Synopses & Reviews
The features for this edition include:
- Practical connection between theory, research and skills: The solid theoretical foundation is consistently applied to everyday situations through relevant examples, speech excerpts, thought-provoking questions and boxed features.
- Emphasis on the essentials of the public speaking process: Straightforward, concise explanations of basic principles focus students quickly and effectively on the essential components of preparing and delivering a speech.
- Brief Chapter 2 overview of the steps in the public speaking process: The second chapter, “Preparing and Presenting a Speech (in Brief),” presents 10 steps to prepare and deliver a speech, enabling readers to start giving a speech early in the course, such as a speech of introduction. Subsequent chapters elaborate on these steps, helping readers to refine the process and develop effective public speaking skills.
- Numerous pedagogical aids: Chapter-opening objectives, annotated sample speeches, outlines and excerpts, boldface key terms, self-assessment tests, chapter summaries, exercises, and thought-provoking questions and scenarios help readers review and retain important chapter concepts.
- Comprehensive: Despite its concise, briefer length, the book covers the full range of topics in public speaking, giving readers a manageable and complete introduction to preparing, researching and delivering a speech.
- Strong technology advantage: Numerous in-text references to web sites and electronic resources, as well as the up-to-date Research Link boxes, provide readers with the latest information on selecting a topic, gathering appropriate support materials and doing online research.
- Research Links: Research Link boxes (14 in all), presented in progression from general research principles in early chapters to more specialized ones in later chapters, introduce the research process in small, manageable doses rather than one dense, potentially overwhelming chapter. Each Research Link box does end with a note identifying the next Link and in which chapter to find it to facilitate reading the Links as one entire chapter, if preferred.
- Emphasis on Culture: Cultural insights are integrated into each chapter, offering readers an understanding of the influence of culture in public speaking (for example: analyzing different audiences, giving and responding to public criticism) and the skills they need to develop to succeed in a global community.
- Emphasis on Ethics: “A Case of Ethics” box in each chapter describes a situation which raises ethical issues, and asks readers to think about and respond, promoting awareness of ethical considerations in public speaking and how to become an ethically responsible communicator.
- Communication competence: Thirteen self-tests, called “Test Yourself” are interspersed throughout the book to allow readers to assess their own communication skills and determine how to improve those skills.
Synopsis
The Essential Elements of Public Speaking is a concise exploration of the ins and outs of public speaking and makes a clear link between theory and practice–all in only twelve chapters. Listening; speech criticism; selecting speech topics, purposes, and theses; audience analysis; using supporting materials and visual aids; organizing, wording, and delivering speeches; informing and persuading audiences; special occasion speeches; and speaking in small groups. Introductory public speaking.
Synopsis
The Essential Elements of Public Speaking is a concise, manageable exploration of the essential principles of public speaking, making a clear link between theory and practice.
Listening; Speech Criticism; Selecting a Speech Topic, Purpose and Thesis; Audience Analysis; Using Supporting Materials and Visual Aids; Organizing, Wording and Delivering Speeches; Informing and Persuading Audiences; Special Occasion Speeches; and Presenting the Group’s Thinking.
Introductory Public Speaking
Synopsis
This brief, skills-focused, and highly interactive presentation of public speaking emphasizes the newest research methods and critical listening and thinking. The Essential Elements of Public Speaking is a concise exploration of the ins and outs of public speaking and makes a clear link between theory and practice–all in only twelve chapters.
Synopsis
This brief, skills-oriented and highly interactive presentation of the essentials of public speaking emphasizes the latest research methods, as well as critical thinking and listening skills. The Essential Elements of Public Speaking is a concise, yet comprehensive exploration of the essentials that the beginning public speaker needs to prepare, research, and deliver an effective public speech.
Table of Contents
Welcome to Public Speaking.
1. Introducing Public Speaking.
Studying Public Speaking.
Managing Your Apprehension.
Preparing and Presenting a Public Speech: In Brief.
2. Listening and Criticism.
Listening to Speeches.
Criticizing Speeches.
3. Selecting Your Topic, Purpose, and Thesis.
Your Topic.
Your Purpose.
Your Thesis.
4. Analyzing and Adapting to Your Audience.
Audiences and Audience Analysis.
Analyzing Audience Sociology.
Analyzing Audience Psychology.
Analysis and Adaptation during the Speech.
5. Using Supporting Materials and Visual Aids.
Examples.
Narration.
Testimony.
Statistics.
Presentation Aids.
6. Organizing Your Speech.
The Body of the Speech.
Introductions, Conclusions, and Transitions.
Outlining the Speech.
7. Wording Your Speech.
How Language Works.
Choosing Words.
8. Delivering Your Speech.
Methods of Delivery
Effective Vocal Delivery.
Effective Bodily Action.
Rehearsal: Practicing and Improving Delivery.
9. Informing Your Audience.
Guidelines for Informative Speaking.
Informative Speeches of Description.
Informative Speeches of Definition.
Informative Speeches of Demonstration.
10. Persuading Your Audience.
Goals of Persuasion.
Guidelines for Persuasive Speaking.
Persuasive Speeches on Questions of Fact.
Persuasive Speeches on Questions of Value.
Persuasive Speeches on Questions of Policy.
11. Speaking on Special Occasions.
The Speech of Introduction.
The Speech of Presentation or Acceptance.
The Speech to Secure Goodwill.
The Speech of Dedication.
The Commencement Speech.
The Eulogy.
The Farewell Speech.
The Toast.
The Special Occasion Speech in Cultural Perspectives.
12. Speaking in Small Groups.
Small Groups.
Problem Solving in Groups.
Members and Leaders in Small Groups.
Presenting the Group’s Thinking.
Bibliography.
Index.