Margolis, in anticipating his next public speaking assignment, thinks that while he may not be the most skilled speaker, he is intelligent, he knows how to research a topic, and if he spends some time practicing he ought to be able to get at least a “C.” Margolis is most likely engaging in which technique for improving self-esteem?

Pierre finds that when he speaks to his communication professor, he tries to use some of the vocabulary and concepts he has learned in class. When he speaks to his younger cousin, however, he tends to speak in shorter sentences, using more familiar words and ideas. This is an example of how Pierre is applying the __________ theory.

Jozea notices that he is not successful in expressing his ideas to others. To help, a friend suggests that Jozea should adopt an other-oriented approach, meaning that he should __________.

Lyndi has an algebra class this semester, one that she has dreaded since beginning college. Math has never been an easy subject for her, so when her first test comes around she is convinced that she’ll fail. Sure enough, when her exam is returned she has scored a 56%, which is an F. Lyndi is a victim of her own __________.

Gary is going to break up with Hortensia and has decided to break the news at an expensive restaurant in hopes of avoiding an unpleasant scene. Even though this might not work, Gary’s decision reflects his understanding of the importance of which component of communication?

When Fatima first met Katie at work, Katie seemed impatient, stressed out, and irritable. Although Katie has since adjusted and become more even-tempered, Fatima still tries to avoid her. Fatima continues to see Katie in a negative light most likely due to the __________.

Margarita is having an important conversation with her father through text messaging. According to social information-processing theory, how is Margarita’s ability to communicate relational and emotional messages impacted in since electronic communication lacks nonverbal cues?

The theory that helps explain why Nabil’s perception of Shawna’s behavior differs dramatically from Benjamin’s perception of that same behavior is known as __________ theory.

The selection committee is looking over the résumé of Abdul Ishtar, an applicant for the Dean of the College position. His records show he was born and raised in South Yemen, but has lived in the U.S. for the past 25 years. He has chaired the psychology department of a regional university for the past 12 years and his letters of recommendation are excellent. Some committee members express concern about the ability of a man raised in an Islamic culture to treat women fairly and objectively. Their resistance results in his exclusion as a finalist. Which barrier to effective interpersonal communication does this example reflect?

We decide whether to incorporate others’ comments into our self-concept by evaluating the feedback using three criteria: frequency of the message, __________, and how consistent the message is with our own experiences and other feedback we’ve received.