Mastering Public Speaking

Chapter 1: An Introduction to Public Speaking 1

Why Study Public Speaking? 2

Definitions of Communication 4

Levels of Communication 6

Elements of Communication 9

The Public Speaker as Critical Thinker 12

•  Theory into Practice: Thinking about Speaking 14

 

Chapter 2: The Ethics of Public Speaking 16

Definition of Ethics 18

Principles of Ethics 19

Ethical Speaking 20

Ethical Listening 23

Fair Use Guidelines 25

Plagiarism 26

•  Theory into Practice: How to Avoid Plagiarism 30

Civility in the Classroom

 

Chapter 3: Speaking Confidently 32

Recognize That Speaker Nervousness Is Normal 34

Control Speaker Nervousness 37

Learn How to Build Speaker Confidence    37

•  Theory into Practice: Gaining Perspective 42

Prepare Your First Speech 43

 

Chapter 4: Listening to Speeches 52

The Importance of Listening 55

Listening versus Hearing 55

The Process of Listening 57

Obstacles to Effective Listening    59

Promoting Better Listening 60

Speaking with Confidence: Jodie Moody Radford University

Theory into Practice:

 

Chapter 5: Analyzing Your Audience 74

Recognize the Value of Audience Diversity 76

Analyze Your Audience before the Speech 78

•  Theory into Practice: Using an Audience Questionnaire 89

Analyze Your Audience during the Speech 88

Analyze Your Audience after the Speech 91

 

Chapter 6: Selecting Your Speech Topic 94

Generate Ideas 96

Research-Generated Topics 101

Select Your Topic

Focus Your Topic 102

Determine Your General Purpose 105

Formulate Your Specific Purpose 106

Word Your Thesis Statement 107

 

Chapter 7: Researching Your Topic

Assess Your Personal Knowledge

Develop Your Research Plan

Collect Your Information

Theory Into Practice: Evaluating Internet Resources

Record Your Information

Conclude Your Search

 

Chapter 8: Supporting Your Speech

Purposes of Supporting Materials

Types of Supporting Materials

Tests of Evidence

Citing Your Sources

Theory Into Practice: Information for Oral Footnotes

 

Chapter 9: Organizing the Body of Your Speech

Formulate an Organizing Question

Divide the Speech into Key Ideas

Develop the Key Ideas

Theory Into Practice: Applying the “4 S’s”

Connect the Key Ideas

 

Chapter 10: Introducing and Concluding Your Speech

Organize the Introduction of the Speech

Organize the Conclusion of the Speech

Theory Into Practice: Outward Method of Speech Development

 

Chapter 11: Outlining Your Speech

Functions of Outlining

Principles of Outlining

Stages of Outlining

Theory Into Practice: Visual Brainstorming

 

Chapter 12: Wording Your Speech

Functions of Language

Principles of Effective Language Use

Theory Into Practice: Keys to Effective Oral Style

 

Chapter 13: Delivering Your Speech 224

Principles of Nonverbal Communication 226

Methods of Delivery 227

Qualities of Effective Delivery 230

Elements of Vocal Delivery 231

Elements of Physical Delivery 235

Theory into Practice: Dressing for Address 236

 

Chapter 14: Using Presentational Aids    242

The Importance of Using Presentational Aids 244

Types of Presentational Aids 246

Projection of Presentational Aids 252

Theory into Practice: Designing Visual Aids 254

Strategies for Using Presentational Aids 253

•  Ethical Decisions: Fair Use or Copyright Infringement 257

 

Chapter 15: Speaking to Inform 260

Characteristics of a Speech to Inform 262

Informative Speech Topics 264

Guidelines for Speaking to Inform 271

Theory into Practice: Organizing Informative Speeches 272

Annotated Sample Speech: Renaissance Fairs: The New Vaudeville 276

 

Chapter 16: The Strategy of Persuasion 280

The Importance of Persuasion 282

A Definition of Persuasion 283

Types of Influence 283

Types of Persuasive Speeches 285

Persuasive Speaking Strategies 286

Theory into Practice: Developing Emotional Appeals 295

 

Chapter 17: The Structure of Persuasion 298

Making and Refuting Arguments 300

Types of Argument 302

Theory into Practice: Testing Your Arguments 309

Fallacies of Argument 309

Selecting Propositions for Persuasive Speeches 315

Monroe’s Motivated Sequence 317

Annotated Sample Speech: Sustainable Giving 319

 

Appendix A: Giving and Receiving Criticism