Communication Works with Communication Works CD-ROM 1.0

Rating:
Summary: Excellent College Text & Useful for Working Professionals
Review: Although this book is written as a college text that introduces communications as a discipline I found it to be a treasure trove of information and techniques for working professionals at all experience levels. Setting aside what makes this book an invaluable course text for a moment, here are some of the reasons why I feel working professionals will benefit from what it offers:

(1) The focus is not only on communications, but on cross-cultural communications and diversity. For me this aspect is especially valuable because I am currently working for a company based out of India and am managing project teams who are in India. I am working out of the New England area, and my principle contact with my team is via e-mail and workflow tools. In addition to the guidance about cross-cultural communications, the book also covers contemporary topics, such as using the Internet as a communications medium.

(2) Ethics as a theme is interwoven into the chapters, with specific chapters that address it in the context of different settings. I like the way the book ties ethics and ethnics together because of the different interpretations depending on culture (although all cultures share core ethics).

(3) Practical guidelines for using common tools such as PowerPoint, Internet search resources, and multimedia. Indeed, the CD ROM that comes with this text epitomizes how to effectively blend technology with communications (more about the CD ROM below).

(4) Excellent advice on interviewing (from both sides of the desk), giving presentations, drafting business correspondence and similar tasks. In every case the book gives practical advice that is delivered in fresh prose. This alone sets it apart from most text books.

As a learning resource the book has an accompanying web site, available supplements for instructors, and the CD ROM that comes with it. The CD ROM is interesting because it contains video clips that reinforce the lessons from chapters, has self quizzes and primers for improving study skills, using the Internet and developing PowerPoint presentations - and many more documents and material that is directly related to the book.

Regardless of whether you're seeking a book upon which to base a course in communications, or you're seeking a self-study book to improve your skills, this book is an ideal resource.