Principles of Public Speaking (17th Edition)

Balancing skills and theory, Principles of Public Speaking emphasizes responsibility, orality, Internet technology, and critical thinking as it encourages readers to see public speaking as a way to build community in today's diverse world.

 

Within a framework that emphasizes speaker responsibility, critical thinking, listening, and cultural awareness, this classic book uses examples from college, workplace, politics, and social communication to make the study of public speaking relevant, contemporary, and exciting. This brief but comprehensive book also offers readers the latest in using technology in speechmaking, featuring unique and exciting ways to blend communication and new media.

Key features with this edition include:

• An emphasis on orality as a central experience in contemporary society shows how oral, face-to-face communication constitutes the core of human relations and culture. The idea of orality is introduced in Chapter 1 and the following chapters develop the mechanisms whereby speechmaking builds the bonds of society.
• Coverage of social responsibility of both speakers and listeners in a variety of situations begins with the National Communication Association Credo for Ethical Communication and features discussions of ethical communication throughout the text.
• An emphasis on technology as a resource for speakers features expanded coverage of electronic resources, a special section of the book that highlights ways the Web helps with speech construction and presentation, and “Using the Web” activities.
• A complete overview of the speech-making process early in the text (Ch.2) encourages readers to start speaking right away.   
• An extensive discussion on using PowerPoint slides helps the reader design exciting, eye-catching slides as well as offers strategies for incorporating them seamlessly into your presentation. 
• “Speaking of Skills” boxes presents the reader with useful advice and practical applications of core concepts.
• “Speaking of Ethics” boxes present ethical dilemmas in public speaking and asks the reader to think critically about what they would do in certain situations.
• “Speaking of Apprehension” boxes helps the reader directly confront the greatest challenge—speech anxiety—with effective tips for overcoming fear.
• Useful pedagogy helps the reader better understand and apply the material to their own speeches:
  • Chapter Outline
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Assessment Activities
  • “Using the Web” Activities