Communication and Persuasion

First published in 1985, Communication and Persuasion examines the subject of persuasion from a broader perspective, encouraging readers to analyze the social and psychological factors alongside the various verbal and non-verbal agencies and media through which influence is often exerted. Persuasion is presented as an integral part of human communication, not as a separate or aberrant phenomenon, but as a natural corollary to life that requires careful analysis and definition. The book incorporates the behaviorist tradition of Anglo-Saxon theorizing while exploring the implications of the emerging discipline of semiology. A particularly compelling discussion integrates Sartre's work into the theme of persuasion, bridging the gap between American and European thought and fostering deeper analysis. This book is especially valuable for those studying psychology, sociology, and communication.