Book excerpt: This accessible introductory textbook in persuasive communication speaks directly to the student by focusing on real-life experiences in personal, social, and professional contexts. Through its use of rhetoric, criticism, and social scientific research, this book helps readers understand, analyze, and use persuasion in their lives and careers. It explores techniques of verbal and visual persuasion for use in business and professional communication, health communication, and everyday life, as well as expanded coverage of persuasion in social movements and social advocacy. It also pays attention throughout to ethical considerations and to the significance of new media. This textbook is a student-friendly introduction suitable for use in undergraduate courses in persuasion, health communication, and business communication. The companion website includes an instructor’s manual with test questions, sample assignments, web links, and other resources, as well as PowerPoint slides. Visit www.routledge.com/wahl