There’s no argument.
A West Virginia University communications professor just might have the last word on why we argueand what we can do to be more constructive and clear when we mix it up verbally.
Theodore Avtgis, an associate professor of communication studies in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, has co-authored the textbookArgumentative and Aggressive Communication: Theory, Research, and Application.
The textbook is the first of its kind to describe the development, history, research and application efforts on the communication traits of argumentativeness and verbal aggressiveness.
Avtgis wrote the book with communications colleague Andrew Rancer of the University of Akron. It was published this month by Sage Publications.
Our book is particularly interesting because it gives suggestions and strategies for handling destructive aggressive communication,Avtgis said.We also provide instruction on how to argue constructively. People can use the information in the book to become stronger and more effective communicators.
The book is divided into three sections:
- Part I discusses the origin and structure of argumentative and aggressive communication
- Part II explores the function of argumentative and aggressive communication in various contexts, such as family, interpersonal, organizational, intercultural, instructional, and mediated
- Part III provides material on enhancing communicative outcomes through improved understanding of argumentative and aggressive communication processes
Avtgis’writing has been featured in several books and journals. He received his doctorate from Kent State University in 1999 and teaches communication studies classes at WVU in Interpersonal Communication, Organizational Communication and Quantitative Research Methods.
For more information or to purchase the book, visit Sage Publications online athttp://www.sagepub.com/book.aspx?pid=11753&ptype=B.
Avtgis can be reached at theordore.avtgis@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-3905.