Ginger Post

Danielle Newton, Wilfred W. Fong, Nancy Van Leuven. Communications For Everyday Life. Toronto: Ginger Post Inc., 2010.

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From the Preface
This book grew out of the need for an updated introductory textbook about Communication Studies; specifically, one author argued that any work must include important issues – such as social media and gaming – to be valuable (and relevant) for readers. The authors’ desires are to have each chapter infused with professional perspectives as well as the academic foundations throughout the text as well as accompanying activity pages. Our goal is to develop as a resource for the knowledge, strategies, and insights about the shifting landscape of today’s communication.

Part One – Comprehensive Notions – focuses on the basics of communication studies. First, Danielle Newton sets the stage for writing success through team strategies, an important piece of classroom and professional work. Next, Donna Williams describes “systems thinking” as a way to look at about communication as a complete, unified subject rather than separate, individual topics. While Nancy Van Leuven examines best practices of research methods, the complexities of communication theory and culture are unpacked by Xiaoping Li. Finally, Sara Docan-Morgan and Tony Docan-Morgan examine the softer side of interpersonal relationships by looking at compassion, moderation, and humility in how we relate to each other.

Part Two – Commerce and Marketing – touches on some of the timeliest trends in communication. The intricacies of strategic communication, sometimes referred to as public relations, is described by Nancy Van Leuven in terms of analyzing how messages are sent out and then received by specific audiences; in addition, she looks at organizational communication within a social justice framework. Wilfred Fong outlines the role of leadership team communication as important resources. In the last chapter, Danielle Newton focuses on how corporation must align with the earth’s finite resources and stress sustainability.

Finally, Part Three – Digital Media – turns toward the dazzling future of communication. The shifting landscape of the Internet is explored by Wilfred Fong and Gordon Lee, who presents current information about social media in today’s communication arena. Joel Ozretich offers a chapter about mass communication in a changing world as a rich look at wider perspectives. Using the gaming company KlickNation as a strong case study, Danielle Newton and Richard Muncaster examine how branding and marketing strategies are formed in our Net-centric society.

Readers will discover that this book is a broad introduction to the field of communication with the purpose of stimulating further research and thinking about communication in ways both enlightening and illuminating.

Praise for Communications For Everyday Life

“Communications for Everyday Life is a must-see, must-have book, remarkable in its content. Readers will profit from its cutting edge analysis, precision writing, and expansive knowledge base.”
Kathleen Fearn-Banks, Associate Professor, Department of Communication, University of Washington

“Lucid, comprehensive and very readable, the book ably demystifies what would otherwise been perceived as off-putting and dry discussion.”
Ramzy Baroud, Chief Editor, the Brunei Times

“This book offers students the best of contemporary thinking in the field of communication studies in a meticulously researched, wonderfully engaging text. In a world where technology provides ever-more ways to connect with others, Communications for Everyday Life is an essential tool for our times.”
Regina Stewart, Lecturer, Department of Radio, Television and Film, School of Communications, Northwestern University

“The collection of essays in this book provides readers with valuable insights into various aspects of personal communication, communication in the workplace, electronic and print communication with a slant on Canada. Students as well as practitioners will find the chapters insightful and informative.”
Mohammed M. Aman, Professor, School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee

“Readers will gain an understanding of communication as a field of study with this highly readable book. Communication is a part of our everyday life. The co-authors illuminate both the concept and practice of communication.”
Kevin Y. Kawamoto, Associate Professor, School of Communications, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Danielle Newton is a writing consultant for the MBA and MPA programs in Sustainable Management at Presidio Graduate School, San Francisco. Wilfred W. Fong is Associate Director, Business and Customer Service, School of Continuing Studies, University of Toronto. Nancy Van Leuven is a faculty member in Managerial Marketing at Presidio Graduate School, San Francisco.