By Michelle Hines , University Relations
Contact: (336) 334-5371
Posted: 8-20-07
Dr. Roy Schwartzman
GREENSBORO, NC – Dr. Roy Schwartzman, communication studies professor, has written a new textbook called “Fundamentals of Oral Communication.”
But Schwartzman prefers to think of it as “Public Speaking and Beyond.”
“It’s a comprehensive introductory course in communication,” he said, and communication is even more important now as our society becomes more and more dependent on technology. “We’ve provided so many ways to disengage from direct involvement with another person. There are a lot of companies making a lot of money on high-tech ways to distract you. But as the saying goes, you cannot not communicate.”
Schwartzman’s book offers sections on public speaking, interviewing, interpersonal communication, group collaboration and listening. It is unique, he said, in its focus on service learning and the impact of technology.
“There are exercises in each unit dealing with communication as it applies to service learning,” said Schwartzman, who is heavily involved with UNCG’s Office of Leadership and Service Learning. “In fact, it’s the only textbook in the field with explicit service learning exercises throughout the book.”
He collaborated with experts in other fields, including research librarians and a counseling psychologist, to prepare the chapters on research techniques and interpersonal communication. The interpersonal communication section looks closely at “emotional intelligence and how that is manifested in communication,” he said.
Schwartzman also borrowed from mainstream media and pop culture to make the text as engaging as possible for undergraduates. The book offers examples and scenarios drawn from cartoons, TV, film and modern music.
Schwartzman came to UNCG in Fall 2006. Prior to his move to Greensboro, he taught at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville.
“Fundamentals of Oral Communication,” 575 pages, was published by Kendall/Hunt. For more information contact Schwartzman at (336) 334-4540 or doc_roy@uncg.edu.
