Principles of Public Speaking

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.

• 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