Communicating as Professionals is an extensive revision of the well‐known text, ‘Communicating! Theory and practice’, and was written specifically for professionals and students of various professions. It is not only intended as an undergraduate text but also a source of skill/knowledge updating for practising professionals.
The authors list the key concepts that they consider basic to the text:
Communication is primarily about process and relationships, rather than merely expression;
Communication genres and protocols are socially and culturally produced;
The receiver‐centred, rather than the source‐centred, approach is basic to communication theory;
The holistic nature of communication should be stressed.
The book itself is written in the style of a course reader and designed to be broken down into lecture‐sized chapters for the investigation of concepts. Each chapter offers revision exercises, case studies and further reading lists. The text covers all aspects of communication, with an emphasis on strategy, practice and processes, all of which are explored within the context of Australian society and culture. Emphasis of the relevance of communication theories and approaches to the routine requirements of professionals is given. This covers interviewing, report and letter writing, making presentations, making social contacts, influencing groups and dealing with the mass media.
Communicating as Professionals is substantially updated from the previous edition. Revisions include the following:
A new streamlined chapter structure and more concise treatment of material, making the text perfect for a one‐semester course;
A new chapter on inter‐cultural communication helps prepare professionals for working in other countries and also within Australia and New Zealand, where so many cultures are represented in professional workplaces;
A new chapter on managerial communication, revealing how effective management of organisations begins with sound interpersonal and group communication, which enhances leadership and increases workplace motivation and involvement, thus resulting in improved productivity;
A new chapter on research for professionals showing students how computers and the Internet can be used to solve problems of writing, reading and researching.
Communicating as Professionals is consistent with the publisher's reputation for easy‐to‐read, well‐set‐out and welcoming publications. Presentation includes comfortably‐sized print and charts, appropriate and supportive use of bold font for numbering and larger font for sub‐headings with shaded diagrams and models. Black‐and‐white photographs are appropriate, crisp and clear. References and further reading lists include a variety of formats, including Web sites. The inclusion of a very detailed index, nearly 15 pages in length, also makes this a very useful library resource for any academic, public, special or even secondary school library. It would also be an excellent addition to any personal collection.
