Stop stereotyping. Avoid conflict. Skip small talk. Be open-minded to everyone’s opinions. These sound like good rules for life, but what if they are based on myths that actually prevent us from communicating effectively and appropriately with each other?

In Communication Myths: What We Know That Isn't So and What We Need to Know, J. Dan Rothwell debunks common misconceptions about our interactions with others that can easily result in embarrassment, insult, or catastrophe. These myths come from underappreciating the complexities of communication and relying on bad information from unqualified and sensationalist sources, especially those peddling misinformation on social media.

With clear insight and a good dose of humor, Rothwell explores how human communication really works and provides a critical antidote to the damage caused by these pervasive and pernicious myths. As the only book dedicated extensively and incisively to communication myths, this guide to interpersonal, group, and organizational communication, plus public speaking excellence is an invaluable resource for readers of every age, profession, and background.

This is a set of uncorrected page proofs. It is not a finished book and is not expected to look like one. Errors in spelling, page length, format and so forth will all be corrected by the time the book is published several months from now. Photos and diagrams, which may be included in the finished book, may not be included in this format. Uncorrected proofs are primarily useful so that you, the reader, might know months before actual publication what the author and publisher are offering. If you plan to quote the text in your review, you must check it with the publicist or against the final version. Please contact rlreviews@bloomsbury.com with any questions. Thank you!