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Price: $56.95

Format:
Paperback 288 pp.
10 tables, 26 figures, 8 maps, 6" x 9"

ISBN-10:
0195425138

ISBN-13:
9780195425130

Copyright Year:
2009

Imprint: OUP Canada

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A Field Guide to Communication

Pamela Shaw

A Field Guide to Communication is an indispensable source on writing, research, presentations, and graphics for university students in the social sciences. Written to be accessible and straightforward, the text offers helpful advice on how to communicate with confidence in a variety of contexts - reports, press releases, essays, and speeches are just some of the diverse topics covered. Key principles are illustrated using engaging real-life examples frequently drawn from Canadian sources. Practical and versatile skills are reinforced with exercises throughout the text. A Field Guide to Communication will equip students with the essential tools for professional positions in the social science and humanities fields.

Readership : A core text for 2nd and 3rd year university and college courses in research methods/research design; a supplementary text for courses in the social sciences with a writing component.

Part I: Writing Skills
1. Write to Communicate
Plain Language: What Does That Mean?
Chapter Review
Review Questions and Activities
2. Academic and Professional Writing
Approaches to Academic and Professional Writing
10 Tips to Improve the Clarity of Writing
Chapter Review
Review Questions and Activities
3. Writing Formats for Academics
Abstracts
Annotated Bibliographies and Literature Reviews
Term Papers
Research Proposals
Theses and Dissertations
Chapter Review
Review Questions and Activities
4. Writing Formats for Professionals
Press Releases
Newsletters
Briefing Notes
Proposals
Internal Memos
Business Letters
E-Mail
Resumes
Cover Letters
Chapter Review
Review Questions and Activities
5. More on Writing
Sources and Citations
Plagiarism
The Ethical Writer
Chapter Review
Review Questions and Activities
Part II: Research Skills
6. Research and Knowledge
Sources of Knowledge
Cultural Knowledge
Authoritarian Knowledge
Superstitious or Stereotyped Knowledge
Experiential Knowledge
Chapter Review
Review Questions and Activities
7. Research Basics
Doing Research
Who Does Research?
How To Conduct Research
Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches
Research Methods
Chapter Review
Review Questions and Activities
8. Recording Research
Observational Reports
Experimental Reports
Field Reports
Use of Technology in Research
Chapter Review
Review Questions and Activities
Part III: Presentation Skills
9. The Fear of Public Speaking
The Fear Response
Fear Reactions
Calming Techniques
Relaxation and Tension
Increasing Confidence
Chapter Review
Review Questions and Activities
10. Speech Production
Vocal Production
The Elements of Speaking
How To Change Your Voice
Chapter Review
Review Questions and Exercises
11. Non-Verbal Communication
The Forms of Non-Verbal Communication
Improving Non-Verbal Communication
Reading the Audience
Effective Non-Verbal Communication
Chapter Review
Review Questions and Activities
12. Creating a Great Presentation
Purpose
Know Your Audience
Venue and Technology
Creating and Designing the Presentation
Formats
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Practise, Practise, Practise
Delivering the Presentation
Chapter Review
Review Questions and Activities
13. Engaging the Audience and Developing Your Own Style
Kinds of Questions
Final Tips on Engaging the Audience
Is There a 'Right' Way To Present
Developing Your Personal Presentation Style
Chapter Review
Review Questions and Activities
Part IV: Illustrations and Mapping
14. Visual Design
Why Is Design Important?
Perceptions of a Page
Contrast
Consistency
Connections
Closeness
Colour and Symbols
Bringing It All Together
When Not To Use the Guidelines
Chapter Review
Review Questions and Activities
15. Visual Aids
Kinds of Visual Aids
A Final Word on Visual Aids
Chapter Review
Review Questions and Activities
16. Presenting Numbers
Issues To Consider in Using Numbers
Presenting Numbers for Understanding
Norms for Numbers
Chapter Review
Review Questions and Activities
17. Basics of Mapping
The Use of Maps
Types of Maps
Features of the Map
The Appearance of the Map
Data Collection and Accuracy
What Is the Purpose of Your Map?
The Role of the Map Maker
Chapter Review
Review Questions and Activities
Afterword
Notes
Bibliography
Index

Instructor's Manual
PowerPoint Slides
Practice Quizzes
Student Website

Pamela Shaw is a University-College Professor in the Geography Department at the University of Vancouver Island.

Making Sense in the Social Sciences - Margot Northey, Lorne Tepperman and Patrizia Albanese
Qualitative Research Methods in Human Geography - Professor Iain Hay
Researching Human Geography - Keith Hoggart, Loretta Lees and Anna Davies

Special Features

Comprehensive. All aspects of communication applicable to the humanities/social sciences are covered-graphics, professional and academic writing, research, and presentations skills-giving students a truly complete understanding of how to communicate effectively.
Relevant examples. Real-life examples, frequently drawn from the Canadian experience, are included to engage students and put the material in context.
Practical. Teaches students real skills for the real world with realistic, tested, and focused advice on proving their communication abilities.
Focus on illustrations and mapping. Increases students' understanding of how information is controlled and manipulated through effective visual presentations by allocating an entire section to graphics and maps.
Excellent learning aids. Supplements include an instructor's manual, practice quizzes, and a student website to help support and expand on the material in the text.