Preface

Preface

A Speaker’s Guidebook: Text and Reference is a groundbreaking public speaking text that offers better solutions to the wide range of challenges that students face. Adopted at more than 850 schools since the first edition was published in 2001, the book grew out of the realization that public speaking courses are not ends in themselves. The principles and skills taught in this book are meant to be of lasting use to students and to help them beyond merely meeting the requirements of the course—with guidance for delivering presentations in their other college courses, in their working lives after college, and in the vital roles they may play in their communities. The book functions not only as a brief yet comprehensive classroom text but also as a unique and useful postclassroom reference, one that will prove an invaluable resource in any public speaking situation.

The key goal of A Speaker’s Guidebook has always been to effectively address the fundamental challenges of public speaking, both inside and outside the speech classroom. And we recognize that as times have changed—especially due to advances in technology—the challenges of both formal public speaking and presentational speaking in the classroom and workplace have evolved as well. Thus, with the support of hundreds of instructors nationwide, we have developed a book that students use and keep, that reinforces basic skills while providing cutting-edge coverage, and that helps students apply what they’ve learned to their own speeches.

Enduring Features

The following features have made A Speaker’s Guidebook: Text and Reference extremely successful in its first five editions:

An Invaluable Reference beyond the Speech Classroom

A Speaker’s Guidebook features a unique, user-friendly design, convenient reference features throughout, and extensive reference and research appendices. The information in A Speaker’s Guidebook is designed for quick and easy retrieval.

Speaker’s Reference pages at the beginning of each Part allow students to quickly access and review the most important information in each chapter; convenient cross-references enable readers to quickly access to a full discussion of the material.

Every chapter in A Speaker’s Guidebook contains Checklists that offer step-by-step directions, self-assessments, and content review checks. Widely praised by reviewers for their precision and conciseness, these checklists help students and professionals both plan their speeches and assess their efforts.

Part 11 and a wealth of Reference appendices allow students to easily access practical information.

A Comprehensive Classroom Text

A Speaker’s Guidebook addresses every topic included in the standard public speaking texts—and much more. Although we designed the coverage to be accessible, we didn’t lose sight of the need for comprehensiveness. A Speaker’s Guidebook covers all the traditional topics, including listening, speaking ethically, managing speech anxiety, analyzing the audience, selecting a topic and purpose, locating and using supporting materials, organizing and outlining ideas, using language, creating presentation aids, delivering the speech, and constructing various speech types. The textbook also includes the most current coverage of public speaking topics that will help students in their future careers and work in other courses, including using presentation software, delivering online presentations, preparing business and professional presentations, and speaking in other courses.

To give students advice that is grounded in the theory of speech communication throughout the text, we have included references to current communication research and classical rhetorical theory, using this research as the basis for concrete suggestions in real-world speaking situations. Examples range from coverage of individual contemporary theorists and their work to down-to-earth discussions of classical theory.

Because persuasive speaking is a major aspect of most speech courses, A Speaker’s Guidebook offers three full chapters on persuasion, more than any other text. Chapter 24 introduces the student to contemporary and classical approaches to persuasion, Chapter 25 to forming arguments, and Chapter 26 to organizing the persuasion speech.

Finally, A Speaker’s Guidebook recognizes the importance of solid sample speeches, and it provides eleven in total. Speeches include two speeches of introduction, three informative speeches, four persuasive speeches, and two special occasion speeches. Each of the full-text model speeches offers textual annotations that help students understand the language, organization, and arguments used in the speech. The seven visually annotated speeches also include photographs of speakers delivering their presentations and connect to the videos available in LaunchPad. These visual annotations go beyond the traditional printed page by bringing the elements and analysis of speech delivery into clear focus.

Global Perspective on Public Speaking

A Speaker’s Guidebook also offers students a wealth of resources to help them adapt their speeches to the cultural requirements of the speech situation. Along with extensive coverage within chapters, A Cultural Perspective boxes feature such topics as comparing cultural values, vocal delivery and culture, and variations in nonverbal communication.

Special consideration has also been given to the non-native speaker. ESL Speaker’s Notes boxes focus on critical areas of concern to speakers whose first language is not English and offer practical ways to address those concerns. Sample features include “Avoiding the Pitfalls of Manuscript Delivery” and “Vocal Variety and the Non-Native Speaker.” Another characteristic that defines A Speaker’s Guidebook is its strong focus on ethics. Chapter 5, “Ethical Public Speaking,” is devoted to this topic and includes an in-depth consideration of the role that values play in the ethical quality of speeches. Ethically Speaking boxes also appear throughout the text, continually reminding students that ethical conduct must apply to all aspects of the speechmaking process.

A Superior Resource for a Lifetime of Public Speaking

Along with providing students with an accessible, up-to-date classroom guide, A Speaker’s Guidebook contains many features that will make it an invaluable resource in other college courses and after the public speaking course.

More about public speaking on the job. A Speaker’s Guidebook gives students more in-depth preparation than any other text for the kinds of speaking situations they are likely to encounter on the job. Chapter 30 covers business and professional speeches, sales presentations, progress reports, and staff reports.

“Speaking in Other College Courses.” Chapter 31 provides guidance for creating the kinds of oral presentations students are likely to deliver in other college courses, from the social sciences and humanities to science and engineering. Separate sections describe sample presentations in technical, scientific and mathematical, arts and humanities, social science, and education courses, along with a section on speaking in nursing and allied health courses.

Extensive help with the research process. Useful for any college course, print and online appendices provide advice on how to cite sources in a variety of reference styles, from APA to MLA to Chicago and more. Appendices E and F offer guidance on handling question-and-answer sessions and in preparing students for speaking in mediated communication situations such as television and radio.

The Story of the New Edition

In the sixth edition of A Speaker’s Guidebook, print and digital tools converge to help students with every aspect of the speech building process, including a new online learning platform that seamlessly integrates e-book content, adaptive quizzes, and video. With students’ needs foremost in mind, revised chapters on fundamentals such as listening, ethical speechmaking, audience analysis, topic selection and support, and outlining offer newly relevant examples and accessible guidance. The authors have streamlined the text to make chapters easier for students to read and understand. The new edition represents the authors’ collective efforts to review the literature and incorporate the most reliable and up-to-date research studies (113 total new studies). This revision includes new material on researching topics in print and online, using presentation tools, and gaining familiarity with delivering presentations online—all useful for the classroom, online education, and the professional arena.

New as well is a visually appealing and highly relevant collection of speech videos on topics ranging from freeganism to ethical manufacturing. In response to requests by adopters, this edition also includes a “before” and “after” speech by a current student—an early “needs improvement” version and a second more-polished version. The sample student speech videos are accompanied by quiz questions that test understanding of concepts. These speech video resources help students focus on how to strengthen their own speeches by analyzing model speech techniques and “needs improvement” speeches.

A Speaker’s Guidebook is also available in a variety of digital formats, including this LaunchPad edition, which combines an interactive e-book, full-length speech videos and video clips, reference tools, LearningCurve adaptive quizzes, and e-readings that help support research in one convenient learning program.

A Wealth of New Research

The sixth edition of A Speaker’s Guidebook includes a record 113 new peer-reviewed studies, in chapters ranging from listening (12 new studies), ethics (12), and audience analysis (17) to persuasion (15) and others.

Even Stronger Coverage of Public Speaking Fundamentals

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Figure false: Elijah Lui gives his persuasive speech “Preventing Cyberbullying” online. The full text of the speech is included in Chapter 26, and the full-length speech video and relevant video clips are available in LaunchPad.

Cutting-Edge Coverage of the New Public Speaking Realities

Students live in a digital age in which the realities of preparing and delivering presentations continue to evolve. A growing number of instructors are teaching an online public speaking course for the first time, and more and more students (and professionals) are expected to prepare and deliver mediated presentations, creating new challenges across the board. In this edition, we have updated our groundbreaking coverage of online presentations and using presentation aids.

A Multifaceted Digital Experience Brings It All Together

LaunchPad combines a curated collection of video, homework assignments, e-book content, and the LearningCurve adaptive quizzing program in a simple design. LaunchPad can be packaged free with A Speaker’s Guidebook, or it can be purchased separately.

New and Improved Video Program in LaunchPad Helps Students Apply What They Learn to Their Own Speeches

Digital and Print Formats

For more information on these formats and packaging information, please visit the online catalog.

LaunchPad for A Speaker’s Guidebook dramatically enhances teaching and learning. LaunchPad combines the full e-book with carefully chosen videos, quizzes, activities, instructor’s resources, and LearningCurves.

A Speaker’s Guidebook is available as a print text. To get the most out of the book, package LaunchPad for free with the text.

A Speaker’s Guidebook with The Essential Guide to Rhetoric, Sixth Edition. This version of A Speaker’s Guidebook includes a full tabbed section that provides additional coverage of rhetorical theory—from the classical to the contemporary—and its practical applications. Package this version with LaunchPad free to get access to the digital resources and tools.

Resources for Students and Instructors

Online Resources for Students

For more information on Student Resources or to learn about package options, please visit the online catalog page.

LaunchPad for A Speaker’s Guidebook. This easy-to-use learning platform includes an interactive e-book, adaptive quizzing, a comprehensive collection of speech videos, and more. If you are new to LaunchPad, visit launchpadworks.com for user-friendly guides to help you make the most of it.

Print Resources for Students

The Essential Guide to Rhetoric by William M. Keith, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and Christian O. Lundberg, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. This guide is a powerful addition to the public speaking class, providing an accessible and balanced overview of key historical and contemporary rhetorical theories. Written by two leaders in the field, this brief guide uses concrete, relevant examples and jargon-free language to bring these concepts to life.

The Essential Guide to Presentation Software, Second Edition, by Allison Bailey, University of North Georgia, and Rob Patterson, University of Virginia. This completely revised guide shows students how presentation software can be used to support, not overtake, their speeches. Sample screens and practical advice on using PowerPoint, Prezi, and other presentation tools make this an indispensable resource for students preparing electronic visual aids.

The Essential Guide to Interpersonal Communication and The Essential Guide to Group Communication, both by Dan O’Hair and Mary Wiemann, and The Essential Guide to Intercultural Communication by Jennifer Willis-Rivera. These brief and readable guides offer succinct yet comprehensive coverage of key aspects of interpersonal, group, and intercultural communication, covering basic concepts and theories backed by current scholarship.

Outlining and Organizing Your Speech by Merry Buchanan, University of Central Oklahoma. This student workbook provides step-by-step guidance for preparing informative, persuasive, and professional presentations and gives students the opportunity to practice the critical skills of conducting audience analysis, dealing with communication apprehension, selecting a speech topic and purpose, researching support materials, organizing and outlining, developing introductions and conclusions, enhancing language and delivery, and preparing and using presentation aids.

Media Career Guide: Preparing for Jobs in the 21st Century, Ninth Edition, by James Seguin, Robert Morris University, and Sherri Hope Culver, Temple University. Practical, student-friendly, and revised for recent trends in the job market—like the role of social media in a job search—this guide includes a comprehensive directory of media jobs, practical tips, and career guidance for students considering a major in communication studies and mass media.

Research and Documentation in the Digital Age, Sixth Edition, by Diana Hacker, late of Prince George’s Community College, and Barbara Fister, Gustavus Adolphus College. This handy booklet covers everything students need for college research assignments at the library and on the Internet, including advice for finding and evaluating Internet sources.

Resources for Instructors

For more information or to order or download the Instructor Resources, please visit the online catalog at bedfordstmartins.com/speakersguide/catalog.

Online Instructor’s Resource Manual by LeAnne Lagasse, Texas Tech University; Jennifer Emerling Bone, State University of New York, Oneonta; Elaine Wittenberg-Lyles, University of Texas, San Antonio; and Melinda Villagran, George Mason University. Downloadable in LaunchPad under the “Resources” tab, “Content by type,” “Instructor’s Resource Manual,” this revised comprehensive manual is a valuable resource for new and experienced instructors alike. It offers extensive advice on topics such as helping students use their public speaking skills to become more engaged citizens; ideas for preparation and practice to reduce speech anxiety; setting and achieving student learning goals; managing the classroom; facilitating group discussion; understanding culture and gender considerations; dealing with ESL students; evaluating speeches (for both instructors and students); and evaluating Internet resources. In addition, each chapter of the main text is broken down into chapter challenges, detailed outlines, suggestions for facilitating class discussion from topics covered in feature boxes, additional activities and exercises, and recommended supplementary resources. The new edition includes more guidelines for first-time instructors, advice for integrating technology into the speech class, and expanded suggestions for videos and other classroom resources.

Computerized Test Bank by LeAnne Lagasse, Texas Tech University; Jennifer Emerling Bone, State University of New York, Oneonta; and Merry Buchanan, University of Central Oklahoma. A Speaker’s Guidebook offers a complete testing program, available in LaunchPad under the "Resources" tab, "Questions by Chapter." The Test Bank includes multiple-choice, true-false, and fill-in-the-blank exercises, as well as essay questions. A sample final examination is also included in the Test Bank.

Lecture Slides for A Speaker’s Guidebook. Downloadable in LaunchPad under the “Resources” tab, “Content by Type,” “Lecture Slides,” each chapter’s slides include the most important points from the text, as well as key figures.

Custom solutions. Qualified adopters can customize A Speaker’s Guidebook and make it their own by adding their own content or mixing it with ours. To learn more, visit bedfordstmartins.com/custom.

Professional Development Series

ESL Students in the Public Speaking Classroom: A Guide for Instructors, Second Edition, by Robbin Crabtree, Fairfield University, and David Allen Sapp, Fairfield University, with Robert Weissberg, New Mexico State University. This guidebook provides support for new and experienced instructors of public speaking courses whose classrooms include ESL and other linguistically diverse students. Based on landmark research and years of their own teaching experience, the authors provide insights about the variety of non-native English-speaking students (including speakers of global English varieties), practical techniques that can be used to help these students succeed in their assignments, and ideas for leveraging this cultural asset for the education of all students in the public speaking classroom.

Teaching Public Speaking: A Guide for New Instructors by Paula Youra, Lynchburg College. This guidebook provides adaptable advice on cultivating credibility and comfort in the classroom, and on succeeding during the first day, week, and semester of the course.

Coordinating the Communication Course: A Guidebook by Deanna L. Fassett, San José State University, and John T. Warren, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. This resource offers practical advice on every topic central to the coordinator/director role.