COMM 3 [with Access Code]

by Rudolph F. Verderber, Kathleen S. Verderber

Created through a "student-tested, faculty-approved" review process, COMM3 is an engaging and accessible solution to accommodate the diverse lifestyles of today's learners.

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 17, 2008

About the author

Rudolph F. Verderber (Ph.D. University of Missouri) is a professor and former Head of the Department of Communication at the University of Cincinnati. During his career he has taught speech courses at both the college and high school levels. In addition, he consults with high school teachers and gives workshops for teachers and private organizations. He has served as parliamentarian for state and regional meetings of several national organizations and as Director of Forensics at the University of Cincinnati. He also has experience acting in theater productions. His publications include numerous articles; a manual on debate for high school and college courses; and three best-selling college texts covering public speaking, interpersonal communication, and general speech communication skills. Professor Verderber is a member of the Speech Communication Association and the Central States Speech Association and is the recipient of the prestigious Dolly Cohen Award for Excellence in Teaching at the University of Cincinnati and the Distinguished Service Award from the Speech Communication Association of Ohio.

Reviews

[XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy]

The book breaks down speech elements into logical groupings and uses language and examples that are easy to follow. My only suggestion would be in reducing the scope a little more to focus on the key elements.

[Avel Rudenko]

This textbook was required for my communication class. At first I thought it was kind of interesting looking at the aspects of communication that are often overlooked. Then I realized that there wasn't really that much content. The book is definitely a bit repetitive throughout each chapter. Each chapter discusses its topic, but the review material which is generally inserted into each chapter is extremely useless, because it is very much worded like the chapter is. For example, the chapter will introduce a new concept or vocabulary and then on the side of the page include a definition for the word. The definition won't really expand upon or clarify what has been said in the main text of the chapter, it will be very much the same. Since the new concepts and vocabulary is highlighted, there is no reason to include the side definitions as presented in this book. Chapter summaries seem to be useless as well, I guess unless you don't plan on reading the chapter. The book discusses how to give different types of presentations, so there is a bit of value, but I don't think there is anything you might not be able to find online. As for its currentness, the book has very up to date topics and examples. I would have to say that some of the true communication stories are interesting. Other than that the currentness imposed on the book doesn't add anything and often feels awkward. The book mentions current trends, events, people, and even websites, but I don't feel like it is necessary and I think it will date the book very quickly as it ages.

[Earl]

Over all a good book covering human communication forms/media.

[Kayley]

close to my textbook