Communication Myths: What We Know That Isn't So and What We Need to Know

Author:   J. Dan Rothwell (Cabrillo College, USA)
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
ISBN:  

9798881806262


Pages:   224
Publication Date:   18 September 2025
Format:   Hardback
Availability:   Available To Order   Availability explained
We have confirmation that this item is in stock with the supplier. It will be ordered in for you and dispatched immediately.

Our Price $50.00 Quantity:  
Add to Cart

Share |

Communication Myths: What We Know That Isn't So and What We Need to Know


Overview

Stop stereotyping. Avoid conflict. Skip small talk. Be open-minded to everyone’s opinions. These sound like good rules for life, but what if they are based on myths that actually prevent us from communicating effectively and appropriately with each other? In Communication Myths: What We Know That Isn't So and What We Need to Know, J. Dan Rothwell debunks common misconceptions about our interactions with others that can easily result in embarrassment, insult, or catastrophe. These myths come from underappreciating the complexities of communication and relying on bad information from unqualified and sensationalist sources, especially those peddling misinformation on social media. With clear insight and a good dose of humor, Rothwell explores how human communication really works and provides a critical antidote to the damage caused by these pervasive and pernicious myths. As the only book dedicated extensively and incisively to communication myths, this guide to interpersonal, group, and organizational communication, plus public speaking excellence is an invaluable resource for readers of every age, profession, and background.

Full Product Details

Author:   J. Dan Rothwell (Cabrillo College, USA)
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint:   Bloomsbury Academic
Dimensions:   Width: 14.00cm , Height: 1.80cm , Length: 22.00cm
Weight:   0.820kg
ISBN:  

9798881806262


Pages:   224
Publication Date:   18 September 2025
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order   Availability explained
We have confirmation that this item is in stock with the supplier. It will be ordered in for you and dispatched immediately.

Table of Contents

PART ONE COMMUNICATION BEDROCK Chapter 1 Myth: Communication Is Simply Exchanging Information Emotional Intelligence*AI Chatbots*Message Dimensions*Fields of Experience Chapter 2 Myth: Communication Is Just Common Sense Individualist vs. Collectivist Cultures*Conversational Narcissism Chapter 3 Myth: Skill Building Is Key to Communication Success Knowledge*Skills*Sensitivity*Commitment*Ethics Chapter 4 Myth: Communicate More for Success Galore Quantity vs. Quality*Information Overload*Multitasking Chapter 5 Myth: Communication Is a Magic Elixir Irreconcilable Differences*Systemic Problems Chapter 6 Myth: Meanings Are in Words Taboo Words*Sniglets*Contronyms*Portmanteuas Chapter 7 Myth: Sign Language Isn’t a Language but Body Language Is Structure*Productivity*Displacement*Self-reflexiveness Chapter 8 Myth: 93% of Communication Is Nonverbal Power of Language*Power of Nonverbal Communication PART TWO BETWEEN YOU AND ME Chapter 9 Myth: Stop Stereotyping Positive Stereotypes*Perceptual Distortions*Self-fulfilling Prophecies Chapter 10 Myth: So Much Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Is Meaningless Noise Connecting bids*Turning Toward*Turning Away*Turning Against Chapter 11 Myth: Negative-Positive Communication Balance Should Be the Goal Negativity bias*Magic Ratio*Defensive vs. Supportive Communication* Chapter 12 Myth: Power Is Relationship Poison Dominance*Prevention* Defiance*Resistance* Empowerment* Chapter 13 Myth: Conflict Is the Death Star of Relationships Destructive vs. Constructive Conflict*5 Conflict Management Styles Chapter 14 Myth: Tame Your Temper by Venting Your Anger Destructive vs. Constructive Anger*Reframing*Asymmetry PART 3 THE GROUP EXPERIENCE Chapter 15 Myth: Group Meetings Are Life Sucking Black Holes Meeting Recovery Syndrome*Synergy*Standard Agenda*Murphy’s Law Chapter 16 Myth: Leaders Are Born Not Made Traits Perspective*Implicit Theories of Leadership*Psychopathic Leaders*Narcissistic Leaders*Distributive Leadership Chapter 17 Myth: Women Are Less Qualified to Be Leaders than Men Gender Bias*Manologues*Hepeating*Blended Leadership Style PART 4: PUBLIC SPEAKING Chapter 18 Myth: Only a Natural Gift of Gab Makes an Effective Public Speaker Functional vs. Dysfunctional Speech Anxiety*Illusion of Transparency*Communication Orientation Chapter 19 Myth: Some Public Speaking Topics Are Hopelessly Boring Nature of Attention*Identification*Humor*Novelty*Startling Strategy Chapter 20 Myth: Open-mindedness Means Open to All Possibilities Bothsidesing*Conspiracy Theories*Probability Model*Self-correction Chapter 21 Myth: Experts Can Be Wrong So We Shouldn’t Value Them Source Credibility*Source Citations*Danger of AI/ChatGPT Chapter 22 Myth: Effective Speeches Require a Manuscript Oral vs. Written Speeches*Extemporaneous Speeches*Outlining*Impromptu Speeches Chapter 23 Myth: Logic and Evidence Are the Most Effective Persuaders Ethos*Attitude-Behavior Consistency*Fear Appeals*Anger Appeals* Cognitive Dissonance

Reviews

In Communication Myths, J. Dan Rothwell brilliantly unpacks some of the most damaging misconceptions about communication and offers clear, research-backed insights to help us navigate this ever-changing communications world. He weaves master storytelling, incisive analysis and a dose of realism missing in most communications texts to provide a true how-to guide for both professionals and everyday communicators alike. Whether you're a seasoned speaker, a hesitant conversationalist, or simply someone who values clear, thoughtful communication, this book is an essential guide to fostering connection and understanding in an increasingly polarized world. -- Zach Friend, spokesperson of the 2008 Obama presidential campaign, author of <i>On Message: How a Compelling Narrative Will Make Your Organization Succeed</i> J. Dan Rothwell's wisdom and wit pair perfectly to confute longstanding myths that plague communication and interfere with our quest to master it. Grounded in decades of research and application, this treasure trove of information is not only necessary but also amusing to read! I highly recommend it to all of my corporate clients who are looking for a deeper comprehension of communication in interpersonal and group settings. -- Michelle Waters, communication consultant and co-author of <i>It's All of Our Business</i> and <i>In Mixed Company</i>, 12th edition Finally, an answer to ""why learn more about communication?"" Rothwell creatively provides readable and interesting examples addressing each chapter as a myth of communication. His technique promotes belonging, empathy, and effective communication. -- Diane Ferrero-Paluzzi, Associate Professor and Associate Dean of the School of Arts and Science, Iona University, USA


In Communication Myths, J. Dan Rothwell brilliantly unpacks some of the most damaging misconceptions about communication and offers clear, research-backed insights to help us navigate this ever-changing communications world. He weaves master storytelling, incisive analysis and a dose of realism missing in most communications texts to provide a true how-to guide for both professionals and everyday communicators alike. Whether you're a seasoned speaker, a hesitant conversationalist, or simply someone who values clear, thoughtful communication, this book is an essential guide to fostering connection and understanding in an increasingly polarized world. -- Zach Friend, spokesperson of the 2008 Obama presidential campaign, author of ""On Message: How a Compelling Narrative Will Make Your Organization Succeed"" J. Dan Rothwell's wisdom and wit pair perfectly to confute longstanding myths that plague communication and interfere with our quest to master it. Grounded in decades of research and application, this treasure trove of information is not only necessary but also amusing to read! I highly recommend it to all of my corporate clients who are looking for a deeper comprehension of communication in interpersonal and group settings. -- Michelle Waters, communication consultant and co-author of ""It's All of Our Business"" and ""In Mixed Company"", 12th edition Finally, an answer to ""why learn more about communication?"" Rothwell creatively provides readable and interesting examples addressing each chapter as a myth of communication. His technique promotes belonging, empathy, and effective communication. -- Diane Ferrero-Paluzzi, Associate Professor and Associate Dean of the School of Arts and Science, Iona University, USA Rothwell gives readers a well-sourced and accessible introduction to many theories and concepts familiar to the communications student but that butt up against common understandings of how communication breaks down or succeeds. * Choice Reviews *


Author Information

J. Dan Rothwell is the award-winning author of six books on communication, including his most recent It's All of Our Business. For more than four decades, Rothwell taught students at Cabrillo College (where he served as department chair and is currently a member of the Board of Trustees), Western Washington University, and other universities and colleges across the country. During his extensive teaching career, he received more than two dozen teaching awards, including an international, national, regional, and state award. He resides in the Monterey Bay area, his “little slice of paradise.”

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Countries Available

All regions
Latest Reading Guide

RGFEB26

 

Shopping Cart
Your cart is empty
Shopping cart
Mailing List