Communication Myths: What We Know That Isn't So and What We Need to Know: J. Dan Rothwell: Bloomsbury Academic

Communication Myths

What We Know That Isn't So and What We Need to Know

Communication Myths

What We Know That Isn't So and What We Need to Know

Description

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.

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

Product details

Published	Sep 18 2025
Format	Hardback
Edition	1st
Extent	224
ISBN	9798881806262
Imprint	Bloomsbury Academic
Illustrations	1 table
Dimensions	9 x 6 inches
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

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