COMM [with Access Code]

by Rudolph F. Verderber, Kathleen S. Verderber, Deanna D. Sellnow

Created through a "student-tested, faculty approved" review process, COMM is a concise, visually appealing text that introduces essential speech communication concepts without any delays or distractions. This brief, affordable paperback includes a full suite of learning aids to accommodate your busy lifestyle, including chapter-by-chapter study cards, self-quizzes to help you review the most important concepts, downloadable flash cards, interactive video, Audio Study Tool review downloads, and Speech Builder Express 3.0 features that let you study wherever you are, whenever you have time. Designed for today's students in every detail, this unique solution was developed through conversations, focus groups, interviews, surveys, and input from nearly 150 students like you. From its abbreviated, no-nonsense title, to its useful content and engaging style, COMM is the perfect introductory speech communication text for modern learners.

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 17, 2008

Reviews

[XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Kayley]

close to my textbook