Skills Part 3: Communication in Groups 1. What is a Group? 2. Why do People Join Groups? 3. Features of Groups 4. Communicating in Groups Part 4: Communication in Organizations 1. How do Organizations Operate? 2. Applications: Case Studies and Activities Part 5: Mass Communication 1. A Mass-Communication Society 2. Interpreting the Media, Including Institutions, Audiences, Genres, Representations 3. The Media: Particular Examples – Advertising, News and Technologies Part 6: Communication and Media Skills 1. Getting Started – General Principles for Approaching Practical Work 2. Interpersonal Skills – Listening, Assertiveness, Interviews, Presentations 3. Writing Skills – Questionnaires, Radio Scripts 4. Design Skills (Print) 5. Storyboarding 6. Taking Photographs 7. Audio-Visual Production – Audio, Exhibitions, Film-Making 8. Into the Net 9. Designing a Web Site