The Communication Playbook

Third Edition

Teri Kwal Gamble - College of New Rochelle, USA
Michael W. Gamble - New York Institute of Technology, USA

Courses:
Introduction to Speech Communication (Hybrid course)

January 2026 | 656 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

Designed for today’s active learners, The Communication Playbook moves students beyond the classroom by helping them develop a strong communication skillset that will benefit them throughout their lives. With a focus on effective communication skills and career success, bestselling authors Teri Kwal Gamble and Michael W. Gamble give students clear explanations of core concepts followed by practical learning activities. This encourages students to think critically about why good communication is important and how the concepts can be applied to today’s classroom, workplace, and community. The new Third Edition includes timely updates on pressing topics and trends such as artificial intelligence (AI), social media, misinformation and disinformation, and enhanced coverage of communication and health. As good communication is the foundation of everyday life, The Communication Playbook primes students for success in both their courses and their careers.

Available Formats

ISBN: 9781071999264 Spiral Suggested Retail Price: $156.00 Bookstore Price: $124.80

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Preface

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Part I: Fundamentals of Communication

Chapter 1: Communication in Your Life

Build Communication Presence

The Nature and Essentials of Communication

Key Communication Principles

Why Work to Improve Communication Skills?

Communication Skills: Practice Effective Communication

Complete this Chapter 1 Checklist

Key Terms

Chapter 2: Culture and Communication

The Link Between Communication and Culture

Culture, Communication, and Difference

Cultural Identity: Cultures within Cultures

Dimensions of Culture in Action

Digital Technology, Community, and Connectivity

Communication Skills: Practice Communicating Interculturally

Complete this Chapter 2 Checklist

Key Terms

Chapter 3: Perception and the Self

The Nature of Perception

The “I” Affects Perception of You

Self-Perception, Outlook, and Performance

Common Perceptual Barriers

Gender, Culture, Self-Concept, and Perception

Social Media, Self-Concept, and Perception

Communication Skills: Practice Improving Perception of the Self and Others

Complete this Chapter 3 Checklist

Key Terms

Part II: Communication Messages and Skills

Chapter 4: Words and the Communication of Meaning

The Nature of Language and Meaning

Problems With Language

Culture, Gender, and Language

The Expression of Power and Offensive Language

The Digital Dimension and Language Use

Communication Skills: Practice Thinking Critically About Language Use

Complete this Chapter 4 Checklist

Key Terms

Chapter 5: Nonverbal Messages Speak

Characteristics and Functions of Nonverbal Communication

Types of Nonverbal Communication

Additional Nonverbal Messages

Gender, Culture, and Nonverbal Behavior

Nonverbal Communication in the Digital Dimension

Communication Skills: Practice Using and Observing Nonverbal Cues

Complete this Chapter 5 Checklist

Key Terms

Chapter 6: Ethical Listening

Listening and the Communication Connection

The Types and Stages of Listening

Mindful Listening

Gender, Culture, and Listening

Digital Media Influences on Listening and Critical Thinking

Communication Skills: Practice Listening Skills

Complete This Chapter 6 Checklist

Key Terms

Part III: Interpersonal Communication (Person-to-Person)

Chapter 7: Understanding Personal and Professional Relationships

Reasons to Seek Interpersonal Relationships

Types of Relationships

Conversation and Connection

How Sex, Gender, and Culture Impact Relationships

Digital Media and Our Relationships

Communication Skills: Practice Improving Interpersonal Relationships

Complete This Chapter 7 Checklist

Key Terms

Chapter 8: Emotions and Relational Conflict

Handling Relationships

Lying, Trusting, and Laughing in Relationships

Communicating Emotional Intelligence in Relationships

Handling Emotions During Relational Conflict

Understanding the Role of Sex, Gender, and Culture in Emotional Expression and Conflict

Expressing Emotions and Conflict with Technology

Communication Skills: Practice Handling Feelings Effectively

Complete This Chapter 8 Checklist

Key Terms

Part IV: Group Communication

Chapter 9: Team Building, Group Decision-Making, and Problem Solving

Groups, Teams, and You

Making the Decision to Use a Group

Decision Making in Groups: Reaching Goals

Gender, Culture, and Group Interaction

Technology and Group Interaction

Communication Skills: Practice Tips for Improving Group Communication

Complete this Chapter 9 Checklist

Key Terms

Chapter 10: Group Membership, Leadership, and Conflict Resolution

Performing Group Membership and Leadership

Leadership Theories

Cooperative and Supportive Group Work

Group Conflict

The Influence of Gender and Culture on Leadership and Conflict Management

Demonstrating Effective Leadership and Conflict Management in Virtual Groups

Communication Skills: Practice Tips for Ethical Conflict Management

Complete This Chapter 10 Checklist

Key Terms

Part V: Public Communication

Chapter 11: Public Speaking and You

Step Up and Speak With Confidence

Learn a Step-by-Step System for Readying Your First Speech

Start With You

Understand Your Audience

Analyze the Occasion

Select and Develop Your Topic

Communication Skills: Practice Tips for Improving Speech Preparation

Complete This Chapter 11 Checklist

Key Terms

Chapter 12: Research, Support, and Outline Your Speech

Research Your Topic

Feature the Best Support Available

Choose an Organizational Format: Linear or Configural Arrangement

Build the Speech Framework: Outlining Your Speech

Add Beginnings and Endings

Communication Skills: Practice Tips for Speech Design and Organization

Complete This Chapter 12 Checklist

Key Terms

Chapter 13: Presentation Aids and Speech Delivery

Selecting and Preparing Presentation Aids

Evaluating Delivery Best Practices

Rehearsing Your Presentation

Assessing the Speaker’s Performance

Communication Skills: Practice Tips for Evaluating Your Speech

Complete This Chapter 13 Checklist

Key Terms

Chapter 14: Informative Speaking

Sharing and Conceptualizing Information

Types of Informative Presentations

Best Practices for Informative Speakers

Assessing an Informative Speech

Communication Skills: Practice Tips for Achieving Informative Speaking Goals

Complete this Chapter 14 Checklist

Key Terms

Chapter 15: Persuasive Speaking

The Purpose of Persuasion

Types of Persuasive Speeches

Follow Best Practices for Persuading Effectively and Responsibly

Assessing a Persuasive Speech

Communication Skills: Practice Tips for Achieving Persuasive Speaking Goals

Complete this Chapter 15 Checklist

Key Terms

Appendix A: Communicating Professionalism When Interviewing

Answer Key

Glossary

Endnotes

Index

Key features

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

Updated chapter openings to ensure they appeal to students, capturing their attention and engaging them in the chapter’s content.
Integrated new content and discussion of artificial intelligence (AI), social media, and other technological communication advances.
Increased coverage of contemporary communication challenges such as misinformation and disinformation.
Broadened coverage of present day ethical and cultural influences on each type of communication.
Enhanced discussion around communication and health.
Updated examples throughout the text for currency and relevance.

KEY FEATURES:

"Skill-Builders” learning activities empower students to practice and improve their communication skills by placing students in everyday situations, encouraging students to assess their own and others’ face-to-face and digital communication practices, and offering strategies that students can practice to communicate more effectively.
“Career-Builders” exercises and checklists connect communication skills to careers success by providing insights into the types of skills employers seek such as the ability to speak so that others listen, listen when others speak, adapt to differences in cultural perspectives, handle conflicts and solve problems, and make sound decisions.
“Exploring Diversity” activities encourage students to think critically about how different cultures and genders communicate and puts these differences into context so students develop a more global perspective.
“Ethics and Communication” discussions help students define for themselves the meaning of “ethical communication” by guiding them through various ethical quandaries that question the moral principles, values, and beliefs of society.
“Self-Assessments” within each chapter encourage students to complete a self reflective questionnaire of their communication behaviors and attitudes to determine their level of proficiency and identify areas for growth.

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The Communication Playbook

Sage College Publishing