No previous volume has collected as interesting and broad a collection of essays on Canadian discourse and culture. This volume of representative case studies reflects the Canadian experience in terms of discourse, society, and public culture, linking its discussions to larger political and social issues and theories. Topics include:

Constitutional controversies

Cultural sovereignty

Feminist voices

Globalization

Internet issues

Marginalized communities

Nationalism

Nativity

Multidisciplinary perspectives from a mix of established and emerging Canadian studies scholars converge in a highly readable, engaging, and unique book that offers a distinctive portrait of a nation not nearly as well understood as its proximity to the United States might suggest.

Researching the Public Opinion Environment informs the reader on the rationale, purposes, theories, and methodologies involved in researching publics. The book is divided into four parts. Part one looks at theories and systems relevant to opinion research. Part two addresses the topics of monitoring and analyzing the media. Part three describes the basics of survey research, focus groups, Delphi techniques, stakeholder assemblies, and Q methodology. And finally, part four analyzes the impact of the media.

Although a number of books have been written on public opinion, few address both theoretical and methodological issues. Graphs, tables, and sample analysis help the reader to understand applications described in the book. The material discussed in this book has numerous applications. Communicators can apply information acquired on key publics to plan and evaluate campaigns, track the extent to which messages have appeared in the media, assess organizational image, develop marketing strategies, and manage their issues. Students will learn an important job function for added credibility when they apply for jobs.

The nature of the communicator?s job has shifted dramatically in the last decade. While communicators still prepare speeches, press releases, and articles for corporate magazines, they are now being asked to perform managerial duties, including planning, consulting with stakeholders, and advising CEOs and vice presidents.

With these additional responsibilities as a focus, Communication Planning takes a comprehensive approach to examining the role of integrated planning in modern organizations. Author Sherry Ferguson divides the book into four parts: 1) establishing strategic planning cultures, 2) writing different types of communication plans, 3) theoretical foundations of communication planning, and 4) strategic approach to planning for issues management.

This book breaks new ground in the study of organizational communication and public relations and contains essential information for consultants, practitioners, and students.

Many public speaking texts take students through a number of chapters of theory and advice before getting to the different types of speeches (e.g., informative, persuasive, special occasion, and small group presentations) that they will give. This innovative new book provides students with the tools they need to speak confidently earlier in the course.
Based on her many years of teaching experience, Sherry Devereaux Ferguson outlines an additive approach to public speaking, providing a foundational overview at the beginning of the book. Each subsequent chapter presents the information and skills necessary to fulfill that chapter's assignment. This organization allows students to master skills incrementally and--in the process--to begin speaking earlier. With a goal of building competency in stages, Ferguson's sure-footed method leads to more confident and effective speakers. Paying special attention to audience analysis and rhetorical criticism, this distinctive text also offers a strong ethical foundation for the act of public speaking.
Features
* Assignment-based: Organizes content around speech assignments rather than topics, allowing professors to introduce practical work early in the course
* Additive in approach: Allows the student to apply principles learned earlier in the course and also to acquire additional knowledge and skills with each new assignment
* Innovative: Incorporates a number of unique features such as the critical communication model, which offers an ethical component; chapters on professional speechwriting and rhetorical analysis; a discussion of PowerPoint presentations; and novel assignments such as a speech of welcome, a coffee shopdiscussion on ethics, and a team presentation based on theories of multiple intelligence
Providing an abundance of examples, tips from professionals, sample student speeches, and visuals, Public Speaking: Building Competency in Stages helps students to overcome their fears by equipping them with the tools they need to speak confidently in any context.

No previous volume has collected as interesting and broad a collection of essays on Canadian discourse and culture. This volume of representative case studies reflects the Canadian experience in terms of discourse, society, and public culture, linking its discussions to larger political and social issues and theories. Topics include:

Constitutional controversies

Cultural sovereignty

Feminist voices

Globalization

Internet issues

Marginalized communities

Nationalism

Nativity

Multidisciplinary perspectives from a mix of established and emerging Canadian studies scholars converge in a highly readable, engaging, and unique book that offers a distinctive portrait of a nation not nearly as well understood as its proximity to the United States might suggest.

Researching the Public Opinion Environment informs the reader on the rationale, purposes, theories, and methodologies involved in researching publics. The book is divided into four parts. Part one looks at theories and systems relevant to opinion research. Part two addresses the topics of monitoring and analyzing the media. Part three describes the basics of survey research, focus groups, Delphi techniques, stakeholder assemblies, and Q methodology. And finally, part four analyzes the impact of the media.

Although a number of books have been written on public opinion, few address both theoretical and methodological issues. Graphs, tables, and sample analysis help the reader to understand applications described in the book. The material discussed in this book has numerous applications. Communicators can apply information acquired on key publics to plan and evaluate campaigns, track the extent to which messages have appeared in the media, assess organizational image, develop marketing strategies, and manage their issues. Students will learn an important job function for added credibility when they apply for jobs.

The nature of the communicator?s job has shifted dramatically in the last decade. While communicators still prepare speeches, press releases, and articles for corporate magazines, they are now being asked to perform managerial duties, including planning, consulting with stakeholders, and advising CEOs and vice presidents.

With these additional responsibilities as a focus, Communication Planning takes a comprehensive approach to examining the role of integrated planning in modern organizations. Author Sherry Ferguson divides the book into four parts: 1) establishing strategic planning cultures, 2) writing different types of communication plans, 3) theoretical foundations of communication planning, and 4) strategic approach to planning for issues management.

This book breaks new ground in the study of organizational communication and public relations and contains essential information for consultants, practitioners, and students.