Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

The Communication Staircase.

In the Beginning Is Your Word . . . .

Jill’s Professional Destiny?

Chapter 1 Step One: Intrapersonal Communication.

Self-Sabotage or Self-Fulfillment?

Discipline of the Mind.

Dive into Your Life!

Where Did That Thought Come From?

Creating Our Self-Image at Work.

Growing Up “Different”.

Writing a New Script.

Taking Ownership.

Jill’s Day.

Waking Up to YOUR Day!

Conquering the First Step.

First Things First!

Chapter 2 Step Two: Nonverbal Communication.

The Functions of Nonverbal Communication.

Your Professional Appearance.

Your Professional Voice.

Actions Do Speak Louder Than Words!

It’s about Time!

Keep Your Distance!

Sometimes When We Touch.

Do You Smell Something?

Chapter 3 Step Three: Interpersonal Communication.

Five Keys to Positive, Healthy Work Relationships.

Interpersonal Conflict.

Supportive versus Defensive Communication.

Chapter 4 Step Four: Small-Group/Organizational Communication.

To Group or Not to Group . . . That Is the Question.

Jill’s Day.

I versus We: The Cultural Paradox.

Co-Opetition Model of Advancement.

Making Room for the Group Reality.

Leadership Communication.

Constructive Conflict.

The Communication Climate.

Small-Group Membership and Facilitation.

Chapter 5 Step Five: Public Communication.

The Common Denominator.

Moving beyond the Fear!

Communication Apprehension.

Confidence and Composure.

Your Language.

Don’t Make Excuses.

Your Public Presentational Style.

You and Your Audience.

The Art of Impromptu/Conversational Speaking.

Chapter 6 Step Six: Mass Communication.

Influencing the Masses.

Persuasion Is about Perspective.

Are You a Walking Billboard?

Persuasion and the World of Work.

Jill’s Day.

Using Persuasion as a Tool of Influence.

As Simple as One, Two, Three.

Persuasive Messages and You.

Chapter 7 Step Seven: Intercultural Communication.

We CAN All Get Along!

What Makes Us Unique.

We Are ALL Prejudiced!

Understanding Perception.

Culture and Values That Impact the Workplace.

Nonverbal Communication Is Culturally Bound.

Global Community.

Diversity and the Workplace.

The “Other” in the Workplace.

Jill’s Day.

Inclusion in the Workplace.

Becoming a Cross-Cultural Bridge through Cultural Competency.

Epilogue: New Beginnings.

Index.